Again, In Spite Of 

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

I first published the following piece in January 2017.  2020 was a difficult year for all. However, in our family, 2016 was a personal uphill climb.  We experienced the deaths of 3 loved ones, a mashed vehicle from an erratic driver, burst water lines, a friend seeking refuge from a harmful relationship and a couple of those infamous Goshen county hail storms that flooded basements and stripped vegetation.

The message then is the same in this new year of 2021.  John 16:33. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.''

I wrote in 2017 and declare again in 2021:

Surveys posted by Facebook friends often quiz about our “favorites.”

What is your favorite color? Breed of dog?  NFL team? Etc.  Etc.

However, this year of both difficulty and triumph has given me cause to embrace a new favorite, a favorite prepositional phrase, “in spite of.”

In this year, in spite of deep grief, we have experienced God’s comfort and grace.  In spite of our loss, our cup runneth over in the outpouring of love from people whose lives have tenderly touched ours.

In spite of hail storms, basements flooding, smashed fenders and battered friends, God has provided and given us an abundance so that we can be blessings to others.   

We are testimonies to the words of Jesus in John 16:33:  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.''

In spite of the tribulations of the past year, we are testimonies to the overcoming power of Jesus Christ.  In Him, we truly are more than conquerors. We have, in the Lord, allowed the seasons of our lives to overlap.  In our time of weeping, we have laughed as well.  In our time of mourning, we have danced in step with our Lord. Tears of sorrow and tears of joy often flow together. 

 In spite of sorrow and in the face of discouragement, we have celebrated and will continue to celebrate the blessings of our heavenly Father and the joy of family and friends.

In spite of the fiery darts of the enemy, we are experiencing an abundant life in Jesus Christ.   In spite of the uphill climb, the scene from the mountaintop is spectacular.

2021 is the year the Lord has made.  Determine to rejoice and be glad in it in spite of…..