The wilderness is never wasted. It feels lonely, scary, and hopeless, but in the Bible it is where God shows up. The wilderness is a place of testing, revelation, and preparation. Moses, David, Elijah, even Jesus, all had wilderness seasons. It is where failure turns into second chances, where God heals old wounds, gives rest, and brings clarity. The wilderness is not forever, it is a season. The question is not, “Why am I here?” but, “What does God want me to bring out of this wilderness?” If you will let Him, God will use this season to transform you and prepare you for what’s next.

Challenge: Don’t waste your wilderness. Stop running. Listen for God’s voice. Let Him use this season to heal, reset, and prepare you for your greater purpose.

Today we welcome guest pastor Jeremy Stalnecker from the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Life with Christ is a race. You are not running alone. Others have gone before you, the church runs beside you, and some need you to encourage them along the way. To finish well, you must stay focused, lay aside sin and distractions, run the race God set before you (not someone else’s), and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus when it gets dark. The greatest battle is in your mind, so choose daily not to quit. Run so that when you stand before God, you can rest in exhausted peace, knowing you gave Him everything.

Today we honored Vic Wood and his incredible legacy at TheRoad. Vic has faithfully served as our Executive Pastor for many years, guiding our church with wisdom, dedication, and heart. The service celebrated his leadership, reflected on the impact he has made, and gave our church family a chance to show gratitude for his years of service. It was a meaningful time of recognition, appreciation, and celebration for a life devoted to serving others.