Faith On Every Corner - December 2020

CONQUERORS CARRY SCARS

by Gittel Fruma While 2020 brought about many things within this country and worldwide that are not cause for rejoicing, many people will still make the best of things this Christmas. As people reach the New Year, many will choose to believe that 2021 will bring change. I have spoken to no one who would prefer to repeat the events of this year or to prolong them.

However, there are many around the world this year who find themselves in dire circumstances. There are many without food, without shelter, without financial security, and without loved ones.

The pandemic has been a focus of attention this year and has claimed many lives. There have also been lives taken by hunger and poverty issues which have been exasperated in most countries because of the economic slowdown resulting from COVID-19.

There are many predicting that 2021 will hold worldwide catastrophes of all sorts, ranging from economic tailspins to environmental disasters. The political atmosphere of the U.S. and much of the world remains delicate and volatile. There are many things that are not as they should be. While we hope we will find relief this coming year, the projections are dismal at best.

And yet, children of God, we have a choice.

You can choose the comfort of God despite suffering, or you can choose to suffer despite the comfort of God. We are told countless times by Jesus Himself, Peter, Paul, James, and others that we will experience suffering in this world. We can see from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and other men of renown that the promises of God come through suffering.

Suffering and seasons may be the only two constants in the universe outside of God Himself. Nothing of value in this world or the next comes without sacrifice. And no season in this life lasts forever.

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