There are years that ask questions and years that give answers. Perhaps even years that ask and demand both—questions and answers. Reflecting over 2021 I’m well aware that I’ve experienced both in the same year even though I had more questions than answers. Maybe you have, too. Questions that begged for an answer—a right now answer—a rhema word—a breakthrough. Questions that demanded wisdom, clarity, and insight. Questions that sought to know what my next step(s) should be and when I should take it. Questions that begged to know what I was supposed to learn in the midst of my joys and my challenges. Do you feel me? 

I’m grateful that God doesn’t mind me asking questions—because I have lots of them. I asked questions about the pandemic. I asked why we aren’t more neighborly in this country? I  asked where justice is hiding out, why good people die young, why people hate and destroy people and things, why racism is a mainstay especially in Christendom? I  asked how do I keep going when I’m so heartbroken and weary? So frustrated. Why does love hurt at times? Why so much suffering? How long oh Lord, how long? How do I resurrect my long forgotten and abandoned dreams? Should I resurrect them? Are they aligned with His will? So many questions I’ve asked this year. 

I’ve also asked questions like who am I? I also want to know what I can do to be a part of the solution and not the problem. How I can make a difference in my world. How I can love others better especially those I may have hurt or offended and vice versa. I want to know how I can honor Him. How I can be a better steward of what He’s entrusted me with. My biggest question has been what He wants me to learn in the place I’m in—the hard places even the cushy abundant places. It’s fertile ground to build my faith muscles. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the answers He gave me. Often times it was yes, no or “my grace is sufficient.” 

God has asked questions of me, too. “Kathy can you trust me when you can’t figure out what I’m doing?” “Will you serve me when you feel it’s all for naught?” “Will you be faithful and not fearful?”

How about you? What kind of year has 2021 been for you?  A year of questions, answers, or both? 

Here’s my answer—

Gratefully I came into 2021–gratefully shall I leave. