GOODBYE 2020

I'm sure everyone can agree that 2020 has been a tough year. Yet despite all the hardship, God has taught me so much, and I'm thankful for 2020. I learned to be grateful, live in the moment, and cherish those around me. It taught me not to take anything for granted and the importance of the Church. You never know the value of something until it is taken away from you. 2020 definitely had its struggles, but also happy moments. I'm so thankful for the people God brought into my life through unforeseen circumstances and the relationships I've made. God definitely moves in a mysterious way.

2020 taught me to depend on God for strength and drove me to His word for comfort. When I couldn't stand, I learned to kneel. I learned to surrender my desires to God and trust His sovereign plan, even when I didn't understand. I found comfort in verses like Romans 8:28 and the truth that even when I can't see it, God is working all things together for my good to conform me to the image of Christ. God stripped everything away so that I'd be left with what truly matters: JESUS! Looking back on this year, I'm thankful, but that was not always the case. At times I felt so broken and like I couldn't keep going. I think I've cried more this year than ever, but I found comfort and clung to God's promise that NOTHING will separate me from His love(Romans 8:38-39). Charles Spurgeon once said, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages." It's in the storms of life that we experience the sweetest communion with Christ. Spurgeon also said when we cannot trace God's hand, we must trust His heart. God used 2020 to shape my character and prepare me for what lies ahead. Yes, 2021 will be full of struggles, but I have nothing to fear because I know whose hands my life is in. God is faithful.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

*I'd love to go on with all the verses and quotes that have encouraged me this year, but I don't have space. Maybe I'll write a book one day. :)