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January 28 2026

DARE to Trust God in the CRAZY

Christ United Blog

Written by: Kimberly Coleman, Ministry Associate

Admin Council Devotion – June 2025

DARE to Trust God in the CRAZY

Hebrews 11:1 “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

All throughout Scripture, we see people who obeyed God in ways that must have looked foolish to everyone around them.

God told Joshua to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, then blow trumpets. To outsiders, this probably looked ridiculous, just march and shout? But Joshua obeyed, and the walls came down.

•Peter stepped out of a boat onto unstable waters when Jesus simply said, “Come.”

•Noah built an ark when there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight

•Abraham was willing to sacrifice his promised son, believing God would provide.

•Esther risked her life by approaching the king without being summoned.

oh, and my favorite! The Hebrew boys stood in the fire, after declaring, “Even if He doesn’t deliver us, we know He is able.”

To the world, their faith looked crazy. But to God, it was obedience. And every single time, He showed Himself faithful.

My Story

I’ll be honest, I’ve had moments where God asked me to do things that didn’t make sense. Times I felt unqualified, out of place, or just plain nervous. I remember standing in front of people to lead a Bible study for the first time, my heart racing, my mind full of “what ifs.” What if I said the wrong thing? What if no one received it? What if I looked foolish, God?

But each time, I realized this: my job wasn’t to have it all figured out, my job was to show up. When I obeyed, even in fear, God carried the weight. He gave me the words. He touched hearts in ways I never could have on my own. What looked foolish to me became the very place where His glory shined.

Now let me ask you: Has God ever asked you to do something that didn’t fully make sense, yet instead of stepping out, you froze, hesitated, or even disobeyed?

I believe that sometimes we treat faith as something safe. Faith isn’t meant to be comfortable or easy. Real faith challenges us, stretching us beyond what feels safe or logical. And it’s in those risky, uncertain steps of obedience that we actually see God’s power show up.

Here’s your challenge:

This week, dare to trust God in the “crazy.” If he tells you to step, step. If He prompts you to speak, speak. If He calls you to risk, obey. Don’t wait for perfect conditions, for your friends to get on board, or the support you think you need to show up, No! DO IT NOW! Because obedience really is better than sacrifice.

Ask yourself: What step of faith is God calling me to take right now?

May I offer up a prayer for you?

Father, thank You for the examples of faith You’ve given us in Your Word, ordinary people who trusted You in extraordinary ways. Forgive us for the times we’ve hesitated or shrunk back out of fear. Give us the courage to obey You even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it feels risky, even when it looks foolish. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and let our lives reflect radical trust in You. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

January 13 2026

Not What We Signed Up For

Christ United Blog

Written by: Beth Owen, Communications Director

Admin Council Devotion November 2025

Not What We Signed Up For

I’m in that stage of life where I’m constantly going to weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and celebrations of all kinds. Google calls it the “Parade-of-Parties” stage. It feels like everyone around me, including me, is going through major life changes all at once.

In my experience, the most terrifying event in this parade is the bachelorette party.

Suddenly, you’re on a trip with anywhere from three to thirty-three girls you barely know. You’re expected to bond, get along, learn everyone’s name, their Enneagram, their coffee order, and act like you’ve been best friends for years. All the while, you’re thinking, “I didn’t sign up for this… I signed up to stand next to my friend while she looks pretty.” But okay, if it makes the bride happy.

I recently got engaged too, which has been wonderful. But you know how people say, “You didn’t just marry him, you married his whole family!” Yeah. I didn’t fully grasp that beforehand. Trying to learn fifty new names, an entire family tree, and everyone’s unique personality wasn’t something I realized I was signing up for.

And yet, here’s the surprising thing.

By showing up—by choosing loyalty to the people I love—I’ve gained something I didn’t expect. I’ve gained community. I’ve gained friendships. I’ve gained people who support me, pray for me, and show up for me. What once felt overwhelming has turned into something beautiful…something I didn’t even know I needed.

And that’s where Ruth’s story comes in.

