I know, I know, 2020 was a difficult year; however, may I submit that it was also a year of revelation? We've been praying for an awakening, perhaps our prayers are being answered?
Awakening: Rousing, quickening. The act of awaking from sleep. A revival of interest or attention. A recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something. A renewal of interest in religion, especially in a community; a revival.
Would you agree that we have experienced an awakening? Perhaps not what we thought we wanted but then God's ways are not our ways.
As 2020 began, I had great trepidation over the treatment I was facing. God called me to Him and encouraged me that 2020 would be a year unlike any other. He placed a special calling on my life and sent me out, even amid an uncertain future. I was nervous and excited at the same time. What was God going to do?
In over eight trips to Maryland and a trip to North Carolina, I had the honor to meet 25 people in whom God was working. I wish I could share every interaction with you, but that would take too long. But know that God moved in mighty ways.
In addition to my incredible journey of 2020, our world was awakened to the invisible enemy of COVID19; our nation was awakened to her deep traumatic wound of racism; and the United States experienced a very close and controversial election that continues to test our resiliency. An awakening indeed.
Romans 5:20-21 says, "The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
What does this mean? I submit that perhaps the weeds of our hearts are being exposed within the wounds that America has been culminating for so long. For a trauma to heal, you must first recognize the weeds and the rocks that have settled in, then you work to remove them.
Jesus works to remove every weed and every rock buried deep in our hearts through the grace that He poured out on the Cross.
Yes I know, it's painful, but after the weeds are removed, guess what comes next? Oh my joy, the sweet living water of Jesus. Remember, He is our Living Water, Water in which, "...whoever drinks this water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
Healing from deep trauma takes time and care. But we have passed the first stage, we have awakened to the pain. Now my dear brothers and sisters, will we seek the Living Water of Jesus and allow Him to heal every wound?
I'm in, let's do this together, shall we?
Father God, You are sovereign and You are good! Thank You for Jesus! Thank You that for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at Your right hand. Lord, we ask for Your living water to cover our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We ask for Your Spirit to infill us as we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Perfecter of our faith. Help us to persevere as we run the race marked out for us. And Father, help us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. We need Your healing Hand, Lord, to heal every traumatic wound. Thank You for awakening us to Your purposes. May Your grace reign through righteousness in the hearts and minds of Your children. In Jesus' Name, AMEN
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