Beyond "in spite of"

If you’re like us, your first reaction to something negative is usually negative. “Oh, no!” is a pretty natural first response.

Let’s face it. 2020 has been a year full of negatives. We had certainly hoped this year would be better than it is.

Being people of faith, we of course look for silver linings. How can we be victorious in spite of  COVID-19, racial unrest, political discord, fire evacuations, and whatever else is lurking around the corner? This is a good question, moving us in a better direction.

But another helpful question is slightly different: “What good is coming because of the negative circumstances?” Beyond side-stepping hardships, we face them squarely, realizing ‘beauty from ashes’ is more than a sugar-coating nugget from Scripture.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.  Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

COVID continues to devastate so many lives, both directly and indirectly.

We could certainly list a host of negatives, but it’s also healthy to think about some of the good this challenging season has brought our way:

·    Closer connections with neighbors

·    Deeper appreciation for family and friends

·    Greater awareness of the needs of older adults and others suffering disproportionately

·    Opportunities to learn new skills and reach out in different ways

·    Deeper reliance on God

We have hope today, not ‘in spite of’ the cross Jesus died on, but because that cross represents our salvation.

What can we do today, not just in spite of this pandemic, but because of it?