If there were ever a perfect example of an insane roller coaster year, 2020 takes the cake! Up and down, back and forth, go-stop-go, loopedy-loops and dark tunnels that we scream all the way through. Yep, that about sums it up!
The good news? It’s almost over. The bad news? We don’t know what tomorrow holds. But let me inject here some REALLY good news:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
James 4:14
Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
As isolated as we feel, despite distancing mandates and all, we are truly not alone. This is the time we need to come together and love – not polarize ourselves over opposing beliefs. Don’t disappear in fear and unclear footing. Get your focus on helping others who are also having a hard time with all these unforeseen, unexpected, unwelcome circumstances.
As much as this past year may have thrown at us, we are not without a future. We are, as a whole, survivors. Although this may well be the most difficult state you’ve seen in your life, be assured that it is NOT the most severe in history. It’s hard, but try to imagine living through the Holocaust, the Black Plague, two world wars, the Great Depression and more. In the end, we emerged–maybe a bit worse for the wear–but we did in fact survive.
We seldom get through these things on our own; we need each other. It’s not common for truly needy people to make their needs clear. Maybe someone needs a shoulder to cry on, or maybe just an ear to listen. Picture it as an out-of-season, Secret Santa event. Be available to offer yourself to other in need. As bad as things get, no matter what your circumstances are, it could ALWAYS be worse. The only ‘worse’ that is unsurpassable is death–and in light of eternity, that ain’t necessarily all that bad!
Considering all that has happened this year, it seems fairly fitting that I am closing out 2020 with a format change. (I’ve tried to keep things motivational and peppy; I hope you have interpreted them as such.) Starting in 2021, I am going to be much more upfront with my faith in God: His position – my Purpose. I’ve lived to see His miracles and guidance in my life many times. I will still share stories of incredible things He’s done in my life, and the people he has put in my path. Most important are the lessons I’ve learned.
Remember: a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a WISE man learns from the mistakes of others. And let me tell you: I HAVE MADE enough for the both of us…maybe even a bus load of us’s. But the one thing that is consistent in my relationship with God are my screw up’s and His GRACE and LOVE. These are incredibly powerful and awesome forces. Not power, strength, advantage and the likes.
God is in our corner even when we aren’t. So be ready for some crazy stories and wonderful, joyful times through which God made himself known to me.
In the meantime…let’s prepare for a new year by making ourselves available and maintaining our faith and perseverance for running a good race and fighting the good fight!