Jumping by Faith into the New Year

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

This past year felt like a bungie jump to nowhere. It was full of exhilarating, exasperating, exhausting and emotional ups and downs that seemed to leave many of us hanging just short of our desired destinations. I don’t know who said hindsight is 20/20, but seeing 2020 fading in my rearview mirror is a blessing. Last year stretched my faith further than I thought it could reach and left me wondering if I would land on two feet at the bottom of the stresses, struggles, and sorrows.

Big Doses of Faith

2020 required big doses of faith to navigate the things we couldn’t see ahead. It took all the faith one could muster to believe:

• We could social distance from friends and family for long stretches.
• We wouldn’t get the virus and would survive if we did.
• We could handle the sorrow of unexpected losses.
• We could return to work, church or school.
• We wouldn’t lose our businesses.
• We would be able to buy groceries, get supplies and pay our bills.
• We would survive the storms, fires or floods.
• We could finish our “bigger than we realized” projects.
• We could host or attend celebrations.
• We could overcome the political divisiveness.
• We could vote and our vote would count.
• We could depend on our faith in God and others.

It has seemed like too much to handle and yet here we are jumping into another year with many of the same issues still in play. How will we withstand the obstacles and have the faith to embrace the opportunities?

Woman of Faith

Many of us are moving forward while leaving loved ones behind. Sadly, our family ended the year with the loss of my Mother due to the invisible virus we thought we could avoid. But, knowing she was a woman of faith has given us great comfort and peace to ease our sorrow.

I can hear my Mom reminding me…”I’m just a sinner saved by grace.” She knew she wasn’t perfect and believed and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She trusted in God, relied on her faith, and shared it with family, friends and strangers. Her faith gave her hope to press forward even in trying circumstances. Her faith gave me hope too.

Faithfully Following in Her Footsteps

Mom taught me many things but her faith in God and love for His Word are two things I cherish most.  She read, tried to follow and relied on verses like:

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:22-23

This year, I have committed to continue following in her footsteps and living by faith no matter what the year ahead holds in store. I hope you will join me as we jump blindly into the sea of unknowns and dig deeper into the garden of our faith in the months to come. Let’s take the plunge.

           “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith…” II Peter 1:5a

Bring It Home

Let’s consider this as we face 2021:

• Is our faith strong?
• Who or what are we putting our faith in?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC