That’s So 2020! Or is it?

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Can we stop blaming 2020 for everything? 

As I’m writing this post, my city is getting pelted with up to six inches of rain from Hurricane Sally. On Wednesday I came down with a migraine as the weather moved in and I’m still feeling a little wilted after fighting with it all night. It would be easy to say, “Hurricanes, migraines, flooding and tons of rain – it’s so 2020” as I roll my eyes in disgust.

Here’s an alternate thought. Joel 2:23 says “Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends  demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.”

We are to praise God because the rain is an example of His faithfulness. We can quote that back to Him in prayer and thank Him that even though this year has been filled with uncertainty, difficulty, sickness and disappointment – He is still is faithful! Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The rain that God sends – both the wet stuff and the hard trials of life – shows us His faithfulness. Instead of saying “That’s so 2020,” why not say, “God, you are faithful!” 

This year isn’t actually a place where we can lay blame. Do you know the reason we are in a pandemic, enduring crazy weather and storms, wild fires, political unrest and everything else? There are two reasons:

#1 God reigns over heaven and earth. Everything happens because He ordains or permits it, and those things are sifted through His loving and merciful hands.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18

What if instead of saying, “Thanks a lot, 2020,” we said “Thank you, Lord!” Instead of sarcastically smirking about whatever disappointment has come our way, let’s thank God for His gracious care over our lives.

#2 This is not heaven. We live in a fallen world filled with sin. We cannot expect or demand that life be easy, because the difficulties of this life are designed to point our hearts heavenward as we long for the day when God will make all things right.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1

I love what Paul Tripp has to say in his book New Morning Mercies:

“God, for your good and his glory, has chosen to keep you for a while in this broken-down world. He has chosen to employ the hardships of this world to complete the work that he has begun in you. He does not leave you alone. He does not leave you without resources. He blesses you with his new morning mercies. But he has you right where he wants you. This means your marriage, your job, your church, your family, and your friendships will never be the paradise that you want them to be in this world. 

If you’re God’s child, the final chapter of your story will take place in an eternal paradise beyond your wildest dreams. Listen to the words of Jesus, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). As you face the hardships of today, remember that grace has purchased you a ticket for the paradise that is to come.” 

Of course there are times when we have to say things like “because of Covid, we weren’t able to visit my grandmother in the hospital.” I’m not suggesting that we ignore the reality of 2020’s difficulties. However, even in the situation of a beloved grandparent being isolated from family, my heart finds comfort in the knowledge that God is in control and is not bound by “2020.”

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

I prefer to enjoy the hope and peace that comes from acknowledging God’s rule and reign over my life instead of laying blame at a point in time. Don’t you?

“That’s so 2020.” “God, you are faithful!” 

“Thanks a lot, 2020.”  “Thank you, Lord!”

“Can this year just be over?” Heaven is coming!

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If the circumstances of your life seem unbearable, heartbreaking or even just uncomfortable, I would love to pray for you. Email me, send me a DM on Instagram or leave a comment here. You can be as general or specific as you’d like – God knows your needs. ❤

Read More:

• Where Is God in the Coronavirus?
• How To Respond to the Noises of 2020
• This Has Not Been Cancelled

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