The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
As we step into a new year, many of us are carrying things we didn’t plan for. Questions without answers, prayers still waiting and seasons that didn’t turn out the way we hoped. The calendar may change, but the weight can still feel heavy.
Yet one truth remains the same. God is still with us. God hasn’t forgotten you, isn’t late, and He is still working, even in the uncertainty. This new year isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about choosing to trust the One who already does.
When life feels heavy and uncertain, do you still believe that God is with you and has not forgotten you? Maybe the future seems dark and hopeless right now or your prayers aren’t being answered, after days or even years of crying out to God. Know that He loves you and is still there. He has a plan and a purpose for your life.
Every season brings new challenges. Last year at this time I was just finishing up a very delayed harvest. There was many unknowns on the farm side of the things, but God told me to trust Him because there was a greater purpose for every little detail. 2025 was probably the hardest year farming wise since I started.
It was my favorite since I started though and felt more peace than I ever thought would be possible. Even outside of farming i endured some of the hardest circumstances of my life. The peace remained the same, like I’d never felt before. God helped me surrender and let the Holy Spirit lead the way.
My wife had her first appointment with a surgeon down in St. Louis last week. We believe God will fully heal her whether that is through a miracle, working through the doctors or even both. Our biggest prayer has been that God will use all of this for a greater purpose. The Holy Spirit has spoken loud and clear on that. He’s helped me look at all situations like that for the last year and a half.
The doctor was very positive and knowledgeable. We found out that another biopsy has to be done on a lymph node in the near future. We’re praying that it is not cancerous, so no radiation or chemo will be needed. She will then have surgery on January 28th. We’ll continue to pray that the cancer doesn’t spread and God will guide us along the way. Even though the tears still flow at times, Gods love and presence has been felt stronger than ever. He continues to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding.
When we found out the date of surgery. It made me think of Luke 1:28. It’s says “And having come in, the angel said to her, 'Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” I found this pretty interesting with Christmas right around the corner and I had felt led to talk about the story of Jospeh and Mary soon.
Luke 1:28 reminds us that Mary wasn’t chosen because she was powerful, wealthy or had it all figured out. She was an ordinary young woman going about her life when God stepped in with an extraordinary plan. The angel’s words weren’t just a greeting, they were a declaration of identity and presence.
Highly favored didn’t mean life would be easy, it meant God was with her in what lay ahead. Those words set the stage for obedience, faith and trust in the middle of uncertainty, showing us that God often works through willing hearts, not perfect circumstances. I’m sure many of us can relate to being ordinary. God works through all people no matter where you’re at in life.
I’m sure Mary was scared of the unknowns and future. People were probably going to gossip because Mary and Joseph weren’t married and the story didn’t make sense from a realistic standpoint. One thing I’ve found with God is, it usually doesn’t make sense what He tells us to do or the things that take place in our lives. In the end it leaves no other explanation other than Him and points people to Jesus.
The day my wife got the news about her breast cancer, she felt God speaking very clearly that everything would be alright and He would use it all for our good and His glory. He works through all things to give others peace and hope going through similar storms. He can also grow our faith and refine us in the trials and tribulations.
Just like Mary, we’re invited to respond with surrender. Laying down our plans, fears and our need to understand every detail. Surrender doesn’t mean we won’t have questions or feel unqualified, it means trusting that if God is with us, He will carry us through whatever He’s calling us to.
Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice.”
As this new season begins, pause long enough to rejoice, remember His love and presence and to say yes to His will, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Happy New Year!