Even If

“I know you’re able and I know you can” – Mercy Me

Today is the last day of the year. When we look back on 2017 we’re going to find plenty to smile and cry about. We put a billionaire without boundaries in the White House who quickly appointed a Mad Dog with a keen sense of the rules of engagement. The Islamic State lost most of its territory in Iraq. We elected not to pay for the world’s share of their responsibility in Global Warming. “Little Rocket Man” grabbed everyone’s attention, to include sponsor China. Country music was the target of one very deranged yet effective (not efficient, thank God) lone gunman. One hashtag - #METOO!

In 2017 many found partisan politics detestable as Republicans and Democrats continued bashing each other with no sense of cooperation and seemingly no responsibility to govern effectively. Few politicians crossed the aisle for the betterment of Americans as Senate votes fell mostly along party lines. While corporate America pushed diversity and inclusion as keys to better business, the US Legislature all but ignored ideas from the other side of the aisle. This isn’t new, but the worsening of relations and deepening of the divide between the two major parties began to draw the ire of the people.

As with every year, this year wasn’t without its losses. We lost Mary Tyler Moore, Jerry Lewis, Della Reese and Hugh Hefner. The music died with Greg Allman, Chuck Berry, Tom Petty and Glen Campbell. We lost friends and family too – folks who won’t make the headlines but who profoundly impacted our lives more than any celebrity could.

But 2017 wasn’t all doom and gloom despite a Google search of the major headlines. We finally got past daily discussions on whether NFL protests were disrespectful to troops or were protected speech. We haven’t solved the underlying issue of perceived social injustice, but the discussion moved closer to an appropriate venue which will allow measured, adult conversation instead of the emotionally charged rhetoric we’ve heard to date. The economy is up, with the Market reaching several record highs, and with it every American’s opportunity to improve his or her livelihood.

Tone deaf ears finally heard victims’ cries and society stomped down hard on inappropriate sexual behavior. Men and women of power across the social spectrum were placed on notice as #METOO gained steam. And who can forget JJ Watt and his $200,000 goal that collected over $37 million in generous donations following hurricane Harvey – mind blown!

But the point of all this reflection isn’t to start 2018 on a sour note. No, the point is to realize we’re still here, we’re still moving forward, and we’re still blessed.

The quote at the beginning of this blog is from one of contemporary Christian music’s top artists, Mercy Me. As the story goes, the singer is down and at the end of his rope, but he realizes that God is present and he trusts that God is working in his best interests.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:20, NIV)

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jer 29:11, NIV)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (Jas 1:2-4, NIV)

So regardless of partisan politics, IS or Al Qaeda, the Stock Market, the NFL, or Hollywood, 2018 looks good because we’ve persevered. If God is with us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)

So my challenge to us all heading into this New Year is to steady the course. Remember that God is with us always, even in loss and death, if the Stock Market crashes or Rocket Man launches, and find His face and His hand in both the good and the bad. If we are right with Him, then we can expect Him to stand with us in the fires of 2018 “Even If” He chooses not to save us from them.

Happy New Year – and God Bless!