Gina Caswell Kelly
I have been thinking and praying really hard about what to write as we close out this year that has been unlike any other. We use words like “unprecedented.” We use phrases like “now more than any other time in history.” We see memes talking about how bad this year has been. It has been bad. There is no argument about that. But is it the worst that it has ever been? Hardly.
Think back to the days in the Bible. Think how bad it all must have been in Noah’s time for God to decide He had to just start over again. We did not see total destruction of all human life and limb. How about the children of Israel in the days of Moses? They lived years in bondage and slavery to the Egyptians. And when the plagues started coming, Pharaoh made it even worse for them, before he ultimately freed them. Then they wandered the desert for 40 years, wondering if their life in slavery was not better than the path they were now walking.
Over and over again throughout God’s Word, we see stories of horrific plagues and drought and bondage. And over and over again, we see God’s hand of grace. It is that hand of grace that I want to focus on today.
God’s grace is sufficient. God’s grace is always going to be enough. I was speaking with a mother today who is heartbroken about so many things in her life. But through it all, she continues to praise God. And that is what we are supposed to do. We are supposed to look for God in all things, even the bad times. His grace is sufficient for whatever it is you are going through.
Certainly, we have lost many loved ones this year. We have seen our economy falter. We have seen a contentious election that has caused many to doubt the validity of it all. We have seen those in power and those that want to be in power seemingly make a mockery of all that we stand for as a nation. Yes. It has been a rough year. And we have no guarantees that the next one will be any better.
But what we do have is the eternal hope in Jesus Christ. We have hope in the One who knew 2020 was going to come and He has a plan for our lives. It is up to us to trust in that plan. He drew your map, but He gives you the choice to follow or not. He does not force His will on you. He wants you to choose Him and to choose His way.
If I have learned anything in 65 years, it is this; What God has planned for your life is infinitely better than anything you could dream up on your own. Trust Him. In all things. Trust Him. When life just flat isn’t working out like you thought it would, trust Him.
As we head into this new year of unknowns, remember the words from 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.” And Paul goes on to say, “So I will boast more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may show through me.” Paul recognized that when bad things happen around him, it is a perfect time to let God’s grace show through.
It is His grace and His power that will make the difference.
Happy New Year!
