2020. What a year it has been. Unprecedented, uncertain and challenging are some of the words we may have used to describe what we’ve been going through. We, certainly I couldn’t think to imagine that such a massive crisis would come and be with us to this day.
The pandemic has undoubtedly shaken the world, our lives and what we thought was ‘normal’. The term ‘lockdown’ was non-existent in our vocabulary until now and is something that may have affected or is affecting us in some way or another. During the height of coronavirus it felt surreal, as if I was living in a parallel universe helping to battle an enemy unseen by the naked eye. However, God reminded me that the life He has given me is His, for His purpose and glory.
Never once did I think that someone would say “Praise God for coronavirus!” but reflecting upon this, this season has stripped away our norm and made us carefully consider what we base our lives upon. For me, this has been a time of renewal and growth, learning what it means to fully trust in God. It was easy to know this in my head but at times, difficult to action. Before, I was placing my hope in dreams and aspirations that were achievable by the world’s standards and ‘hoping’ that God would somehow fulfil my answer to prayer. In some way, my faith became a tick-box exercise. I realised I was becoming self-centred with tunnel vision, revealing disappointments and impacting my spiritual life. Mark 8:34 says that we are to deny ourselves and daily take up our cross. God illuminated my heart and revealed to me that I needed to spend time with Him, re-develop an intimate relationship with Him and re-kindle my love and passion. Like with any relationship, time and effort is required in order to develop and strengthen this. The more I spent reading his Word and in prayer, the more I was able to zoom out and see from God’s perspective His purpose and plan. His ways are higher than ours. This re-anchored my faith and solidified my identity in Christ – truly knowing what it means to have fullness of joy and contentment in the Lord and renewing my trust in Him.
My spiritual journey has been one of ups and downs, but isn’t this reflective of all our lives? We will go through highs, singing loud praises on mountain tops yet weather storms and difficulties with no apparent end in sight. Psalm 23 is one Bible scripture I have memorised since the beginning of my spiritual journey. Indeed, God will be our rod, our comfort and guide as we walk through what we perceive as the valley of the shadow of death. For the victory is God’s and He is with us. As it says in Psalm 139:13-14, He has fearfully and wonderfully created us, knitting us before we were born. So, if He knew us way before our birth then surely He knows what our future holds! This provides comfort and hope that God is good and faithful. He provides light to the darkness (John 8:12) and He is the light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
Interestingly, as I write this testimony, the most recent sermon preached by Pastor John was on “Hope for the End Times”. I believe that God is speaking to us and wants us to hope and trust in Him and not in the things of this world. I thank God for my life and the hope He has given me. I do not know what the future may look like, but one thing is certain - Jesus is alive and with us! He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). I pray that my life can be a living testimony to those around me and demonstrate God’s beauty and sovereignty, His unconditional and sacrificial love.
I am thankful for my church, for we are one united body supporting one another to run this race with strength, perseverance and faith. As a church community, may we be open and share life with one another and live to reflect how God loves the church, His bride. Let us give thanks, stand firm in our faith, allowing God to propel us forward, renewing and transforming us to live a life that is pleasing and set apart for Him. May we equip ourselves, especially during the high seasons, as we prepare ourselves for the storms and battles that lie ahead (Ephesians 6:10-18). For great are you Lord, your grace is enough, your truth will prevail and set us free for your glory, and your glory alone.