Let’s all agree that 2020 was horrible.
Nobody liked 2020, and we’re all glad it’s over. So let’s get the griping and complaining out of the way. It was, to quote Dr. Seuss, a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year.
Now, can we let it go? Can we acknowledge that the pain was real and we don’t want a repeat and be done with it? Because if we’re finished with the commiserating, I’d like us to examine an important truth.
Hope didn’t die in 2020.
That’s right. God was still at work, and it turns out that everything about 2020 wasn’t terrible, or horrible, or no good, or very bad. Turns out that, in the midst of the pain and chaos, Jesus still held the world in His hands.
He still cared for the kids at the HOME OF HOPE in ways we don’t completely understand. He inspired us to continue, when continuing seemed reckless. He brought new people into the circle and guided folks to accomplish amazing goals. And despite the changes and interruptions, FREEDOM TOUR 2020 was our most successful year ever.
I’m not bragging or taking any credit. Left on my own I probably would have given up and declared 2020 a bust. But our team encouraged us to keep taking one step at a time, even when it made little sense. One step led to another and things worked out in ways we didn’t expect.
Along with the FREEDOM TOUR team, I learned something (again) during 2020: remarkable things happen when we work together and trust God for the results.
No guarantees it’s gonna meet my expectations or my plans will work out, because God’s metrics are beyond my comprehension. But I’m sure He’ll be faithful and keep His promises.
So what if we agree that complaining gets us nowhere? What if we agree to believe that good stuff can happen in even the worst circumstances?
What if we agree to see opportunities rather than obstacles?
+ + +
Why? What difference will it make?
Well, I might repeat this little phrase: remarkable things happen when we work together and trust God for the results.
Or I could say it more succinctly:
Hope changes what’s possible.