Message from Pastor Jim 04/27/2026

From the desk of Pastor Jim

Have you ever noticed how confident we feel… right up until we’re not?

Everything is going smoothly, the plan is working, the day is on track—and then suddenly, something shifts. Plans change. News comes that we weren’t expecting. The path forward gets a little fuzzy.

It’s like when your GPS suddenly says, “Recalculating…”—and you realize you weren’t quite as sure of the route as you thought.

That’s the kind of moment the disciples are having in John 14. Jesus tells them he’s going away, and just like that, their sense of direction disappears. The One they’ve been following is talking about leaving. You can almost feel the tension in the room.

And into that uncertainty, Jesus says something simple but powerful: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

Now, that might sound a little unrealistic at first. After all, we don’t just flip a switch and turn off worry. But Jesus doesn’t stop there—he gives us something to hold onto: “Believe in God, believe also in me.”

In other words: Trust me, even when you don’t have all the answers.

Jesus goes on to say that he is preparing a place for us. That’s not just about some far-off future—it’s about belonging. It’s about knowing that your life is held securely in God’s care, right here and right now. You are known. You are loved. You are not an afterthought.

Of course, Thomas—representing all of us—asks the question we’re thinking: “Lord, how can we know the way?”

And Jesus answers with one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

Notice, Jesus doesn’t hand over directions or a map. He offers himself.

That’s good news, because most of us spend a good portion of life feeling like we’re somewhere between “slightly off course” and “completely lost.” But we’re reminded that faith isn’t about having a perfect sense of direction—it’s about walking with the One who does.

And here’s the surprising part: Jesus tells his followers that they will do “greater works.”

At first, that sounds like a tall order. But it’s not about doing something more spectacular—it’s about God’s love reaching further. Through everyday acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, God’s work continues in ways both big and small.

So what does this mean for us this week?

It means when life feels uncertain…
when plans don’t go the way we expected…
when your heart feels just a little troubled…

You can pause and remember:

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

You don’t need a perfectly clear map.

You just need to stay close to Jesus.

Because the Way isn’t a set of directions—the Way is a person.

And the good news?
He’s already walking with you.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jim