A Message by Dr. Justin Craun
The Mercy and Grace That Never Run Out
Are you thankful for the mercy of God this morning? Are you thankful for His grace? Are you confident in His love for you?
God’s purpose has never been to reject us—but to redeem us. We were not bought with imperfect or defeated blood; we were bought with the precious, perfect, and powerful blood of Jesus Christ.
Every time we gather to worship across the North Cities region, we’re reminded that His blood still speaks mercy, still restores hope, and still redeems lives today.
The Journey of Joseph: A 22-Year Process of Faithfulness
In Genesis 37–42, we read about Joseph, a young man who received a dream from God—and then endured twenty-two years of difficulty before that dream came to pass.
He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. Yet through every season, Joseph remained faithful.
What God gives you does not die—because it’s part of Him.
And nothing can stop God from finishing what He starts.
Joseph’s story shows us that delay is not denial. What feels like a setback may actually be God setting the stage for fulfillment.
Faithfulness Is Greater Than Perfection
We often strive for perfection—but it’s faithfulness that moves heaven.
-
Perfection creates fear that leads to death.
-
Faithfulness creates love that leads to life.
Dr. Craun reminded us that God isn’t asking for flawless people—He’s asking for faithful ones. Just like Joseph, when we stay faithful in the pit, the prison, or the palace, God’s purpose still unfolds.
Faithfulness doesn’t prevent pain, but it promises resurrection.
Don’t Bury What God Meant to Bloom
Some dreams aren’t dead—they’re just buried in God’s timing.
You may feel like your dream has faded, but if it was born of God, it’s still alive in His plan.
“If it dies in faithfulness, it will rise in faithfulness.” — Dr. Justin Craun
God’s dreams don’t stay in the grave. Every seed of faith planted in prayer, perseverance, and obedience will eventually break through the soil.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is still working in you—and in what He’s called you to do.
Don’t Rush the Journey—Trust the Process
Joseph’s dream took twenty-two years to unfold, but every step mattered. The betrayal, the pit, the prison, and the palace all served a purpose.
Likewise, your journey isn’t delayed—it’s being developed.
-
Don’t rush what God is still writing.
-
Don’t push past what He’s still preparing.
-
Don’t resent what He’s using to refine you.
Faithfulness takes time—but it always produces fruit.
The same God who worked through Joseph’s delays is working through yours today.
Your Dream Is Still Breathing
Some dreams aren’t dead—they’re waiting for resurrection. The same Jesus who called Lazarus from the tomb still calls to you today: “Come forth.”
If someone has spoken death over your purpose, your ministry, your marriage, or your family—remember, Jesus has the final word.
Faithfulness is never wasted. It’s the soil where miracles grow.
When it dies in faithfulness—it will rise again in faithfulness.
