Part 1: Help My Unbelief!

What’s your perspective of 2020? If your perspective is synonymous with “dumpster fire,” you’re likely in good company. This year seems to have been characterized largely by fear and chaos. But fear and chaos are hardly the marks of Jesus’ followers. What if our perspective on 2020 was formed more by Christ and His Word leading to hope rather than by chaos leading to fear? What if a peace that surpasses comprehension surrounded our hearts and minds rather than our hearts and minds being overwhelmed with uncertainty? What if 2020 is one of the best things that ever happened for the cause of Christ and His kingdom?

I wish that I could honestly say that my first response and primary attitude toward this year have been rooted in truth resulting in tremendous peace and incredible hope. There have been glimpses of that, but I can’t say that’s been my overarching response. I’ve found myself mostly disappointed and saddened by so many things that I’ve seen and experienced this year. And yet I know the truth. I know that Christ is on His throne. I know that He has defeated death and darkness. I know that new life is ours through Jesus. I know that He is making all things new. I know that we are looking forward to the day when God Himself will wipe away our tears and there will be no more mourning. I know that the peace of God that surpasses comprehension does not surpass our experience, because the God of peace grants us such as He is nearer to us than the air is to our skin. We know these things, and yet has our response to 2020 reflected that?

We’re going to make it, and deep down we know we’re going to make it because God is good. We know it, but do we really know it? Perhaps part of our prayer during this stage of 2020 should reflect the prayer of the desperate father in Mark 9:24: “I do believe; help my unbelief!”