Ruth and the Choice She Never Planned For

Ruth is introduced to us as a recently widowed woman facing an overwhelming choice. She can return to her family and the gods of her people, or she can follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a foreign land and serve the God of Israel.

Sometimes God leads us into situations that stretch us, challenge us, or overwhelm us. Sometimes we find ourselves facing circumstances far bigger than what we ever signed up for.

Ruth signed up to marry Naomi’s son.
She did not sign up to be widowed.
She did not sign up to be poor.
She certainly did not sign up to gather leftover grain in a stranger’s field just to survive.

Sometimes God takes us farther than we planned to go. Sometimes He leads us into seasons we never expected. And sometimes He places us in situations that feel bigger than anything we imagined.

And that’s where I think we are right now as a church.

We may not see the whole story.
We may feel like we’ve walked through a season of uncertainty.
We may be standing in a moment that feels heavier than we expected.

Yet Ruth shows us another way forward.

Choosing Faithfulness in Uncertainty

In Ruth 1:16, she makes a powerful decision:

“Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

Ruth chose faithfulness when the road ahead was unclear. She chose the path of God even when it cost her comfort, security, and certainty.

And because of that choice, God blessed her in ways she never could have imagined.

Ruth—this foreign widow who simply chose obedience—found her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. She became the great-great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Her story reminds us of something essential:

God honors faithfulness, even when we don’t see the full picture.
God honors obedience, even when the path feels confusing.
God honors courage, even when we feel in over our heads.

God Is Still Writing

In this season, God is still writing.
He is still restoring.
He is still leading.

We have the opportunity to mirror Ruth’s posture:

We can choose faithfulness, even when we don’t have all the answers.
We can walk together in unity, even when the future feels unclear.
We can trust the God who writes the story, even when we don’t know what the next chapter holds.

As Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When Ruth stepped into that field to gather grain, she wasn’t trying to solve her entire life. She was simply placing herself where God’s provision could reach her. And God took that small act of faithfulness and turned it into redemption.

I believe He can do the same for us.

Encouragement

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
—Hebrews 11:1

We may not yet see everything God is doing at Christ United, but this much is true:

He is not done with our church.
He is not done with us.
And He will deliver—because that is who He is.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the way You lead us—even when the path looks different from what we imagined. Thank You for the unexpected people, relationships, and communities that shape us for the better.

Give us the courage of Ruth to remain faithful in uncertainty. Help us trust You when we feel stretched thin or overwhelmed. Grant us wisdom rooted in Your Spirit and unity grounded in Your love. Place us where Your provision can meet us, and guide us into the next chapter according to Your plan.

We place our trust in You, our great Redeemer.
Amen.

August 7 2025

Three Summers in Costa Rica: A Reflection on Faith, Family, and Service

Christ United Blog

Written by: Sarah Cook

This summer marked my third mission trip to Costa Rica—and it was more meaningful than ever. Each year, I’ve had the privilege of joining a team from Christ United to serve in schools and communities, sharing the love of Jesus through Vacation Bible School, food bag deliveries, and prayer. But this year was especially close to my heart: I was able to bring my oldest daughter with me.

Watching my daughter step into this experience was a gift I’ll never forget. She started the week as a quiet, shy eleven-year-old, unsure of what to expect—but as the days went on, I watched her confidence grow. By the end of the trip, she was serving others with joy, laughter, and a smile that lit up every room. We all encountered God’s presence in such a raw and beautiful way, and it reminded me all over again of why I go back, year after year.

The Power of Presence

Costa Rica is a breathtaking country with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm, resilient people. But many of the communities we serve are marked by poverty and deep need. We visit families who live without consistent access to food or even clean water—yet they often greet us with smiles, hugs, and gratitude that defies circumstance. During our stay, we’re based at Rice and Beans Ministries’ camp, which has become a beautiful home away from home. The grounds are absolutely stunning—surrounded by lush greenery and overflowing with life. They grow much of their own food on the property, including chickens, eggs, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and more, which are then distributed to local schools and communities in need. It’s not just a mission base—it’s a place of hope and sustainability, and it’s amazing to see how God uses this ministry to bless so many lives.

