Every man or woman who is genuinely American should read the signs of the times, realize the crisis, and meet it in an American way. Otherwise we are done as a race.”
–Zane Grey (The Call of the Canyon)
“You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.”
–Psalm 60:3 (NKJV)
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The year is coming to an end. Many are ready to say goodbye to 2020, but I have a notion that it, or rather the things that happened in 2020 are going to leave us. It is always good, at the end of the year, to look back, to reflect and to engage the lessons that should have been learned.
There has been much discussion concerning the “pandemic” or the “virus.” Some say it was from China (and maybe they are giggling at us), others say from the hand of God. I want to say that I do not think this plague was sent by God. Evil, death, confusion and chaos all come from the devil. He did not create a virus, but he has been able to use it for his purposes. However, in saying that, I believe that God takes what was meant for evil and uses it for good.
Even good Christians have been fretting, they have been filled with fear over the virus. That is what the devil wants–fear. He wants to destroy faith, he wants to disrupt the relationship with God, he delights in seeing believers go into a frenzy and even at times show hatred and bitterness. In this year of the virus–Covid19–we should be looking at how we can come closer to the Lord. How we can be more like Him, and walk in faith. Not foolishness, but faith. This has been an opportunity to study God’s Word more, to pray more, to meditate and contemplate upon His Word more not to let the devil stomp on us with glee.
I sat out on the patio the other day, made a nice fire and began to think of the past year, but also began to think and plan for the coming year. Of course, no one knows what will happen from day to day, but as I watched the flames twist and fight one another and heard the crackling of the fire I looked at the coming year, not with dread, but with knowing that God is in control. As I watched the flames begin to dwindle into coals and ash, that’s the way I see the end of this year. The moments of last year cannot be repeated and soon the year will be like my fire–ashes. Oh, the memory of it is still there, and hopefully the knowledge of lessons learned, but nothing can be repeated.
Our hearts and minds should not be troubled. Dare to believe in God. Realize the He is in control, even when the devil would try to destroy and bring mayhem and havoc upon the world. Yes, the time of Jesus’ return is at hand, don’t let the devil steal that comfort from you.
This is the last Echo for 2020. I have been much in prayer for my writing in 2021. I’ve asked the Holy Spirit to help guide my thoughts as to how someone may be encouraged, inspired, uplifted, comforted, and at times convicted by what I write. These last days reflect on the Lord and what He has done in 2020, get out of a mullygrub or fretful state of mind. Let the Holy Spirit renew your heart, mind, and soul and prepare it for 2021.