As we approach this New Year of 2020, if you’re anything like me, it will be with a mixture of fear, hope and apprehension. It would be great to say that the fear and apprehension are swept away, and our overwhelming emotions are of just one long sense of expectancy and joy at the days to come. (If that is you, maybe you should be writing this 😊.)
I did sense a few days ago, however, that God was reminding me that we are a people of purpose: firstly in knowing him – looking to Jesus and keeping our gaze fixed on him (Hebrews12:2). As we do this, individually and together, I believe that the fear dissipates – it has to – as his love fills us and propels us forward and out into his world.
This is not about perfection (thank goodness). It’s an opportunity to be real and honest with ourselves, God and each other, and in the light of this, resolve to lift up the weary arms amongst us; call to mind what he has already done, and take small steps into the ones he has already prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).
Amongst my mixed thoughts about this next season, I do have some that dominate. They are ones where we as a community continue to include, welcome and seek out the forgotten, ignored, marginalised and isolated. To be listeners, stereotype breakers; a people who are propelled by God’s love to create, through art, language, cooking, baking, administration, building, healing, serving, hosting, writing, making music, planting, harvesting, add as appropriate, all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
So, thanks if you’re still reading. I am looking forward to all that’s in store, recognising that some of it will be exciting, and some things may call for our support and gentle, patient understanding through difficult times – this is the nature of life in a fallen world where we live in between the ‘now and the not yet’ of the kingdom. A reminder to myself and all of us as I sign off that: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
Grace and Peace
Sharon
Amen. Thanks Sharon!