One of the sweetest moments for me this year happened during our food bag delivery and prayer time. We returned to a community we visited last summer, and I saw a woman I’ve been praying for all year. Last year, she was overwhelmed with emotion and in excruciating pain from arthritis—she cried as we prayed over her. In that moment, we watched God move. She felt the Lord take her pain away, and it was as if the emotional and physical chains holding her down were broken. This year, when I saw her again, she was still pain-free. One full year later, and she’s walking in healing and freedom! The Lord is still in the miracle-working business, y’all—and witnessing that kind of power firsthand reminds me why presence matters.

Delivering food and praying with these families is never just about meeting physical needs—it’s about showing up, listening, and inviting God into the moment. And time and time again, He shows us that He’s already there.

Vacation Bible School: Seeds of Faith

One of the most rewarding parts of the trip is working with children in the schools and local communities. We bring simple VBS-style lessons, games, songs, and crafts—tools that help us connect across language and culture. There’s laughter, dancing, and wide-eyed curiosity. There’s also a deep spiritual hunger that you can feel as the kids soak in the stories of Jesus.

This year, having my daughter with me gave this part of the mission a whole new light. She helped with activities and jumped in with fearless love. The local girls her age were instantly drawn to her, excited for the chance to connect and even practice their English with someone just like them. Watching her serve reminded me that faith isn’t taught—it’s caught. And she caught something powerful in Costa Rica. She saw how God moves in the smallest gestures—a hug, a prayer, a smile, a shared piece of candy. She saw lives being touched, including her own.

Lessons I’ll Carry Home

Every time I return home from Costa Rica, I feel like I’ve left a piece of my heart behind. And yet, I come back more whole. The mission field strips away the noise and distractions of everyday life and draws you into a space where you see people clearly—where you see God clearly.

These trips are not about what we give—they’re about what we receive. We receive perspective, compassion, and a deeper dependence on the Lord. We’re reminded that the Gospel is not just something we speak—it’s something we live.

My daughter and I came back with full hearts and a fresh understanding of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And I’m already praying about how God might use us again next summer. Our 9-year-old has already said she wants to come with us next time, and I can see this becoming a family affair for all five of us before long!

A Final Word

If you’ve ever wondered whether short-term mission work makes a difference, let me assure you—it does. Not just for the communities you serve, but for your own heart, your family, and your faith. The people of Costa Rica may have little by the world’s standards, but they are rich in spirit. And every time I kneel beside them to pray, I realize how much I still have to learn.

To those who supported, prayed, and encouraged us along the way—thank you. You were part of this mission, too. And if God is stirring your heart to go, I encourage you to say yes. You won’t come back the same.

July 10 2025

A Call to Collide: Reflections After Uganda

Christ United Blog

As Sarah Lambert reflects on her time in Uganda, she explores what it means to stand in the space between gratitude and grief, clarity and confusion, and abundance and need. How can a heart be awakened by both the beauty and the brokenness of the world? This is not simply a travel reflection. It is a call to let the collision between comfort and conviction shape us.

Read full article below

A Call to Collide:

Reflections After Uganda

By: Sarah Lambert Hinkle

Somewhere in the intersection of “the already” and “the not yet.”

This is where I find myself.

In a place where my thankfulness, my joy, and my hope no longer just coexist with my sorrow, my longing, and my grief– but collide.

And it happened somewhere between where the bumpy red dirt roads of Uganda met my paved (but still bumpy) roads of Jackson, MS.

It has wrecked me and changed in a way that I don’t think I’ll ever recover from, and I don’t think I’ll ever want to.

I have held lots of feelings and emotions at the same time. This isn’t a new concept for me. I have tried to allow each emotion to have the attention it deserves—always one at a time. But now it feels like I forgot that my right hand was holding all my thankfulness, and my left hand was holding all my heartbreak…and I clapped. It’s all intertwined now, making quite a beautiful mess. I feel a little disoriented as I feel safe and secure in my faith but also a little confused by it. It’s heavy to not know how to help in this world but freeing to lay it down at the feet of the Father–who hung on the cross and carried the full weight of it all.

