Over the past few months, we have been walking through the Life of a Disciple series a step at a time. Each part has helped us see what it really means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Part 8, featuring Corey Russell, brought a powerful reminder of why we keep showing up, even when things feel ordinary or hard.
Corey’s message did not come with fancy language or complicated answers. It came with honesty. He broke it down in a way that felt easy to understand, yet deep enough to stir something inside us. He reminded us that being close to God does not have to feel out of reach. For those of us walking with others at Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida, his message came right when many of us needed a fresh sense of direction.
Getting Real About Daily Faith
One of the best parts of Corey’s message was how simple and relatable it felt. He did not talk about faith like it was just for Sunday mornings. He talked about walking with Jesus in real, everyday life.
He gave examples that felt familiar, such as feeling distracted during prayer, rushing through our mornings, or forgetting to pause in the middle of a busy day. His point was not to make us feel guilty. It was to wake us up to the idea that Jesus wants to be part of our actual life, not just the parts we think are “spiritual enough.”
He spoke about slow faith, not flashy faith. The kind that quietly shows up on a regular workday. The kind that sticks through simple choices, like staying kind when it is hard or forgiving before you are ready. When he said these moments mattered, we believed him.
Corey emphasized that faith is not limited to certain settings or special occasions. It can thrive anywhere, in a busy household, at a demanding job, or while navigating different stages of life. He shared that sometimes it is the small, unnoticed actions that make the most significant impact, reminding us that God cares about how we carry ourselves in all situations.
The Power of Prayer and Presence
Another big takeaway was Corey’s focus on presence. He talked about how we often talk about God more than we talk to God. That one hit home.
Corey invited us to make space for stillness, to notice when we have been rushing, to pause and actually be with God, not just read about Him or listen to others talk about Him. Prayer is not always about asking for something. Sometimes it is just about being there, quietly sitting with God, like you would with a friend.
He shared how powerful those small moments can be: closing a door, turning off a screen, letting the silence stretch longer than we are used to. In that space, sensing God’s nearness. It takes some practice, and we are not always great at slowing down. Corey reminded us that we were made for connection like that.
A unique aspect of Grace City Church is that we offer opportunities for connection all week long, including Sunday worship services and City Groups that help everyone stay grounded in faith and community. Whether you are new to prayer or have made it a lifelong habit, these experiences help create space to hear from God and find support for life’s challenges.
Being Led by the Holy Spirit
A part that really stood out was Corey’s talk about the Holy Spirit. He did not make it complicated or out of reach. He spoke of the Holy Spirit as close, caring, and part of everyday life.
He explained that the Holy Spirit is not just a feeling. He is a guide, a helper, and a friend who walks with us when we do not know what to do next. He leads in peace, not confusion or fear.
Corey encouraged us to ask real questions, invite God into our thoughts, and be open to direction we did not plan. That looked like giving someone a call when their name will not leave your mind. It looked like trusting a door that seems small but opens to something meaningful.
Sometimes we need that reminder that we are not walking alone. When we let the Holy Spirit lead, things start to open up in ways we did not expect.
We value spiritual growth through engaging teachings, and regularly host guests like Corey Russell who bring fresh biblical perspective. These experiences help us realize that the Holy Spirit’s work is gentle but consistent. It can change how we view decisions, how we interact with people, and how we respond to everyday situations.
Staying the Course When Things Get Tough
No part of following Jesus is easy all the time. Corey did not skip that part. He spoke gently but clearly about how hard seasons are part of our faith too.
He talked about holding on when things feel shaky, when prayers go unanswered, or when we feel tired or unseen. He reminded us that Jesus never said life would be painless, but He did say He would never leave us.
Growth often looks like trusting when it is not exciting, showing up again after a letdown, or choosing good when no one claps for it. Corey’s message helped us remember that these hard places are not empty. God is at work in them, shaping something strong under the surface.
He shared that faith often grows stronger in the times we wish we could skip. When we find ourselves in setbacks or discouragement, these moments can become opportunities for God to do deeper work within us. Corey reminded us that we are not defined by our lowest points but by how we keep coming back to Jesus, time and again.
Faith That Sticks With You
By the time Corey finished, it felt like something had settled in the room. This was not because of what he taught alone, but because of how clear and grounded it all felt.
Here is what we walked away with:
- Faith grows when we bring it into the everyday.
- Prayer is not about saying the perfect words, but about real presence.
- The Holy Spirit can lead us when we open up space to hear.
- Hard times do not push us away from God. They can pull us closer.
- Obedience, even in small ways, is never wasted.
It felt timely too. Mid-February in Central Florida is not marked by cold weather, but it still brings a pause. The holidays are long gone, the year is underway, and many of us are figuring out what comes next. Corey’s message helped us look at that moment with hope, a reminder that God meets us right where we are.
The reminders from Corey’s message encourage us to pay attention to how faith works in the small places of life. We can learn to trust and grow through the challenges and slow days, not just the big events. That steady approach is what keeps faith alive when routines get repetitive or when it feels like nothing big is changing.
Steadfast Steps: Life with Grace City
Part 8 of Life of a Disciple was not about big performance or loud moments. It was about steady faith, quiet trust, and daily steps with Jesus. It reminded us that God is near and ready to meet us in the regular parts of life.
At Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida, we are dedicated to leading people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus, and helping people of all backgrounds find authentic faith and build strong relationships through weekly gatherings and service to our community. city-focused initiatives.
As we move deeper into 2026, we are holding onto the idea that every step counts, even the hard ones, even the slow ones. When we walk with God, none of it is wasted.
When Corey’s message sparks something in your heart and you feel ready for steps of faith, we are right here with you. Our focus is helping people walk closer with Jesus in small, daily ways. Whether you have been a part of our community for years or are just getting to know us, there is always room to grow at Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida. We would love to talk with you about what your next step might be. Just reach out to us anytime.
