As 2020 draws to a close, there is a collective urgency to move on. It seems the entire planet is groaning with anticipation. I can almost hear the calendar pages rustling like a flock of birds as we finally flip over the page to January and breathe a sigh of relief. My guess is most of us would like to wad up the old calendar for tinder and toss it in the fireplace as we triumphantly exclaim, “Goodbye and good riddance 2020!”
Before we dust off the dirt and hurt of this horrific year, it would serve us well to reflect. I know, I know—there is much we would rather never visit again.
But let me remind you—most growth is experienced in seasons of adversity.
I urge you to take the time to find the blessings amongst the rubble. Write them down and let them wash over and renew your spirit. Praise the Father for His everpresent help and presence. Take note of what you learned, my friend.
God never wastes a hurt.
Our loving Father uses everything for His good purposes—even evil.
“You meant evil against me, but God used it for good.” Genesis 50:20
God never wastes a hurt. Our loving Father uses everything for His good purposes—even evil. “You meant evil against me, but God used it for good.” Genesis 50:20 Click To TweetThis past year was a treasure trove of ashes that the Lord will turn to beauty.
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning.” Isaiah 61:3
Beauty from ashes: This is the promise for those who hope in the Lord.
“For those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
I assure you, not only is hope to be found in the new year, but the best is yet to come. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? This might surprise you, but the best was yet to come last year and the year before that.
Through the ebb and flow of this mortal life, God is preparing us for eternity.
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Do you see it?
The promise of God’s glory awaits us!
With every trial and every blessing we experience within this flesh that is fading away, we draw closer to our forever promises.
Yes! A time is coming when the Lord will wipe away every tear.
“‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” …” Revelation 21:3-5
We have so much to look forward to, beloved. But until the Lord returns or calls us home, we have a job to do. As we eagerly wait for the time when God makes all things new, let us be about His business.
Let’s press in to the Lord’s hope and strength promised to us.
“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” Hebrews 12:12
Indeed, for those who trust in the Lord—the best is yet to come in 2021 and beyond!
Praying that you experience God’s love and blessings in the new year.❤️
Love,
I’d love to hear your comments and prayer requests below.
What a powerful and needed message, Beckie. Wonderful words to remind us of our God and our hope in Him…now and next year and always!
Karen, It’s such a comfort to know our Father is always working out something good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Happy New Year, my friend!
The best is certainly yet to come, Beckie, as we enter a New Year. God has never left our side in spite of all the difficulties and challenges 2020 has wrought. May none of us ever lose hope in His eternal promises. And I truly believe that God is working to reveal the wrongs in this recent election to His honor and glory. May our world witness His miracles!
Blessings!
Martha, I have no doubt our God will bring to light the wrongs in His timing. We must continue to be witnesses to His amazing love and grace.
Thank you Beckie for your beautiful message of hope!
Dorcas,
I’m glad you found this message uplifting. May the Lord bless you and yours in 2021!
Waiting and expecting to see the hand of God weaved in 2021. Indeed He takes care of His and can cause favor to upturn any adversity. May it makes us cling to Him more knowing He alone is our source of hope😀🙏🙏
Valerie, I couldn’t agree more!
Happy New Year, my friend.
Beautifully said. This year has been hard but that’s what produces a bountiful harvest if we lean in to the Lord and allow Him to work in our lives. Thank you for sharing. You have a beautiful gift from the Lord.
Tamy,
Yes, let’s lean into the Lord all the more in 2021! Your kind words blessed me. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Happy New Year!
So encouraging as always!!!! Thank you friend ❤️
Heather,
I’m so pleased this post encouraged you, my friend. God is so good to us.
Happy New Year!
Thanks for blessing us with another characteristically uplifting, optimistic, and Scripturally reinforced reminder that the culture doesn’t define who we are and why we’re here. I especially loved the comment reminding us that because of our faith in Jesus Christ “the best is yet to come” was applicable even on the dawn of 2020. God’s will isn’t affected by the flipping of our calendar pages, nor are His covenant promises dependent on whether “our side” prevails in whatever contest happens to be sucking up all the oxygen in the room at the moment. It’s also nice to know that God’s blessing of your work and His sovereign ownership of the gifts and talents Jesus died to purchase won’t be affected either. So, that means we can anticipate more good stuff from you in 2021. Thanks for the encouragement you’ve shared with me and all your other fans in the past chaotic year. Together we’ll do some defiant rejoicing in 2021 and have an incredibly blessed New Year in spite of it all.
Ron, Indeed, “culture doesn’t define who we are and why we’re here.” Amen and Amen to that, dear friend! As a matter of fact, your comment would fit well as an addendum to this post. God has truly gifted you with a talent for timely words.
Happy New Year!
You said it so well! Romans 8:28 tells us that All things will work together for good. Hope you have a blessed 2021.
Jenny,
Amen and amen!
Happy New Year!
Very well written, thank you for sharing and remain safe.
Tangie, thanks for stopping by and taking time to share. I’m so glad this post was helpful.
Happy New Year!
Hallelujah and Maranatha Amen Sister in Jesus-Yeshua Christ-Messiah Beckie!!
Love Always, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann