Message from HOPE WRIGHT - April 9, 2026
Hello friends!
In light of our meeting spaces becoming inaccessible for the time being, I’m processing what the Lord is doing in our community. Pastor Ian shared in staff meeting this week that there are seasons when change comes and it can be easy to perceive the resistance and think the source of it is the enemy, when really it’s the work of God ushering in something new.
Have you ever seen something common in everyday life and heard the Lord’s voice cut clean through what you’re seeing and give it a fresh meaning? I was driving down 264 and the Berkley Bridge was in the process of opening. The flashing sign above read, ‘expect delays’. Normally that’s something I wouldn’t have paid much attention to, but I heard the Lord’s voice in it so clearly. It spoke such encouragement to my heart that there are things he is working out (in our families, ministries, dreams, and plans) that are going to take more time than we’d choose to give, but will lead to outcomes we couldn’t give to ourselves in our own strength. It’s ok for good things to take time.
Psalm 23 has organically come up in several conversations in the recent past, and it’s clear to me that the Lord is speaking about this season.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3
Friends, He is making us lie down. And can I just say? That’s a good thing. I’ve also heard Pastor Ian say before that, “Pruning is not a punishment, it’s the reward of fruitfulness.” May we have eyes to see this time for what it truly is.
As we lean into this reset, I echo Pastor Matt’s call to press into prayer. Since we’re pausing our gatherings at this time, it won’t take the same shape as a corporate expression, but I encourage you to surround yourself in community and keep praying. Text and friend to grab a coffee with you and prayer walk. Spend some time blessing your city together. Open up your homes and minister to the Lord. Let it be messy. Grab a guitar and head to the beach with a group of friends. Intercessory worship is prayer too.
Be encouraged that God is moving! He has plans for us that are better than our plans for us. This timeframe might look different than what we're used to, but it gets to be whatever we make it. We can look for good things or we can look for hard things, but here’s what I know - we’ll find whichever one we’re looking for.
I bless each of you to trust His leadership in this time and in all times. It will always bring you to still waters.
Blessings,
Hope Wright
Prayer Room Director