Welcome to the ULC Minister's Network

Russ Hjelm

Faith

  • Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     

    Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As I write to you today, my heart is filled with gratitude for the family of believers we share—a tapestry woven together by the unshakable thread of faith. It is this faith, a precious gift from God, that I want us to reflect on together, for it is the foundation of our hope and the compass for our journey.

     

    Scripture tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). It is not a blind leap or a fragile wish, but a steady trust in the One who is faithful. From Noah building the ark to Abraham stepping into the unknown, from Mary saying “yes” to God’s call to the disciples leaving their nets—these stories remind us that faith is active, alive, and rooted in a God who keeps His promises.

     

    Yet, let us be honest: faith is not always easy. We live in a world that often demands proof before trust, a world where storms rise and doubts whisper. Perhaps you’ve felt this tension—moments when the way forward seems unclear, when prayers seem unanswered, or when the weight of life presses hard. In those times, I encourage you to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He walked through the wilderness, faced the cross, and rose again—not because He saw every step, but because He trusted the Father’s will.

     

    Faith, dear friends, is not the absence of questions; it is the courage to bring those questions to God. It is the choice to stand on His Word even when our feelings falter. As the man cried out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), so we too can come to Him honestly, knowing He meets us where we are.

     

    Today, I invite you to nurture this gift of faith. Spend time in Scripture, for “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Lift one another up in prayer, for we are strengthened in community. And step out in obedience, however small the step, trusting that God delights in every act of reliance on Him.

     

    Above all, let us fix our eyes on the Author of our salvation. The same God who spoke the world into being, who parted seas and raised the dead, is the One who holds you now. He is not distant or indifferent; He is near, and His promises are true. Whether you are in a season of abundance or trial, let faith be your song—a melody of trust that echoes through this life and into eternity.

     

    May the Lord strengthen your faith, deepen your love, and fill you with His peace that surpasses understanding. You are not alone on this journey, for He is with you, and we are with you too.

     

    In Christ’s love,

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