2020 a year that will long be remembered.

2020 is a year that will long be remembered. The Covid 19 Pandemic is still leaving its mark on our lives and will leave a permanent impression. However, how it was handled by our government is small in importance as to how it was handled by our faith.

Yes, we feared for ourselves, our loved ones and even the public. We have seen and taken unbelievable measures to avoid infection. And the reality is, we are still facing it head on. How has your faith endured? Intact? Or shaken?

I pray that our faith has been strengthen. I hope that what we felt in March is different than what we feel today. God has seen us through and is still seeing us through. Yes, our efforts did slow the virus, but as we have returned to a “new” normal, the rate of infection has increased, but successful treatment has also increased. Yes, there is still a danger and we need to be cautious and that may mean more effort, but I hope we can face the future with a stronger faith in God’s presence with us during it all.

I have a hard time thinking that God caused this all to happen, but I understand that He is using it to get our attention and to even grow our faith in him. In I Peter 1:6-8 we read “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even through refined fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 

As we approach the holidays, it may not seem as happy considering what we are enduring, but we can find joy in his faithfulness. He will see us through it and will save us. That is what Jesus’ birth began, Easter paid and His return promises. We can find the joy of Christmas – be reminded that is where our salvation began.

Matthew 24:13-but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved

Let us celebrate his birth because of the salvation He brought! We will be saved!