If We Will…
Half of this year is gone. A year called 2020 that cleverly was touted as 20/20 – as in vision. I think we were blind.
The year is a blur even though it is void of so many of life’s normals. It has been far fuller of of things we would rather not have known. Things like sickness and death, isolation and fear, destruction and lawlessness. Makes normal sound so long ago.
Yet, there is always good news even in the seemingly gloomy times. Always. Because God is good – all the time. Because this life is not all there is. And because hope is not just a catch-phrase used by politicians. It is a heartfelt word taught us by Jesus, and it is fuller than anything earth has to offer. “Because of all that the Son is, we have been given one blessing after another.” (John 1:16 CEV)
May not seem like the chaos of 2020 is one blessing after another. People have died. Jobs and businesses have disappeared. Many might say ‘if that’s one blessing after another, I’ll pass’. That view is near-sighted. Needs better lenses.
Here’s the view we need: not knowing if we have twenty seconds left or twenty years, when Christ is in our hearts, we do know that someday we will see clearly. “Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see Him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.” (1Corinthians 13:12 CEV)
So whatever the last six months of this year hold – better days, more of the same, or much worse – we have work to do. Here’s real 20/20 vision: “Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,” (2Chronicles 7:14a NLT)
It’s a big ‘if’. Will we? Our arrogance from the beginning of time has led to this very day. But God is always slow to anger, full of compassion. He asks three little things: “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8b NIV)
Sounds like those would cover just about any situation the rest of this year has in store. IF we will be humble, pray, seek God, turn from wickedness – then “I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14b NLT)
parisrenae 
A call to prayer and to humble ourselves as we walk with God, trusting in Him – thank you for the reminder as to how we should respond!
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Yes, we are called for such a time as this. Time to bend our knees and pray to the One and only God – who loves us so much and will work all for the good of those who love Him. Blessings as you seek with all your heart…
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There is much work to do! Now is not the time to get discouraged, overwhelmed or to quit. Now is not the time to become complacent. Such a good reminder and encouragement. I am trying my hand at scripture writing this month – something new for me. That verse in II Chronicles was one I wrote this morning. So timely – thanks for sharing!
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You are so right, Paris. I was telling someone yesterday some of the same things, thought perhaps not as well as you have said them. But we need to be humbling ourselves, crying out for God’s mercy, working to bring others into the kingdom and keeping that eternal perspective you talked about. Thanks for sharing such a timely post!
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Isn’t interesting that God lays on His people’s hearts the message He wants out there. Time to seek earnestly and be ready to act boldly – now is a perfect time to reach hearts. Blessings as you share…
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So beautiful, I’m just at a loss for words. Thank you for sharing this encouragement of such pure truth
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He’s calling us, isn’t He? Time to get to work for He has a message for the people. Blessings as you share your heart and His love…
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