As we round the corner for home on this wild and crazy year, I want to encourage you to stay the course. Yes, we have spent the past nine months in flex mode; pivoting, adjusting, and graciously adjusting plans, events, and calendars for our oversights, families, and selves. Yes, we have been disappointed, regained hope, and been disappointed again. Yes, in our attempt to hold things more loosely, we have peeled our own fingers off “the one thing” we held dear.
And we have grown.
We now know the value of face-to-face time in a fresh way. We have greater respect for those who are charged with making difficult decisions in the face of intense criticism. We understand a greater weight of graciously guarding the gate when it is stormed by the familiar and strangers alike. Our hearts have grown with compassion toward the discouraged because we have been there too.
And He has been faithful.
People have been reached with the Good News of the Gospel who would never have entered the doors of our churches before. For the first time, people have experienced the joy of giving what they have in order to help those around them without. We have dug deep in prayer and seen the Lord answer in miraculous ways. We’ve seen the hurt comforted, the marginalized welcomed, and the prodigal make their way home.
Just like He has always done.
You see, I believe that 2020 has adjusted our vision to better see what the Lord has always been about. What we’ve witnessed hasn’t really been anything new, we’ve just seen it more clearly. This year has sharpened our focus. On Him. When we keep Him at the center of all we see and do, we have the privilege of being about our Father’s work in a Spirit-filled way rather than a self-fulfilling way. The truth is that He has always been drawing people to Himself, providing when all seems lost, answering prayers, and comforting His Beloved. Yes, I’ll be the first to admit that this has felt more like a crash course in course correction, but that is far outweighed by the joy of seeing Him move as only He can.
You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right – you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.
Psalm 119:1-8
Stay the course, my friends! We have been strategically placed by our loving Father with an assignment chosen specifically for us. We have a unique opportunity to partner with the Holy Spirit in a heavenly work. Suit up! Pray! Keep your head up and eyes open! Our personal attention to the details of daily responsibilities places us right where God intends to use us. He has entrusted His precious people to our care. And when they least expect it, we get to remind them of our Father’s loving whisper….
You are adored.
You Are Adored 