2020 wasn't what anyone expected. Many terrible things happened, which I won't go into here since I see people talking about it everywhere I look. Not a soul went unaffected. I don't think we need to dwell on all of it more here.
I would like to talk about something good I saw in 2020, which is God's faithfulness. He is steadfast, always good, and always my rock. My husband and I started this year with a phrase to guide our year. The phrase was "courageous obedience." I had no idea how much God would use this phrase for my good this year. I wrote it on a large chalkboard in our bedroom and I added words underneath throughout the year as I listened and learned more about what obedience means; take action, understand and obey without knowing why or how long. “Without knowing how long” took on a whole new meaning by the end of the year than when I first wrote it. No one knows how long the pain and wounds from the pandemic are going to last, but that doesn’t mean obeying God is off the table until it all settles down and we feel safe coming out of our houses again.
My husband and I were obedient to God’s call this year when we prayed for and then said "Yes" to an opportunity to serve our church in a way we haven’t done as a couple before. The virtual (so far) leadership opportunity has been a great way for us to face out and help others in the same life stage as us. I said "Yes" to writing this blog, not knowing when I started, how much it would feed my own soul to put my beliefs on "paper" and how much I'd see the Holy Spirit's presence throughout the process. My confidence during prayer is increasing because I am learning more about who it is that I am talking to - the One who loves and listens. I can expect Him to show up and I can trust Him to change hearts and situations. I'm able to find joy in the midst of more of my own trials a little faster and able to see the Holy Spirit at work in trials of friends with broken hearts that He puts at my door. I have seen myself becoming more bold in my conversations to put others at the feet of Jesus. Reading You and Me Forever by Francis Chan with my small group inspired me to actively love and serve instead of only listening and learning. From thinking of how to love better, my generosity with my resources grew to include a portion to give away each week. It became more fun to give as we had to keep our eyes open for little ways to bless others.
I attribute the growth in obedience to spending more time with God. I listened to the whole Bible this year with my husband which led to more and deeper theological conversations. The Holy Spirit helped me shift from being distressed about having to spend more time calming the fussy baby to having the best God time during those late nights. I am seeing more and more of His big solid Rockness at work through kind acts when everything seems to be crumbling. It took a pandemic for me to realize on a deeper level how much myself and others need Him. I've taken it more seriously to say "Yes'' to being His hands and feet by loving and serving others at work, at home, and at church. It's game changing to be motivated by obedience instead of by my desires or fears.
I wasn’t actively pursuing being “courageously obedient” every day this year, but God used my openness to the idea to put things into my life that changed me for the better. It's been a blessing to have friends that point me to Jesus and access to great sermons and speakers. I’ve seen the impact on my kids too. The oldest one has picked up on what’s important to me and what I spend my time on. He’ll mention the “leadership team” and “small group” and knows that Daddy and I read the Bible in the morning before coming to get him.
Think of a word or phrase that resonates with your family, display it, and pray that God changes your life through that word. Why don’t you try it with me for 2021? Check back often through the year, are your eyes open to opportunities that fit the description of your word? Keep praying for your heart and mind to be open to the change that can lead to a more abundant life.
Happy New Year. May it be a blessed year of change for me and you and yours.
