Well, the plans for 2020 have thus far not gone, well, as planned. You could say the whole planet hasn’t gone as planned. We’re a planless planet—an “et.” We’ve only been through four or eighty-seven months of this year, and it’s already one of the most difficult, confusing, and bizarre moments of the century. Not to mention the damage that needs dealt with—physically, emotionally, financially, and lots of other allys. It’s a little overwhelming, and a lotta frustrating.
[If you’re guessing there’s a “but” up ahead, you’re right. Here it comes:]
But, the longer you stay focused on what’s gone wrong, or might, the longer it’s going to take for you and the et to recover. I don’t mean to ignore the scary stuff. I mean not staring at what’s frightening and painful like it’s an inescapable black hole sucking the life out of you.
You aren’t defined by the constraints of this season, or by anyone’s negative reactions in it. Who you really are is getting more defined every time you look away from the black hole and see yourself, others, and life as God does. You may have to deal with difficult people and circumstances, but you never have to do it alone, or with anything less than his unceasing faithfulness, hope, love, joy, and peace.
In that mindset, you can see and hear God’s vision for you in all this—who you’re becoming, what you get to do, and how to help others know their vision (Proverbs 29:18). The more you listen to him, the more you’ll realize what a significant and valued role you have in helping to turn the et back into a planet.
“Heal me, O Lord. Pick up the pieces of my broken life, and put me back together again. You are the song of my life—help me hear you sing over me again” (Jeremiah 17:14, paraphrase).
Equip Your Spirit 