If you are reading this, you made it through the many challenges of 2020 – the initial terror of COVID-19, rioting in the streets, toilet paper and cleaning product shortages, and quarantines. Many of us dealt with sickness, lost jobs, bid farewell to loved ones, and lost friends in politically charged conversations. There is no doubt that 2020 was the most challenging year many of us have ever faced. Perhaps in some ways it was also one of the best years – filled with growth, maturity, spiritual blessings, and stronger bonds with loved ones.
Today, I was thinking back to previous years when my friends and I complained about winter lasting too long, or summer being too hot, or having to go to the grocery store, or someone bringing their coughing kids out in public, and I had to shake my head at my cluelessness. If I had only known what was coming…
…and then my thoughts turned to this new year and the year after. We do not know what is coming, but we can bank on the following two facts: life is going to change (either a lot or a little) and God is sovereign over us.
Our Theme for 2021 is Freedom
Throughout 2020, freedom was a word which commonly popped up in my mind, my conversations, and my heart. As I prayed for God’s mercy on us and on America as a nation, I begged for freedom to remain. That this land would always be a place of refuge where any man or woman could pursue his or her dreams. Freedom is precious, but it does not come without a fight and it does not stay without a fight. Freedom without vigilance quickly turns to bondage.
Each year we have a family theme which we also incorporate into PreEngaged, and much to my delight, this year our word is Freedom. When Eric told me the theme ‘freedom’ had been coming to his mind as a potential theme for this year, my heart smiled; and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. It is a term which sounds all the more beautiful when you face a real threat of losing it – a concern many Americans have never experienced until now.
So, this year, we will focus on freedom – freedom in love, in money, in family, in community, freedom from problems and issues, and freedom and in many aspects of our lives. One of the most beautiful features of a genuine love story is the gift of freedom.
There is freedom in love.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17, ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
The greatest romances in the world begin and end with freedom – freedom of expression, freedom to dream, and freedom to be the truest version of ourselves.
Am I Walking in Freedom?
As we traverse 2021 with great care, let us take a long look at our lives – our walks with Christ, our careers, our friendships, our relationships, and even our eating habits – and ask ourselves, “Am I walking in freedom in these areas? Am I operating in bondage or am I living the life God intended for me when He set me free?”
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36, ESV)
What is on your mind as this new year begins? What areas of life most affect your relationship? Where do you most desire freedom? Let us know and we may address your topic in a future post!
Let us take this 2021 journey together. Are you ready?!
Are you ready to walk in freedom in 2021?
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