Somehow just an ocean away, two very different worlds exist.

The one of Uganda and the one of America. Worlds that prove we are all living somewhere in the intersection. The intersection where the “not yet” is found in sickness, death, limited to no education, skewed priorities, and extreme spiritual and physical poverty. The “not yet” proving this is not the way that God wanted it to be. The whole world longs for the final redemption that will come when Jesus comes back. For now, the “not yet” is heartbreaking and can leave us questioning, “but how long will we wait?” Yet I find so much hope in “the already.” It is all around us like little glimpses of heaven on earth. These are the moments that God shows us he is still moving, speaking, healing, forgiving, redeeming. He has shown me that I don’t always have to understand the why behind the ways He moves, just believe that He is moving in goodness.

In Uganda I got a glimpse of God’s mercy and provision as we helped commission two new water wells. Josh, my husband, returned from a water well survey and told me, “Sarah Lambert, I saw a place where a whole village was getting their water from nothing more than a hole in the ground. If our dog got in it, I’d make her get out.” Something in me broke when I heard that. But through the hands of His children at Show Mercy International, God is already moving and extending love. That same village will soon have clean water. At each commissioning we got to share that Jesus not only sees them and loves them, but He is the only source of Living Water. Just like the woman at the well in John 4, we have never gone too far or done too much to be past His desire to have a relationship with us. He offers us an even greater gift of “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” How sweet it was to lock hands with the people of Uganda and tell them that Jesus was giving them clean water on Earth and pursuing them to come to Him as their Lord and Savior and source of Living water. How merciful is He to extend grace and kindness when it was us that deserved the cross.

I got a glimpse of God’s unconditional love and joy as the Show Mercy team welcomed us like they had known us forever, as we went to homes and schools, and the moment Josh and I met the child we have been sponsoring and his family. He even offered an extra measure of joy and laughter watching Josh and Matthew race down the street of Bakka after our runaway goat (Yes, an actual goat…not a metaphor!). I saw that while we get an opportunity to stand in the gap, God fills it.

I got a glimpse of God’s saving power, redemption, and forgiveness as I witnessed souls saved as people stepped into new life with Him. Testimonies of life change unfolded before our eyes in real time. I saw it in the prison, the church, and the moment I got to speak life and blessing over high schoolers in His authority using my testimony that Jesus gave.

We may be living in a time when some are content to allow these worlds to merely coexist, but my plea is that you would earnestly pray for the collision to change everything. We can choose to ignore, or we can choose to be moved. I know one day we will live in a world filled with already and no more of the not yet. Until then, I want to be motivated by the “not yet.” I want to be moved out of guilt into conviction to repentance. I want the tears of holy discontentment. I want the testimonies to see and share. I want to walk in the truth that God is the same God in Uganda and in America.

During a group devotional in Uganda, a leader asked, “Do you change the way you surrender in the presence of others?” I paused and thought about my answer and realized I didn’t like what that answer was. I want to walk in surrender in the same way publicly and privately. He showed me where the Spirit of the Lord is, there truly is freedom. The Holy Spirit showed me time and time again that I will never regret saying yes to Him and that He will always show up and give me everything I need as I seek Him. I feel like this season is catalytic. I know God will get His glory and that I want to walk willingly in step with Him. Bold. Not because I’m strong, but because He is.

With all this stirring in me, I pray:

Jesus, lead us to know when it is time to stay and when it is time to go.
Help us discern Your quiet whispers and see the world through Your eyes.
Jesus, lead us to know when to pray, when to act, when to speak.
Teach us to speak Your promises over the problems we see.
Jesus, help us shut off the noise and sit still in Your presence.
Let humility mark our steps, and faith steady our hearts.

In the hills and valleys, you are always in control and always near.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.