A Letter From Your Pastor

I was thinking back to when I was your age early this morning as I was preparing Sunday’s message. The world was a very different place. Angela and I got married young—she was 20, and I was 25—and it was the early 1990s. I know it seems like 100 years ago to you, but trust me, you’ll get there a lot faster than you think. I drove a brand new candyapple red Honda PreludeS. I was in ministry already, navigating life and faith in Central California. Back then, we didn’t have the internet, social media, or even cell phones (unless you count the giant bricks people carried in briefcases). If you wanted to find your way somewhere, you unfolded a paper map and hoped you didn’t crash into something trying to read it while driving, yes your parents had their own version of distracted driving. If you wanted to talk to someone, you called their house and prayed they were home. And if you didn’t know something, you had to pull out an encyclopedia or ask someone smarter than you. 

I tell you this because I know your world today is full of noise. You’re constantly connected, constantly comparing, and constantly under pressure to figure it all out. I see it in you—the anxiety, the uncertainty, and the weight of expectations, both from yourselves and the world around you. I mean it when I say, my heart goes out to you. I may not understand everything about your generation, but I love you deeply, and I want you to hear this: you’re not alone, and there’s hope.

I know many of you wrestle with negative expectations about your future. Maybe the world feels unstable, or maybe you’ve just been told too many times that you’ll never measure up. Let me pause here and say something important: expectations can either free you or trap you. One of the biggest traps we fall into is thinking life should be perfect or fair. Trust me, it’s not. It wasn’t when I was in my 20s, and it’s not now. But here’s the good news—peace doesn’t come from life being perfect. It comes from trusting God, who is perfect. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” You don’t have to have it all figured out. God’s got you.

Sometimes, it feels safer to expect the worst. I get it—it’s like you’re trying to protect yourself from disappointment. But here’s the thing: negative expectations don’t protect you; they trap you. They keep you from seeing the opportunities God has placed right in front of you. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Anxiety comes from trying to control what you can’t. So, take a breath. Step back. Ask yourself, what can I do today? How can I grow today? Trust God to handle tomorrow.

It’s a choice to trust God in every season, to focus on His blessings, and to refuse the stress of unrealistic expectations.

Paul said it best in Philippians 4:11-13: he learned to be content in every situation because Christ gave him strength. Contentment isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice you can make, even in chaos.

When Angela and I were just starting out, we had a lot of dreams and expectations for the future. We were young, figuring things out as we went, and let’s just say, there were more than a few bumps along the way. It would have been easy to have just settled for less than everything we believed God had for us. There were times when our expectations didn’t align with what he wanted. We learned some hard lessons along the way trying to believe for good things while also resting in and enjoying the season we were in. It was during these times that we learned a valuable lesson about contentment. 

it’s a spiritual strength; a quiet confidence rooted in trusting and loving God’s provision and faithfulness in the season you’re in.

I also want to challenge the way you think about success. Your world tells you that success means being rich, famous, or perfect. But God’s definition is so much better. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” God doesn’t ask for perfection. He asks for faithfulness. So don’t chase the world’s applause. Focus on doing your best for Him, and you’ll find freedom like you wouldn’t believe.

And please, don’t forget to enjoy the moment you’re in right now. Gratitude changes everything. When you start looking for God’s blessings in your life, you’ll realize they’ve been there all along. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Even the tough ones. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Gratitude opens your eyes to what God is doing, even when life feels overwhelming.

Here’s a little practical advice from someone who’s been where you are (even if it was a different century):

• Step back from social media every now and then. I know it’s hard, but comparison is a thief, and it will rob you of joy if you let it.
• Set small, daily goals instead of obsessing over the end result. Focus on what you can control right now.
• Talk to God about your fears. He’s not just listening—He’s carrying those burdens for you.
• Celebrate your small wins. Trust me, they add up.
• Find ways to serve others. When you focus on helping someone else, you’ll discover life isn’t just about your own struggles.

I want you to really take this in: Your worth isn’t tied to your achievements, to how many likes you get, or to what the world says about you. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Let go of trying to control everything. Surrender your plans and expectations to Him. Let God write your story—it’s going to be better than anything you could imagine.

I love that I personally get to have a ringside seat to watch so many of you as you fight the good fight - you are inspiring to me. I love how you love Jesus and I love how you are committed to his work. You’re amazing and God has so much ahead for you.

Always remember this! You’re not alone. I’m walking with you, cheering you on, and trusting God’s plan for your life. You’ve got this—but more importantly, God’s got you.

–PASTOR D