Faithfulness at Sunrise

Some of you may recognize this week’s reflection—it’s adapted from the devotion I shared at our Charge Conference on Sunday afternoon. It felt fitting to share it again here, because its message continues to stay on my mind…

Early one morning last week, I took my daughter, Lily, to school before the sun came up because her cross-country team had an early meet a few hours away. Since I was already awake—and since my to-do list for the day was long—I decided to go ahead and get my run in.

Now, I don’t normally run that early. Only crazy people do! But as I ran, I got to see the sun rise. It was beautiful. And as the darkness gave way to light, I was struck by how incredible it is that we can predict the exact time of sunrise—not just for tomorrow or next week, but for years into the future. The timing is that certain.

There’s something about that kind of consistency that reflects the very heart of God.

Just as the sun rises every morning, God’s faithfulness rises with it. Even when clouds hide it, even when storms roll through, the sun is still there—and God’s mercy is still new every morning. That’s what the prophet Jeremiah meant when he wrote:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)

At our Charge Conference, we celebrated that faithfulness—remembering how God’s light has continued to shine through Trinity United Methodist Church across the generations. Through every change, every act of service, and every life touched by this congregation, God’s steady hand has guided us.

But the sunrise isn’t just something to admire—it’s a daily invitation. Each morning, as the light breaks over the horizon, it’s as if God is saying, “I’m not finished yet.” The dawn reminds us that there is more to do, more to learn, more love to share, and more people to reach.

As we look ahead to a new year of ministry, let’s keep asking: “Lord, what new thing are You calling us to rise into? Where do You want Your light to shine next through us?” The same God whose faithfulness has brought us this far will continue to bring new mercies tomorrow—and the next day—and every day until the Son truly rises again.

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester