I have been reflecting on the losses of 2020. Loss has taken on all sizes and types, but each and every one has affected us. Our children have been affected in ways that we may not even fully comprehend and they might not fully recognize. Some of our losses have been mourned, but others have not even been spoken out loud. A loss may have seemed insignificant in the moment, but will bring up emotions when we’re not expecting it.
All of this loss actually reminds me of stewardship. In this world, nothing is promised to us or guaranteed to last. But this is not true in our spiritual lives. When we trust in Jesus Christ and put our hope in Him alone, we have His good and precious promises to carry us through every minute of every day. So how do we steward what we DO have, both physically/materially and spiritually?
To answer this question, we really need to frame it with the understanding that our loss can actually help us to grow in our stewardship. We want to value the right things, put them in their proper place, and orient our hearts to glorify God with our “haves” and “have nots.” That is the amazing thing about God and His promises – it makes what we have become enough. And as Paul reminds us, God’s grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).
I challenge you to take a moment as we close the chapter on 2020 to reflect on the losses of this year. Pray for God’s peace on your mind and life as you mourn what has been lost. Ask God for His grace on you and your family as you grope forward into another year of unknowns. And at the same time, be sure to praise Him for His provision, His mercy, His hope that He has provided and continues to provide.
As we steward our losses, God will receive the glory due to Him. He will redeem what has been lost! 2020 is a reminder to steward our days, our resources, our families, our faith until Christ comes again – Maranatha! We long for the day when He will make all things new. (Revelation 21:4-6)
Consider reading 2 Corinthians 12:9 and Revelation 21:5 in context. What is God “making new” in your life even right now? How can you guide your children to better understand God’s grace in spite of the loss they have endured?