Chaos, confidence and a car crash...

It’s been about three weeks since Leigh-Ann and Ian had an unexpected adventure on Troost Avenue in Kansas City. This adventure involved a car accident, a traumatized dog, and plenty of calls to each other, insurance adjusters, and car dealers. They were simply taking our dog, Gratzi, to the groomer and she wasn’t thrilled about it in the first place.

It all started near UMKC while cruising in the left lane, a car (actually the driver of the car :)) decided to run a stop sign, cross into oncoming traffic, and T-bone them. Leigh-Ann, being the strong, calm woman she is, immediately called, and when she said, “I’ve been in an accident,” my mind raced….Were they okay? How bad was the damage? What happened? And yes, despite my deep and abiding trust in her driving skills, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Who was at fault?” (Not that I would ever, ever doubt her behind the wheel, of course. Ahem.)

I quickly drove over to the scene to help sort through the aftermath. Fortunately, there was a contractor across the street who witnessed the whole incident and was willing to offer his testimony….a small but helpful miracle. In the end, it all worked out. They were okay—shaken but unharmed. The car, however, was not so fortunate. But, God has provided yet again and we’ve replaced it with a car that is a few years newer.

Life is uncertain. One morning, checking boxes off the to-do list—driving, dropping the dog off for her spa day—and suddenly, wham—life throws you an unexpected curveball. It could be an accident like it was for us. Or maybe it’s something else: the uncertainties of a new political season, sickness, financial strain, relationship struggles… the list goes on.

Uncertainty is a constant companion in our world. We can’t escape it.

And yet, in the midst of all of this unpredictability, we have a God who is eternally certain…who has revealed to us our unshakable identity.

This Sunday, I look forward to finishing out our sermon series by studying our identity as “lights in a dark world” from John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14-16. We’ll explore how we can be confident in our calling no matter what challenges or changes lie ahead in the next week, season, or even year (looking at you, 2025). We don’t need to rely on the shifting sands of circumstance. We stand firm in the light of who we are in Christ—unshakable, certain, and called to shine brightly.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself on the side of the road, figuratively or literally, in the midst of life’s chaos, remember this: while life is full of uncertainties, our identity in Christ is rock solid. No car accident, political upheaval, or financial crisis can change that.

I sure hope to see you Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

Stay safe and have a great weekend,
Troy