Dear COA Family,
As we enter into the second half of 2026, how can we be most
fruitful and effective in all that we do?
One important attitude we need to cultivate is to remain focused
on our primary calling and purpose. This requires intentionality in
both our hearts and minds.
When Jesus experienced great success and popularity during His
ministry in Capernaum, He did not remain there to bask in the
admiration of the crowds. Instead, He declared, “I must proclaim
the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also,
because that is why I was sent” (Luke 4:43). Jesus remained
steadfastly focused on the mission His Father had given Him.
The truth is that many of us are easily distracted. There is a
multitude of activities to participate in, friends to meet and
connect with, and endless forms of entertainment to consume.
This challenge is amplified by the fact that we live in a
generation where we can instantly connect with people around
the world and access virtually unlimited information and
entertainment at any time.
How then can we remain focused?
First, begin each day with God’s purpose in mind. This can be
done by spending time in His Word and prayer during our daily
devotions. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are
reminded of what truly matters and are better able to align our
priorities with God’s will.
Second, build God’s purposes into daily routines and habits. For
example, make it a point to pray for, connect with, or encourage
a fellow church or cell group member each day through a
message or phone call. Intentionally look for opportunities to
bless people in the workplace, school or neighbourhood with
the love of Christ, so that the seed of the gospel may be sown
in their hearts.
Finally, make it a habit to review the day each evening. Reflect
honestly on where we have done well and where we have fallen
short. This should not be an exercise in self-condemnation or
dwelling on failures. Rather, it is an opportunity to learn, grow,
repent, where necessary, and resolve to do better the next day.
These practices help us remain focused and fruitful in our walk
with Christ. By contrast, complacency and forgetfulness can
cause us to drift away from Him. These are among the real
dangers to our spiritual lives, for they can gradually derail our
faith. Interestingly, opposition, trials and suffering are often not
our greatest enemies; God frequently uses them to strengthen
our faith and deepen our dependence on Him.
As we enter this new season, may we encourage one another to
stay focused on God’s purposes and to persevere faithfully in the
calling He has given us.
God bless,
Revd Ian
