As I think about 2020, I long to offer you some words of wisdom and hope, but I must be honest and say, “I have none.’” However, I do know the One who does, and I hope His words will encourage you: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
For me that verse is hopeful until I think about the with all my heart part. Then I am faced with how much I don’t trust. If you struggle with trusting, you are not alone and you’ve probably been exposed this year. Our King knew we would struggle. That is why He sent His Son and gave us the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave us His perfect record so we could have relationship with God. The Holy Spirit was given to care for us and comfort us as we navigate this sin-filled life.
COVID 19 has pushed us to deal with our limits. For some, it has been too much. There are no words to help heal all the pain of this year, but God has given us the Comforter to help as we walk through life. Scripture tell us that the Holy Spirit speaks on our behalf with groans only our King can understand. It seems fitting that the Holy Spirit would be groaning in 2020.
The truth in all this is that God is wild about us. His plan is always for our good and His glory. We all are wondering, “How was 2020 good for us?” Again, I don’t have the answer, but every time the Israelites asked that question, God would call them to remember all that He had done for them. He calls us to live a life looking to the hope of His return and remembering the joy of what He has done. I’ve challenged my staff to look at 2020 both with lamenting and with joy at what God has done. This newsletter contains some of our rejoicing and a little lamenting from Fall 2020. My challenge to you as we enter a new year is the same: don’t forget Who is on the throne, and fill your minds with all that He has done for you and your families.
– Tim Mitchell, Executive Director