More and more voices are jumping out of our shelter-in-place prisons with this announcement to the world: “I GIVE UP.” Perhaps you have heard that line or this other version of the same song: “I’M SO DONE WITH 2020!”
We all seem to be skating away on the thin ice of a new day. Sinking into the depths and not swimming toward the shore. Retreating to our cocoon instead of racing to God.
I get it. We are being bombed by FEAR and showered with shards of uncertainty. No wonder people are anxious to clear 2020 off the books and start painting their lives on a fresh canvas. Count me in that group.
But that is not practical and it is not what God wants.
He wants us, in times like these, to hear his warning and embrace his promise.
THE WARNING
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” Matthew 10:28
THE PROMISE
“For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.” Matthew 10:29
We have received God’s promise of life so we will live without fear because he has vanquished fear forever.
We need to run straight toward the challenge, not away from the pain. We need to step outside of our self-focused cells. We need to venture into the town square bustling with people in pain to see how our faith might alleviate their frustration.
There is no need to throw in the towel. God has prepared us for days like these (Ephesians 2:10).
I ask God to give me strength in the face of fear and uncertainty to trust him and know he is in control and has a lesson for me that will make me better tomorrow than I am today.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you wanting to throw in the towel on 2020?
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Philippians 1:21–23
