It’s nearly the last quarter of the calendar year for 2020, and some people, Christians included can’t wait for it to be over. It seems that this year has been written off, voided and cancelled. Just like a check written with a mistake, some have decided to act as if this year 2020 never existed. Yes, we’ve had some challenging times, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. Times which have caused some to doubt their faith, lose hope and question the very love of God.
We continue to deal with the full range of issues related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and there are still disparities regarding social justice issues in America. Issues that everyone deserves equal economic, political, social rights and opportunities. That everyone should be treated fairly under the laws that govern our country regardless of their race, religion, age or gender. These are times when hearts have grown heavy and weary. Some have gotten tired and given up. It is a time when even the modern Church is being called out to acknowledge the racial divide and immorality among its leadership.
It is in times such as these that we must fully rely on our faith. Now more than ever, Christians individually and the Church corporately must rise and be the beacon of hope and source of love for the troubled world. In Hebrews 10:23-25, each Believer is challenged to hold on to our hope, show love and encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
This scripture is a call to confess, in a hostile world, the object of our faith, despite a fear of rejection. We may not face the same level of persecution as the early Christians, but we must hold firm to the hope we profess. No, it’s not always easy to follow Christ, when we do, we can expect trials and difficulties. Many of us will be tempted to give up.
One way we can hold on to hope is through the support of others in the Body of Christ. We are to encourage each other. We need our sisters and brothers to survive. We cannot go through our faith journey alone. Remember, when God saved us, He put us in a community of His children so we could have fellowship with one another. Many ask how we are to fellowship with church buildings closed. Yes, we can still build relationships through other means. Let us remember that an actual phone conversation may lift the spirit of someone who is feeling down. Sending a positive affirmation or scripture can make a difference.
As Believers we must use this time of quarantine and quiet to carry out the assignments God has given us. We must not back down out of fear or frustration. I believe that if are to tell how God brought us through 2020, we must stay the course. We must stand on Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Let us renew our minds, write the books, tell our testimonies, and revamp ministries. I believe there is a remnant who will confess that God is still in control of every situation. That God is still a Deliverer. That God is still a Healer. That God is still a Provider. That there is indeed nothing too hard for God. That we have victory through Christ, our Lord. I encourage all to stay positive, keep fighting temptation, be courageous and strong in your faith. There are souls assigned to you, and their spiritual lives depend on it. May God bless and keep you today and tomorrow.
Minister Pamela Nance Johnson
