The year is 2020 and, in my lifetime, things have never seemed so uncertain, so scary, so angry, so divided. As the new year rang in, I had visions, hopes, and dreams of all of the wonderful things that this year would hold. The page of the new year had just been turned when we were celebrating the engagement of my daughter and her boyfriend. We had such a fun celebration with friends and family. Watching the pure joy and excitement in my daughter’s face brought me immense happiness.
Also as the year was beginning, I received custody of my niece. Though the circumstances were heartbreaking of why she was coming to live with me, I was happy to have her in our home finally and I was looking forward to helping her unpack a bright and happy future. We got her tucked into her room, bought a few things she needed, and began the process of blending her into our family.
THEN, by the end of January, we were beginning to hear about Covid-19. This strain of the coronavirus quickly became a pandemic and began to consume my time, thoughts, and actions as we would eventually be confined to our homes, except for essential activities. Fear gripped our hearts and minds as we had no idea what to expect from this seemingly deadly virus. Just as we thought we were getting a handle on this crisis, another erupted.
Protests, riots, and looting overtook many of our major cities in the US declaring racial injustices and disparities. Buildings were burned, properties were defaced, statues were toppled, and many people were hurt or killed during this time. Not only did there appear to be a racial divide but also an incredible political divide between our two major political parties. The internet was overwhelmed with people wanting their voices to be heard and their opinion to be stated.
Times seemed to be uncertain. What would happen next? Would there ever be peace again? Will there be resolution to these problems that we are facing as a nation and as a world? Then God began to whisper to me through various Christian leaders and more importantly from His Word. The Creator of the universe is still in control. He remains on His throne. His plan will continue to unfold. Nothing that has happened nor anything that happens in the future will be a surprise to Him.
Ephesians 1:12 says “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,”. The next verse continues Paul’s thought but I wanted to stop right here. God will work out EVERYTHING in conformity with the purpose of his will. The things that are happening right now are conforming with God’s will. Nothing is happening haphazardly. Our God is still in control and His will and purpose are being fulfilled at this very moment. Let me encourage you as I even encourage myself, that we have no reason to fear, no reason to wring our hands, no reason to drop our heads, no reason to worry. The happenings of 2020, while they have been very difficult and stressful, are not by any stretch of the imagination uncertain. They are assuredly conforming to God’s plan and will. Praise be to the one and only King!
