NW Valley Times

Lead Pastor Jon Demeter of Redemption Church in Peoria recently delivered a thought-provoking message to students at Grand Canyon University, urging them to be honest with God in times of uncertainty. During a Chapel session, Demeter highlighted the importance of expressing genuine emotions to God rather than complaining to others.

Demeter emphasized the need for authenticity, stating, “God wants your honest heart.” He encouraged the audience to acknowledge the gap between their hopes and realities, using Paul Miller’s charts to illustrate the concept. Demeter pointed out that attempting to bridge this gap without involving God can lead to frustration and exhaustion.

Drawing from biblical examples, Demeter distinguished between lamenting and complaining. He explained that lamenting involves speaking directly to God, maintaining faith even in challenging circumstances, and ultimately obeying God's will. By contrast, complaining to others can lead to disobedience and a lack of trust in God.

In one poignant moment, Demeter referenced David’s refusal to harm Saul despite being advised to do so, illustrating the importance of obedience in the face of hardship. He also shared a powerful insight from Russell Moore’s book, highlighting the impact of feeling unloved on a person's ability to express emotions.

Through his message, Demeter challenged the audience to embrace lamentation as a form of honest communication with God, emphasizing the value of humility, faith, and obedience in times of struggle. As the semester at Grand Canyon University draws to a close, the students were encouraged to reflect on these principles as they navigate the uncertainties of the future.