2020

  

    What a year it has been.

    I am confident none of us anticipated the woes and joys this year brought us. As I reflect upon the past 12 months it is evident that I have failed to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. It has also been evident that by his grace the Lord is ever faithful to care and provide for his people. I am thankful that it is "by grace you have been saved, through faith, and- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). If it were up to me and my performance there would be no place for me at the table.

    Many times this year I have needed to be reminded that, while I can have a hard time seeing past my hardships, God’s grace is sufficient for me, and his power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). In his letter, James encourages the church saying, “consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (1:2-4). The happenings of this year have indeed tested my faith. Amidst all the uncertainty aroused this year, I have also been reminded that the things of this world are always uncertain. Not only during a pandemic do our plans change. Not only during a pandemic is there disease and suffering. Not only during a pandemic are we called to serve Christ and surrender our will to God’s. At all times it is true that “we make our own decisions, but the Lord alone determines what happens” (Proverbs 16:33). 

    I have found great encouragement in remembering that the Lord our God is “the Alpha and the Omega… who is, and who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8). Even when all else seems to toss and turn in the wind and waves, the Lord remains.


“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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