“The Lord replied, ‘Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’” Habakkuk 1:5

 

Ah, the year 2020.

There is plenty of talk about, and almost a longing for, wanting this year to be over. But the reality is, when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2021, a magical switch is not going to be flipped to put everything back exactly the way it was before Covid. And really, would you want it to be?

I know this has been an incredibly hard season for everyone on this entire planet in so many ways. It’s easy to want it to be over. But don’t wish this difficult season away.

Let’s not miss what God is doing.

He’s here in the midst. He’s working in the midst. He’s doing something!

God is not surprised by what has happened this past year. The difficulty, the frustration, the loss, the confusion—God knew about it all. And He planned it to happen right here in this moment of time. There is nothing in the Bible that says the Christian life is one of calm seas and smooth sailing. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have tribulation” (see John 16:33 ESV). He did not say, “you might,” He said, “you will.”

We have great examples throughout Scripture of the severe challenges people faced while doing exactly what it was that God had called them to do. Think about Moses and the Israelites. They were expecting the Promised Land but found themselves in the wilderness being led by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. They couldn’t see beyond that cloud and that fire. How many times throughout this past year have you felt like that’s all you’ve had? I know I’ve felt that way plenty of times! The apostle Paul was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and in great danger so many times (see 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 ESV) all while spreading the Gospel. And then there is the greatest example: Jesus. He was despised by so many and died a criminal’s death on a cross, all to fulfill God’s redemptive plan.

When you are in the will of God, believing the Word of God, following the commands of God, you must take heart. The God to whom you belong said, “Don’t be afraid! Have faith in Me.” It will be exactly as His Word, His promises, have told you.

God placed you here at this time for the purpose to which He has called you. Don’t miss God’s purpose because you didn’t expect it to  look like it does right now.

So as we approach 2021, let’s take some time to reflect on all the Lord has done in 2020 and thank Him.

He is in control. He is sovereign. He is the Almighty.