The last twelve months have been a little unsettling, haven't they? If you look back to last January and the plans you had for 2020, how did they turn out?
In January of last year, we had heard about COVID and the challenges China was facing. There were a few rumblings about it possibly going to other parts of the world, but I must confess that I was not really thinking much about it.
By this time last year, we had work from home orders, stay at home orders, cancel all outside activity orders, and panic in the stores. I still remember pausing at the end of the toilet paper aisle in Walmart and seeing completely bare shelves for the entire aisle (I so regret not taking a picture just as a reminder).
In our culture, I am struck by how we think circumstances are guaranteed--health, jobs, prosperity, plans, peace--and yet they are not. All that we see around us is temporary and very fragile.
But, as followers of Christ, God provides guarantees on things eternal:
We are redeemed (think purchased, removed, liberated from sin and death) and forgiven of all sin through Christ (see Ephesians 1:7)
We are given an eternal inheritance through Jesus (see Ephesians 1:11)
When we put our faith in Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit guaranteeing our eternal inheritance until we receive it (see Ephesians 1:13-14)
It is easy for me to get lost in the uncertainty of the here-and-now, so I need to rest in the promises that are true. If you are a follower of Christ, speak these truths to yourself this week . . .
God forgives me . . .
God chose me . . .
God has guaranteed my place with Him . . .
Read Ephesians 1:7-14 this week and dwell on God's promises and His greatness.
May the God of peace be with you all.
--Eric Rutherford
P.S. If you have not done so, pick up my book Leading Well at Home: How Husbands and Fathers Can Biblically Lead Their Families.