Hi,

How are we over halfway through the year already?

If you are like me, you probably ask yourself that question every July. It can feel a bit like halftime at the World Cup. The wins, missed chances, tired legs, and unexpected turns of the first half are fresh in your mind. That half went far too quickly, and before we know it, the second half will be ‘full speed game on’ (and Christmas will be here!). 

Time is like that – it just zooms past if we let it. But halftime can be a real gift – a chance for us to pause together, take stock of where we are, listen for God’s voice, reset our hearts, and step back onto the field with renewed purpose. 

So, with that in mind, let me invite you to pause with me for a moment and ask yourself three questions with an open heart: 

1. What has God been teaching me this year? 

2. Where is God inviting me to grow or go?  

3. What small act of faithfulness is mine to take next?

I find that a little pause like this can highlight just how much God has been faithful in every step so far, and help me refocus on His agenda rather than mine. 

And if you feel like it is hard going, remember this simple and steady encouragement: 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 

A harvest is rarely visible all at once. Yours will be made up of lots of ordinary days, small choices, repeated prayers, and the decision to keep walking when progress sometimes feels ‘ugggh’. God often grows us in ways that we may not notice in the moment. 

If you feel like time has gotten away, rather than thinking about making up lost time, I suggest a better question is How do I walk more closely with Jesus from here? 

I’m asking that too. 

Perhaps this week, you might choose one simple passage of Scripture and sit with it slowly (our weekly memory verse in The Treasury Project is a good place to start). Notice what stands out. Let it search your heart. Turn it into prayer. Then ask God for one small, practical step of obedience – a conversation to have, a habit to begin again. 

Making time each day to read The Word for Today can be very helpful too. I found last Thursday’s reading, Look back and be encouraged, an amazing reminder to reflect on God’s faithfulness and take courage from those who endured before us.  

Vision’s SoulFood Bible-in-a-year reading plan is also a really simple way to get more of God’s Word into your heart every day. 

Wherever you find yourself at this midpoint, whether energised, tired, grateful, disappointed, hopeful, or a mix of it all, be encouraged that his mercy is new every morning, and there is still room for grace, growth, courage, and love. Hallelujah!

May the rest of this year be shaped by daily trust, small acts of obedience, and the steady hope that God is at work in every season.

Blessings, 

Phil Edwards
Chief Executive Officer