Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4
I recently took our bunny, Oreo, to the vet for his usual nail trim. Although it’s necessary for his own health, he doesn’t like it at all. Worse yet, he hates the mode of travel. The minute he goes into the pet carrier, he defaults to stress mode.
Knowing this, Jocelyn put his favorite treats into the carrier to console him. He completely overlooked them. It seems his fear blinded him to what typically brings him joy.
I think the real root of Oreo’s fear is a lack of control. When he gets zipped up inside the carrier he feels trapped, with no say as to where we take him.
That pet carrier is a lot like 2020.
We live in the United States, the country where our foundation is built on freedom and democracy. As 2020 progressed, it felt as if both were stripped away. We got thrown into a vortex of a pandemic, and a political war. Both left us feeling hemmed in and trapped.
Even though God was tossing in blessings to calm us and bring us joy, our fear and anxiety blinded us to them. We had no say as to where 2020 took us, and oh how we hated that lack of control!
The thing is: 2020 might have been the carrier we were trapped in, but God was the one holding it. Just like I was carrying Oreo and keeping him safe, God was carrying us. He’s The One who got us through.
None of us is naive enough to think things are magically going to get better just because the calendar turns to a new year tomorrow. But there will be a miraculous change within us if we use our 2020 vision to look back and see how God had us in the palm of His hand the whole time, and always does.
If and when we trust Him to take us safely where we need to go, the veil of worry will be lifted. Then, we’ll be able to see all the blessings He gives us on the way.
Questions for Reflection:
- When I look back over 2020, can I see all the ways God was carrying me through?
- Can I also see the blessings and grace He threw in for me to enjoy?
- Do I trust God to carry me through 2021, no matter what it brings?
There will be a miraculous change within us if we use our 2020 vision to look back and see how God had us in the palm of His hand the whole time.
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Shifting My Perspective 
I love this, Claire. God got us through this year with the love of family and friends that have surrounded us. I trust that God will be with us every step of the way in 2021 showing us the blessings that we have so much to be grateful for. Happy New Year, my friend! xo
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I so agree, Michelle! I believe God does work through friends and family, making them a double blessing. Here’s wishing you all things wonderful in 2021!
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What a beautiful metaphor Claire. I needed to hear that today. Happy New Year!
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Thanks so much, Jess! I’ll let Oreo know that his stress served the greater good. 🙂 Happy new year!!!
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So inspired, Claire! I think we all need to be reminded that, no matter what, God is in control and wants us to find His blessings in all the tumultuous goings-on around us! God bless you
for your consistent reminders–I need them! xoxoxo
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I need them too, Mom! I think that’s why I write. It reminds me to dig deeper and listen better to what God keeps having to whisper to me over and over and over again. He must feel like a broken record, having to keep teaching me the same lessons again and again!
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What a cute and relevant analogy, Claire, of Oreo and all of us in “vision 2020”. May we count GOD’s blessings in the past years, present/incoming year, and sought the peace for 2021 that only JESUS can give. GOD bless you and your family! Happy New Year!
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Thanks so much, Gersom! You are so right. Only JESUS can give us the peace we seek. My goal is to keep my eyes on Him so I don’t lose sight of that peace, no matter what 2021 brings. Wishing you many blessings in the new year!!
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Thank you, Claire! A blessed week!
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As always, an uplifting, reassuring message here, Claire, with your sharing of Oreo’s tension and fear taking over his little spirit so he couldn’t see Jocelyn’s sweetness and thoughtfulness
in supplying right next to him his favorite treats!!! Perfect analogy of ourselves at times during 2020, even though our Loving God never left our side, nor will He abandon us in 2021, no matter what the challenges! You and your family have a blessed New Year!
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Thanks so much, Jackie! I do believe so many of us overlooked the blessings God was putting in our paths. May our vision 2021 vision be better than 2020. Many blessings to you, Jackie, for good health, deep joy, and and abundance of grace this year!
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