How to find the good from 2020

A guest post by Rebecca Cruz of audienceofonecreations.com.

2021 is finally here! There were probably many of us that were anxiously awaiting its arrival. I think it goes without saying that  2020 was a “challenging” year, to put it mildly. But honestly, if you will allow me to be so bold and say something, it would be  this: 2020 was a FANTASTIC year. Now wait! Don’t click the little X on your browser tab just yet. Please, hear me out.

Was 2020  difficult? Yes. Did it lend itself to a lot of heartache, worry, and anxiety? Yes, it’s true. 2020 was probably one of, if not the most challenging year the world has known in a long time. The events that took place in 2020 literally affected every single nation  around the globe. And yet, maybe that’s exactly what God wanted to happen? Maybe He wanted the entire world to look to  Him?  

As 2021 has gotten into full swing now that we are nearing the end of January, I have had time to assess and take stock of 2020.  While reflecting on it, I came to an interesting conclusion:

PERSPECTIVE is essential.

When we look at a situation, our perception and reaction to that situation depends on the lens we choose to view it through. A situation that looks difficult and  challenging to us might be exactly what God is looking to use to help us grow and move towards our destiny. When we choose  to look at the world around us through the lens of God’s Word, then we are able to look at things through God’s perspective. The book of Colossians has a great chapter that deals with perspective and I encourage you to take the time to read it and  reflect on it. In particular, verse 2 really caught my attention.  

Colossians 3:2 

“Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

Now some people read this verse and think that God is giving us free license to have an escapist mentality. There are those that  think that all we should do is wait for the glorious day when Yeshua comes back to reign and set the world straight. Is that a  promise that we have been given and should hold close to our hearts? Absolutely!

He will return and He will rule and we will reign with Him.

There are plenty of places in the Word of God that point out His imminent return and our involvement with it!  Here are just a few: 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 

Daniel 7:27 – Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” 

2 Timothy 2:12a – If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. 

Revelation 5:10 – And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.’ 

However, take a closer look at that last verse. Revelation 5:10 points out something that I think many have overlooked. It says  that we will reign on the earth! In other words, we are not going anywhere.

We are in it for the long haul.

The earth was given  to us as our inheritance. Will there be changes made? Will a lot of stuff happen when Yeshua returns? Most definitely. And  we’ll have plenty of time when He comes to figure out how we fit into that picture. But for now, let’s go back and take a closer look at that Colossians verse again. It would seem that this verse can give us insight into how we are to look at 2021 and our role in it.  

I think that the biggest takeaway we can get from Colossians 3:2 has more to do with perspective than location. When we focus on things above, I believe that the directive we are getting from God is to look to the source for our guidance. To do that, we need to look at what He left for us in His Word. It’s our blueprint. It is our guide for navigating this world we live in.

So as we  go into 2021, perhaps you are wondering what steps you can take to get the right perspective and see things through God’s lens. You are interested in staying focused and searching out what God has for you in 2021.  

Here’s what you can do:

There are plenty of resources that God has given the body to be able to do that. Through the giftings and talents that God has placed in the body, He has used them to provide believers with resources, tools, books, music, etc. to help us on this journey of  trust and relationship.

Here, at Joyful and Free, Kayla has provided you with a wonderful safe place where you can come to  learn more about our Father. Thank God for that! It’s a blessing that I know you appreciate and cherish! That’s why it means  so much to me that Kayla has given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on this platform with you. Being part of a group of believers that are honestly searching to walk out the Word of God with passion and sincerity is a gift!

I love being able to use my talents and gifts to share God with others. I recently published the first of a 4 part series devotional titled, Establishing His Name: Exploring the Width and Depth of God’s Character. Long name—I know! But it’s a big topic that involves a complex and  important subject, so bear with me. This devotional is meant to enhance and support your journey of discovering God and His  role in your life.

For example, did you know that one of the names God uses to describe Himself in the Word is the “EHYEH ASHER EHYEH“? The closest translation that we have to this original name is the “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.”

In a nutshell, what God was referring to through this Name is that He is able to be WHATEVER is needed to accomplish His purpose in any  situation.

That’s something to chew on for a bit, isn’t it!? 

So what is your purpose?

If you want to know what your purpose is here on the earth, it would stand to reason that knowing Who put you here would be important.

Having a relationship with the One who gave you life and the air you breathe is vital to you being able to flourish in all you were meant to be. God as the Creator, becomes God the Father once you come on the scene. More so than that, God  becomes the One who yearns to hold your hand as you journey through life. In light of this, I think that getting to know His character is a foundational piece of our understanding of life, our purpose, and destiny.  

Would you like to learn more?

In honor of “Starting off on the Right Foot“, I would love for you to get your hands on a copy of Establishing His Name! It is available in both English and Spanish. I also have it available in both print and digital copies. I’m  grateful for Kayla being so gracious in giving me the opportunity of sharing my thoughts with you here.

In return, I’d love to gift  you with an offer code to be able to grab Establishing His Name at a discounted price! The code is JOYFUL15 and provides a 15% discount for the purchase of the book or anything else on my website. I hope you’ll take a moment to visit me at  www.audienceofonecreations.com. You’ll get to see a familiar face, as Kayla will also be guest blogging over there as well! Won’t  that be fun?!

Let’s continue the conversation!

I’d love to hear from you and hear your thoughts on going into 2021 with the  right perspective! Leave your comments below, or reach out to me at letsbefriends@audienceofonecreations.com. I look forward to interacting with you and walking alongside you on this journey called life!