This blog was written by Cera Talamantes as part of the CPC22 Undivided Series. Our hope through these reflections by ministry leaders is that they would prepare your hearts to hear from God while you’re at CPC in person or CPC+ online.
I was in the confetti-filled conference room with happy and sad tears streaming down my face as my first CPC came to a close. Surrounded by the love of so many incredible leaders I met that year, I felt the extreme love of God.
I was having one of those incredible mountain top experiences. So many emotions flooded me as I processed through the incredible wealth of wisdom, refreshment, and God’s presence throughout the week.
As the next year’s theme was announced, I was eager to see what God would do through it the following January. I was not anticipating seeing the theme become active throughout the year in my own life, leadership, and ministry. I am always in wonder at the relevancy of the theme selected each year for CPC.
Since that first year, this has happened over and over again. Displaying how God is continually working way ahead of what we can see and have planned. Knowing our hearts and the trials and battles ahead, He is so faithful in preparing the way for us.
As Undivided was announced last year as the theme for CPC22, it already felt relevant in that moment. Facing one of the most difficult times in our lives, there have been many battles leaving us feeling disconnected, alone, and divided.
Take a second to read the opening lyrics of “Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)” by Shane & Shane.
“Oh, come behold the works of God, the nations at His feet
He breaks the bow and bends the spear
And tells the wars to cease
Oh, mighty One of Israel, You are on our side
We walk by faith in God who burns the chariots with fire”
There is A LOT going on around us right now- in our families, churches, communities, country, and world. Leaving all of that behind and stepping into worship can be hard. But brothers and sisters, there is refuge in the shelter God has already prepared for our hearts. The song continues with…
“Lord of Hosts, You’re with us
With us in the fire
With us as a shelter
With us in the storm
You will lead us
Through the fiercest battle
Oh, where else would we go
But with the Lord of Hosts”
In the midst of the storms we are facing, we have the peace and assurance that He is already there with us, lovingly creating a shelter where the fires of this earth have no power.
That is so much easier said than done! When we like to think of ourselves as firefighters, the ones always to the rescue to put out the fires raging around us, we do not allow God the opportunity to be who He really is.
He is so mighty and loves so deeply. We were never meant to carry that weight.
“Oh Lord, You know the hearts of men
And still you let them live.
Oh God, who makes the mountains melt
Come wrestle us and win.”
God knows where your heart is settled right now and where the distractions lie. What battles are you facing in this moment? What fires do you see around you that need putting out?
In what can feel like unending turmoil, God offers stability that cannot be moved and one that we can trust in. This is a timely promise as we wrestle with a divided world, coming TOGETHER as a community with eyes, ears, and hearts focused on Him.
No matter how loud the oceans and wind can roar, our God is in control and gives peace to it all.
Let your heart be still, my friends, and know that He is Lord of all!
About Cera
Cera Talamantes has served in ministry for over a decade, volunteering in different areas but was called most to preschool and children’s ministry. Cera and her husband, Joseluis, have two incredible kids. Their family loves spending time together making lasting memories and having crazy Uno game nights.
