The year 2021 has begun unlike any year I can remember in my lifetime. As we’ve started the year, my thoughts have not been filled with typical New Year’s resolutions but in deep prayer and contemplation.
Leading into 2021, I took part in the devotional “One Word That Will Change Your Life.” As I sought to find God’s intention for me for this year, I started with the one word that might describe how we all felt after January 6.
The word was "despair." Many of you may be feeling the same, and I want you to know that you’re not alone.
Somehow, we must move beyond despair.
As I sat down to write you, it struck me that truth helps fight despair, so I decided that my word for 2021 would be truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
In the days and months to come, we must remember whose we are. God is not a God of despair but of hope, love, and truth. The psalmist said, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence” (Psalm 42:5).
I’m reminded of the time in Joseph’s life when things certainly did not go his way. His brothers sold him into slavery, and his situation seemed desperate. Yet, he knew that what man intended as evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20).
What good could possibly come from the events of the past week, you ask? I’ve been greatly comforted by the stories coming from the capitol, as both Democrats and Republicans openly called on God for protection and comforted one another.
I also have to wonder:
- Has the church finally reached a time of crisis that is driving them to their knees?
- Will discouraging times cause people to share their faith, the reason for their hope?
- Will violence on both sides cause people to examine their hearts and ways (Psalm 11:5)?
We know that God can use anything for His purpose, and we also know that He appoints kings and princes, including both President Trump and President-Elect Biden.
He can and will work through both. Will our hearts be in a place where we’re ready for God’s assignment, where we’re ready to put aside everything we’re feeling, and lean against our understanding and into the path God has put before us (Proverbs 3:5-6)?
I believe that truth is not only God’s word for me for 2021, but that it encapsulates what Convention of States Michigan is here to do.
In the past months and years, we’ve had so much misinformation that no one knows who to believe and where to look for truth.
My promise to you and to God is that COS Michigan will seek the truth and strive to rely only on information that is originally sourced and verified. When the truth is not known, we pledge not to spread conjecture or use “spin” to fit our narrative. We will fight disinformation with civic education, truth, and hope.
When times are the darkest, the light of those who embrace God will glow the brightest.
I invite you to join me in sitting still before the Lord. Take time to breathe, to be quiet, and to listen. Let's reflect, repent, humble ourselves, and re-focus.
In doing so, we’ll be ready for however God leads in 2021.
