2020 Year In Review

Let's reflect as we move forward...

So many people have lost so many things over this year. I've seen businesses fail, political upheaval, people have lost their lives and some have lost their hope. Yet in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, skyrocketing unemployment and crime rates, and many divisive global affairs, God is good. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. ~ Psalm 136.1

It is He who heals our diseases and our afflictions are borne by His shoulders. He very capably cares for us in our times of infirmity and comforts those who mourn. "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD" ~ Jeremiah 30:17

So if you find yourself sick today, place your trust in the Lord! Cry out in a loud voice unto Yahweh as David did and lay your afflictions at His feet. Also, hide your soul in Him, for death is merely a thin veil through which the eternal parts of man passes into the eternal presence of God--when we die IN the Lord. So there's nothing to fear in death. Thus scripture states:

O death, where us your sting? O grave, where is your victory? ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55

The apostle Paul recognized this when he spoke confidently saying that to live is Christ and to die is gain. ~Philipians 1:21

So having hid your soul in Christ by repenting of sin and accepting His precious gift of eternal life, you can now trust Him entirely with your wellbeing like the 3 Hebrew boys. You can also confidently say "welp, if I perish, I perish in Him. If I live, I live for Him".

Oh what peace this brings!

No money? Unemployed? facing debt? loans piling up? Arrears accruing? "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him." ~Nahum 1:7.

I have learned from my seasons of unemployment to trust God as my source of sustenance rather than my salary. I have learned from my times of wealth to be a faithful steward over the little resources God has blessed me with. Financial trouble can take a toll on our minds, and on our relationships with the stress they bring. Many people were financially disrupted over 2020. Yet this is no new trouble to the Lord our provider. God had to manage a nation in a wilderness for 40 years. Feed them, clothe them, shelter them, sustain them. He's been in the business of providing for a millennia! Trust Him, He knows better than we ever can how to manage our finances. Going into 2021, entrust your finances to Him and your family to his able hands. Obey Him financially and watch Him provide.

Can two walk together, except they agree? ~Amos 3.3

Watch your circle. Ensure that you don't choose your friends and associates because you really can't discern the heart of man. God can, so allow Him to take point on selecting the people in your life. Destiny helpers become destiny breakers quickly. Purpose partners become purpose predators if you try to know who is who in your flesh. The Holy Spirit possesses the unique ability to see beyond what our natural senses and observations can perceive. God will hook you up with your tribe and they will journey with you in the most beautiful way. Of course, because no one is perfect, there will be challenges that rock those friendships and test those bonds, but with Christ as the orchestrator and His love as the adhesive, you'll be fine. The beauty of God-ordained community is that you all learn Christ, life and each other well over your journey together. There is a sense of belonging and and an atmosphere of love. You correct and hold each other accountable to truth and also watch over the lives of each other with a view to securing the eternal safety of your community. Your community will often fan the passion / giftings you have into flame and encourage you when you're down. Its lovely to have people in your corner who pray for you, genuinely believe in you, want to see you win and cheer you on to get up and go again when you fail. Not all people are your people. So it's better to have a few solid folks , handpicked by the Lord than a multitude of people who really don't have what you need to grow and thrive.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~Ecclesiastes 4:12

Takeaway:

This brief reflection is not intended to be comprehensive in appraising the lessons of 2020, but rather, to inspire introspection and personal reflection as you take note of the lessons you've learned so you can have an awesome 2021 when it comes.