At the start of 2020, we heard a lot about how this would be the year of perfect vision; yet a couple of months in, I don’t think any of us could have imagined what we would experience.
There is no doubt that this year has brought many challenges. From living through a global pandemic, the continued fight against racial injustices, job losses, amplified political division, and the inability to see and visit some of our loved ones.
It’s been a tough year, yet it is purposeful. This year has not taken God by surprise. Though this year’s unexpected changes, many of us have spent more time with close family members. We’ve exchanged our million responsibilities for home projects, Zoom calls, and drive-through birthday parades. Parents have gained an appreciation for teachers as they’ve juggled work, home, and school. People have found creative ways to bring joy in the midst of uncertainty. We’ve pressed pause on the insignificant things and the busyness of life and focused on what we needed to do to sustain and protect ourselves.
2020 has brought unexpected purpose.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/InspirationGP
What Navigating a Pandemic Has Taught Us
I wish this pandemic came with a preparation manual ahead of time. I wish we had 20/20 vision to know what was ahead. Many of us heard whispers of this virus, yet I doubt we knew it would be the fight we still had to endure.
1. How to Fix Our Eyes on Christ
This pandemic has been difficult to navigate. As we watch numbers fluctuate, mandates change, and political divide take place throughout our country, it can be easy to become discouraged; yet I believe God is moving. Even though we may not see it in the numbers right now, I believe He is doing something in the midst of this storm.
I have made a decision to stay informed with the news, but also to keep my eyes on the One who is in control of it all. He knows the beginning, the end (Revelations 21:6), and all the details in between.
2. How to Love in a Crisis
This time is showing us the importance of loving our neighbors as we do ourselves (Matthew 22:39). We all have a part to play in this fight and we not only have to look after ourselves but also our neighbors to get through this together.
3. How to Care for Our Minds and Spirits
This year has also been a reminder of the importance of mental and spiritual health. Navigating social distancing measures and so much uncertainty is tough, yet we have to fight harder to be mentally and spiritually strong. We have to monitor how much news is healthy and keep our eyes on the things above (Colossians 3:2). By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can be confident that He is our source and shield and He will get us through this season.
4. How to Build an Enduring Faith
We have to stay rooted in the word of God and allow this time to build our faith.
In times where we are unsure of how and when God is going to move, we have to stand on the hope that He will move and turn it all around. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). As we watch or read the news in this season, we can’t allow the numbers to cause us to lose hope in the future. Instead, let’s stand on faith and wait expectantly for God to turn it around.
5. How 2020 Has Highlighted Racial Injustices
In the midst of this pandemic, a racial movement has swept through our country. Awareness of racism and injustices have been elevated.
Racism is a heart issue, and in order to address the heart, we have to willingly invite God in to do the work. If you have been experiencing this, ask God to search your heart, and reveal anything that is not like Him (Psalm 139:23-24).
I love seeing hearts being softened to hear from black communities about systemic racism and the injustices of this world. People are listening, lamenting, and seeing things differently. This year has purpose yet.
In the midst of all the noise of COVID-19, friends are willingly having tough conversations to learn from one another. People are acknowledging and taking ownership of the problem and advocating for change. Books of racism are selling quickly as more and more people are committed to understanding what they have been blind to see.
God is moving.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Manuel Tauber-Romieri
How This Year Can Help Us See More Clearly
2020 has been tough—yet necessary. It has revealed many of the underlying issues that have persisted—division, racism, selfishness, pride, and so much more.
We have been given eyes to see things for what they truly are. This year has given us a chance to really be the church while the doors are closed. It has shown us how we have so much to learn from one another in order to advocate for the oppressed. It has allowed us to put our differences aside to truly display how we can love our neighbor, even if we have opposing views or look differently.
As hard as this year has been, I see 2020 with a new lens. I am just as ready as you are for the virus to stop spreading and to comfortably socialize again, but I am thankful that this time has made me more appreciative of family and those in my world.
The enemy would love to divide us in this season, and we see this happening every day. He would love for us to not come together during this time and disrupt the progress taking place.
Let’s acknowledge that there is an enemy seeking to devour us in this time of trial (1 Peter 5:8) and let’s be intentional to foil His plans.
We have each been created for this time. Let’s not fail the next generation by missing what God is doing in and through us. Let’s steward this season well, tuning in to all God wants to say to us because He is speaking.
Let’s embrace the awakening taking place in our world.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Khosrork
Pray for New Eyes in 2020
In order to see 2020 from a new lens, we must remain in a position of worship and prayer. We all have a role to play in what’s happening in this world; we have been purposed for this time in history.
I believe we can all see this year from a new lens by praying:
To be more appreciative of our communities, life, and the small things we have taken for granted.
To begin to truly see everyone in the image of God.
To be slow to speak and listen attentively to understand the hearts of those who are hurting.
To stand for something but not allow our views to prohibit us from respecting others.
To speak and post in love (Ephesians 4:15).
To seek to learn more about God’s character instead of only coming to Him when we’re in need.
To see each day as a gift.
To walk in and seek wisdom and knowledge every day.
To not give up (Galatians 6:9).
These hard times will pass. Let us not solely long for the day when God brings us to the other side of this pandemic, but truly seek what we are to learn during the process. Most of the time, the process is the hard part because we don’t know the timing or everything involved, but let’s commit to seeking God’s will and direction and lay down our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Let the scales fall from our eyes to see what it is that we are to learn this year. Allow God to reveal the ugliness in our hearts. God, help us to trust You in the midst of it all. Help us to move closer to You in this season and help us to love all people you have created.
Thank you for this challenging yet revealing year. Let us steward it well.
Photo Credit: © iStock/Getty Images Plus/ERphotographer
Originally published Tuesday, 04 August 2020.
