Jeremy reminds us that looking back is sometimes the only way to move forward—not because our past controls us, but because it carries the proof of God’s faithfulness we may have missed while surviving. Like David in Psalm 103, we must preach to our own souls and refuse to forget what God has already done: how He forgives continually, heals completely, and redeems every kind of brokenness—sin, suffering, trauma, and shame alike. Our memories of God’s past interventions become the fuel that pushes us toward our future. We can celebrate that our past does not get the final word—because the cross silenced every accusation, the resurrection rewrote every outcome, and the Spirit now declares a future our history could never predict.

Joel uses the example of Habakkuk crying out to God about the injustice around him, wondering why God seems silent and slow to act. God responds by telling him to wait and trust, revealing that He is working in ways the prophet cannot yet see. In the midst of uncertainty, God declares that "the righteous shall live by faith", calling His people to dwell—to remain, rest, and stay—in a posture of faith rather than react to their circumstances. By the end, Habakkuk chooses to dwell in trusting God’s character, rejoicing in Him even before the answers come.

Beatitude is not a feeling or a lucky season but God’s declared identity over His people—a status of true flourishing that no circumstance can steal. Scripture shows that blessedness is not about life being easy, wealthy, or perfect, but about being aligned with God’s way, covered by His forgiveness, and strengthened by His presence. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals that blessing is not what we pursue but what we receive from His grace: we are blessed not because we get everything right, but because God covers everything wrong. Beatitude, then, is God’s voice over who we are, His protection over our stability, and His promise shaping our future.

This next message in the Under Construction series teaches us that mercy is not just a moment but a mindset—an identity we grow into as children of God. Jesus calls us to live so formed by God’s compassion that our reactions, judgments, and forgiveness reflect His heart rather than what others “deserve.” True forgiveness means releasing the right to collect a debt and trusting God with the outcome, even while keeping wisdom and boundaries in place. When we understand the mercy God has shown us, judgment loses its edge, bitterness loses its grip, and the cross becomes heavier than any grudge.

We don’t stand where we are today because we’ve earned it—but because God’s mercy refused to give us what we deserved. Though our choices, words, and mistakes could have destroyed us, God met us with patience, compassion, and grace instead of wrath. His unfailing love proves that He’s not quick to cancel His children but faithful to forgive, restore, and keep working on us.

This Mission Sunday we heard a special message from Osvaldo Azucena as we celebrated the incredible mission work accomplished over the past year—a powerful reminder of the church in action!