Why does God allow hard days?

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever."  ~Psalm 107:1

Happy New Year,

“Why does God allow hard days?” We’ve heard that question many times—asked by youth, adults, and everyone in between—but this time it came from a three-year-old in our Kingdom Kids program. Hannah, our Children’s Ministry Director, gave a beautiful, age-appropriate

answer, but her conversation reminded me of something simple and profound: hard days touch every one of us.

The severity may differ—what feels “hard” to a three-year-old looks different from what feels “hard” to a teenager, a parent, or a grandparent—but the reality is the same. We all face moments that stretch us, weary us, or leave us wondering what God is doing.

So, I have to ask:

   As the difficulty increases, does our faith increase or decrease?  Do we move toward hope or move toward despair?

 Hard days are genuinely hard. But they are not purposeless, and they are not godless. As we step into 2026, we’re choosing to move forward with faith and with hope—trusting that God is not only present in every day but actively at work in all of them.

We look to the year ahead with excitement and expectation, believing He will continue to reveal His goodness, shape our hearts, and strengthen our faith—on the easy days, and yes, even on the hard ones. I hope you agree.

A Few Quick Updates:

 Father Daughter Ball: Tickets for the 16th annual Father Daughter Ball are still on sale—but we’re almost sold out! If you’d like to attend, be sure to get your tickets SOON!

 Christmas Gift Outreach: In December, we handed out more than 360 Christmas gifts to     residents in assisted living facilities. What a joy to see so many smiles and to share Christ’s love in such a tangible way!

 Contribution Reports: If you are a financial supporter of the ministry, your annual

contribution report will be sent out by January 30th. If you have any questions when it

arrives, please don’t hesitate to give us a call—we’re happy to help.

 Women’s Bible Studies: A new seven-session women’s Bible study series begins in

January. Registration is open, so make sure you sign up now!

Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry as we share the Gospel—the Good News of  Jesus Christ—with the youth and families of Sheboygan County and beyond. A special thank you to those who supported our year-end appeal or gave a special year-end gift. You are needed, appreciated, and making a real difference.

Please continue to pray for us regularly. Ask God how He might use you—there are many       opportunities to plug in, serve, and participate. We are working hard to make an eternal

impact in this community, and you are a vital part of that work.

Thank you so much, and may God bless you richly.  

          Blessings,