Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;He will never leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6
Change is an inevitable part of life. We grow and evolve, and with each new season, we face challenges and opportunities for growth. It can be difficult to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown, but sometimes change becomes our greatest blessing.
In 2020, I started singing with the LifeLight worship team in Edmond while attending the University of Central Oklahoma. I was searching for a church home, having grown up singing in the worship band at the United Methodist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. I immediately fell in love with St. Luke’s. Everyone was so welcoming, and I felt like I could be myself when I was there. As I kept singing with St. Luke’s, I became more and more involved. I started working in the Children’s Center, helping as an assistant director for the Children’s Choir, and directing musicals over the summer at the church. When I was facing graduation in 2022, I felt God pushing me more and more into ministry at St. Luke’s. I knew I wanted to stay here and be a part of something bigger than myself. God was calling me to use the gifts He had given me to spread love and bring hope into this world.
This change was not part of my original dream, but I trusted that God knew where I belonged, and He opened all the right doors to lead me to where I am today. I had to trust Him that this huge change in my life would end up being my greatest blessing. You see, when I was a little girl, I used to dream about being a famous singer. With God’s help, I get to sing every Sunday and share this gift of music with people all over the world. I am famous in my Father’s eyes because I am using the gifts He gave me to share His unfailing love.
The Bible reminds us that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never abandons us in times of uncertainty; He is always with us, guiding us through every change we face. When we trust God, He gives us the peace and comfort we need in the midst of the unknown. So don’t be afraid of change. Trust that God is using you in ways in which you may have never dreamed. Know that His love for you is unmeasurable and no matter what changes you may face, our God will be there with open arms.
– Madison Eckerson, Edmond Interim Youth Director & Edmond Director of Welcoming Ministries
