Character Over Comfort

Hey River family,

As we see 2024 come to a close while entering into the threshold of 2025, I am reminded of how faithful our God has been through it all. Through tough moments and every high and low, Jesus has been with us on this journey every step of the way. Just as Pastor has been talking about our journey on the way, each year brings new challenges and breakthroughs and opportunities for God to meet us on the way and course correct us at times. It doesn't always feel good to be corrected but it is so necessary for our growth. God is more concerned with your character than your comfort! I know this first hand because God always seems to push me to do something different that is outside my comfort zone. Romans 5:3-5, which says that tribulation produces perseverance, proven character, and hope. God sometimes lets us go through hard times to build and prove our character. If it was all about our comfort, he wouldn't let us go through anything difficult. Just as any good Father, he teaches us how to endure and press on and He promises to always be right beside us on the way. 

-Joel

Song List:

My Testimony- Elevation - https://youtu.be/7NyH9mDYECk?si=c2s0bAaEVoGRDMAm

Praise- slow version - https://youtu.be/ao25WiFYI_0?si=9Daym5CuK-tvKDRV

Evidence- Josh Baldwin - https://youtu.be/TXuoHg9pSS8?si=wmXlD4jaTy6odmwC

Been so Good to Me/Goodness of God - https://youtu.be/8Q_8WLQg46Q?si=BY72ODG74NpJziHY