What has God been teaching you in 2020?

A few things come to mind –

• Clear the path so that God can speak. Prior to COVID-19, there were so many days I thought to myself, “Oh if I just had time to do quiet time, get in the word, listen to a sermon, etc. then I’d grow closer to the Lord.” But time wasn’t the issue, it was me choosing to not prioritize Jesus as much as I knew I wanted to.
• Being forced to stay at home, where God has literally wiped my schedule clean, has shown me that when life goes back to “normal or normal-ish”, I have to make an effort to clear a path for God to speak. To choose to seek him first in my heart, mind, and schedule.
• I can’t wait for another pandemic to clear my schedule so that I can focus on him with unwavering dedication. It takes effort from us to actively remove what gets in the way of following Jesus. And, for me it’s a filled schedule. He rewards those who seek him earnestly. Second, this year has reminded me of a question Andy Stanley often asks, which is, “What does love require of me?”
• I’ve watched several family members and friends respond differently to this pandemic, and it reminded me that I need to actively respond with love – not judgment – in all circumstances. Just because someone responds to an issue differently than I do doesn’t make them better or worse or more or less faithful – it makes them still loved by God, just with a different opinion. And, it’s not my place to judge them for that!
• So, I ask, “What does love require of me?” Most of the time love requires me to take a step back, to listen, to learn, to show empathy. So, I’m learning/relearning to constantly ask that question: What does love require of me? And being at home is a great place to start. My husband, Kyle, is wonderful and I love him to pieces but we can both get on each other’s nerves – I mean that’s any relationship, right?! So, in those frustrating moments, instead of letting my emotions take over, I pause to ask: what does love require of me? And as we continue to ask that question over and over again at home it begins to trickle outside of our home too.
• Third, it’s that resistance builds our resilience. Watching people suffer is the worst, and it breaks my heart just as it breaks God’s. But we serve a God who doesn’t waste our pain or sadness. In fact, he uses it to help us grow in our faith and grow closer to him. So, in a season of what feels like resistance on all sides (someone losing their job, getting sick, becoming a teacher/mom at home, etc.) I’m learning that God must want to teach me something – or all of us something. It’s painful and it stings, but it also bridges the gap between where we were and where we want to go spiritually. Resistance is an opportunity, and it’s a way to build our resilience.

How have you felt spiritually during this season? (Be honest!!!)

• Filled is the first word that comes to mind. As crazy as it sounds, I haven’t worked since March, we’re stuck at home for the most part, there is a lot going on that wants to steal our joy, but I’m filled. The Lord is near. And of course, my heart breaks for the people hurting – but I believe in the power of hope. Clinging to hope and the ability to clear a path for God to speak has left me feeling filled in this season.

In what way do you know God more deeply because of this year?

• I think I’ve seen him more as a protector and provider this year. Nashville was hit with tornados in early March, and houses just two miles away from where I live are gone. Still, to this day, there are houses and businesses with broken glass windows and rubble all around. It was devastating. I feel very strongly that the Lord protected us that night. Kyle still has his job. Protection. We haven’t gotten sick. Protection. I even received the news while at home that a devotion that I wrote will be published in a Proverbs 31 book – so not only is he protecting me, Kyle, our house – he’s progressing the dream he placed in my heart which is to write. He’s providing above and beyond for us even in a pandemic. And if your story is different, that doesn’t mean he’s not protecting you or providing for you – he’s intricately writing your story too. But for me, in this season, I know him more deeply as a gracious, protective Father.

What’s one portion of scripture you’d share with someone who you knew you’d never see again? 

• Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” I think for most of us, faith can be tough to navigate whether you’re not a believer or you’ve been a believer your entire life. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Faith is not ignoring painful circumstances; it’s believing in the hope of Jesus in spite of them. It’s knowing that he is with us no matter what. Don’t lose hope. He loves you and he’s with you!