God is in Control

For many, including me, this year has been full of stress: trying to figure out new schedules, not knowing when things will end, and last-minute decisions. For some, it has been a year full of disappointments, let downs, and times where there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Most people started off the year like normal, with a new year’s resolution and a positive perspective for the year. It was, of course, the year of “20/20 vision” and people used that as a springboard to start the year off right. But what started at the end of February most people didn’t see coming and it seems as though the year that was going to be perfect has been anything but that.

At the beginning of the year, I decided that I was going to make this year different. I decided that I was going to dedicate myself to making my relationship with God my number one priority in order to strengthen my faith in Him. So, I set personal goals for myself. One of which was to read the bible every single day and get through the whole thing by the end of the year. When I made this goal, I didn’t know how it was going to impact me on a deep and personal level. Once I started making God my number one priority in life, things started to shift. I was able to hear God and I was more confident about decisions that I was making. I wasn’t more confident because I was making decisions, but because I was making decisions that were rooted in my faith. As the year continued, I started to see my faith mature, and soon after, the pandemic started. Though these times have not always been easy, my faith in God has allowed me to keep growing. I have kept my eyes on God and trusted Him with all that is going on.

I’m a believer that one way faith can be built is through the circumstances we go through. James chapter 1 verses 2-3 says this: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” 2020 may have its challenges for you, whether it is the pandemic or something else. Recently, we found out that my boyfriend is being deployed and this is something that I have been struggling with. We met in tech school and have now been together for two years tomorrow. We were fortunate enough to be stationed at the same base and therefore have not spent much time apart. We have not been apart for more than a week at a time. This is hard for me because it is not only going to test our relationship, but it is also a potentially dangerous situation for him. We have been praying together in person, and now over facetime, about these different trials we are facing. I am having to fully rely on God during a time where I feel very alone. For many people 2020 has felt just like that: a period of loneliness, worry, trouble and sadness. It seems as though that is the theme for this year. A couple of weeks ago for Easter, I wrote a blog post and the theme of it was “You (God) take what the enemy meant for evil and you turn it for good.” I believe that holds true to my situation and to the world. The truth is, our faith is going to be tested. But God holds true to a promise that our faith will save us and He will provide.

I tell you all this not for sympathy, but to share the power of prayer and faith. I believe that God can turn this year around for you and your family. In fact, I believe that God can turn this year around for everyone. Psalm 16:8 says this: “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” That is such an encouraging message. But here is the most important part of that verse: “I have set the Lord always before me.” It doesn’t say that David sets the Lord before him just in the tough times, but he does so ALWAYS. The truth is there is no one else better to be in control of our lives. We cannot do better than God can. Job 11:7-9 says, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens-what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave-what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.”

Our prayer for you is that you are able to allow God to redeem this year for you. As we continue to fight battles of loneliness and fear, that we are reminded that we are not really alone. God is with us and for us. Romans 8:31 says, “What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Life is only worth living if we live it for God and with God. He can redeem any situation and turn it for good. We pray that as we continue to go through situations that test our faith, they end up producing fruit in our lives and that they strengthen our faith. We pray that as the year goes on, we continue to grow closer to God.

Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.”