2020

     What immediately comes to mind when you hear the words "Twenty-twenty"? Is it the year we are currently living in? The idea of "hindsight"? Or "perfect" vision? The other day, I heard a pastor talking about "2020" and our relationship with God and I thought that was a profound thing to consider. The year of 2020 may just be the year to have hindsight that is 2020, to give us 2020 vision!
     For me, the year has been off to a rather difficult start. Nothing major, but I have been busy with work, challenged by life, and overall, a little tired in my Christian walk. (You may have noticed that in my posts since January.) Anyhow, I do truly feel that the Lord is prompting me to a deeper walk with Him and I think that is one of the things that makes me tired: The idea of going deeper. Especially now, with the COVID concerns and the havoc that it has caused in my work life, I find myself even more consumed with the daily things, therefore even more tired. What a better time for God to ask me /us to go deeper. Will it be spiritually beneficial? Of course! But NOW?
     It makes me think of the movie U-571. The movie is about a submarine in our Navy during WWII. The scene I recall is when there is a big galley fire and it is at this time that the captain decides to have an emergency drill. Another officer questions his timing and he responds that this is the PERFECT time to test the crew; that they need to be pushed to their limits when it isn't a true emergency so they will be ready for the real emergency. Of course, his philosophy proves true in the movie and the crew is successful in the real crisis. God is so very wise and when I am tired, He pushes me beyond my tiredness.
     How does this correlate to my topic? In the year 2020, I feel that we, as Christians, need to seriously depend on our hindsight to help us have the proper sight for what is coming. In the midst of chaos, more chaos will come and we need to be ready. We need to look to the past miracles God has performed in our lives (and you know He has performed them; big and little) to remind us of His power and sovereignty not only in our lives but in the world. In order for us to see through the chaos, we need to have a good vision and that only comes from being in a VERY close relationship with Him. That takes time and energy. So tired or not, it is what I/we should do. Go deeper and gain better vision because I believe 2020 will require it.
    

Are You Stocking Up?

     I was AMAZED when I stopped at the store today after church. The empty shelves were shocking to me. No meat, eggs, frozen veggies, bread and the list goes on. We were there for a corned beef brisket, cabbage and some Brussel sprouts. Just usual stuff. Living in N. Idaho has trained us to live in a prepared state in the event of a power outage during the winter months so in the event we really were to have a crisis, we would be prepared. Between the COVID 19 panic, the current study of 1st Corinthians in BSF and the series at church the last few weeks, I started considering what makes me feel secure.
     Knowing that my pantry is stocked with reserves, having wood for the winter to keep the fire going, having the security of a husband who will protect me and a good job that helps to pay the bills all add up to security. These things bring me comfort. What if all of it were lost? How secure would I feel then? An aqauintance of mine lost all that she had in a house fire 3 weeks ago. The house burned to the ground and she and her husband got out with the clothes in their backs. Every time I put on makeup, or go to the fridge for a snack or look at a picture on the wall, I think about the things that I take for granted, daily. True, she will have a home and belongings again but in an instant, she lost 30 years of precious memories.
     The panic over COVID 19 has closed schools in our area and therefore may limit the staff I have to fill positions at work. As well, the threat may cause clients to postpone scheduling appointments. Will I have a job in 4 weeks from now? Most likely I will. But, the thought of these things has me looking to Jesus for the eternal comfort only He can provide. The concerns on this earth, even when overwhelming, are completely in God's control and under His power. Because I am His child, even when I die I will be raised again in a glorified body to live eternally in heaven with Jesus. WOW!! The reality of that has a new perspective for me.
     One thing that has most importantly been highlighted in this current world situation is the obvious fear or anxiety that people are feeling. Do they know the comfort of Jesus? I would suspect not. Maybe they do when things are good, but now they have allowed the fear to override their trust in the Lord. Either way, isn't it my responsibility to offer comfort where I can by sharing the truth of the Gospel? Stocking up on food and household supplies may not be a bad idea in general, for the potential of any catastrophy, but stocking up on the Word of Jesus is the only true security that we can experience. If you are worrisome, will you stock up on Jesus today? And if you are calm amidst the confusion, maybe you know someone who could use some of your Jesus "reserves".                      

The Joy of Victory!

     Have you ever before experienced the joy of victory? Victory in a sport that you have participated in, or in the success of reconciliation in a relationship, or in accomplishing a very difficult task that has been set before you? The flavor of victory does taste quite good, doesn't it! It is satisfying, comforting and ultimately edifying. Victory in the right things can be very healthy for body, mind and spirit. 

     Last night at BSF, my co-leader asked the question, "How does obeying God bring joy?". The 11 and 12 year old students had a variety of answers, many of which were very insightful. The question prior to this one was, "Why do God's children still sin?". As the students discussed the "struggle" with sin, it made me consider that it really is a "battle" when we are tempted with sinful thoughts and behaviors. To look at the temptation to sin as an actual battle with our flesh, the world or the enemy, completely helped me to answer the first question! When we are obedient to the Lord, which includes facing those temptations and being obedient in them, we are victors! Victors in the battle that we just faced and conquered. This may be extremely obvious to some of you, but for some reason it really struck me last night. 

     Maybe that is because I have been feeling quite defeated over the past few months in regards to a sinful habit with which I have been struggling. Sinful because I know this habit may be allowable for others, but not for me. This bad habit has taken over my attitude and has stolen my joy. The realization hit me last night, that I have lost my joy more because of a loss of victory rather than frustration over the defeat of the sin. Maybe I am picking fly poop out of pepper here, but for whatever reason, the spin on this loss of joy has helped me to view this situation from a completely different perspective. Rather than looking at how hard it is to defeat this temptation, I am looking forward to the joy that comes from the victory of the battle. 

     Maybe you need a different perspective. It may make all the difference in the world!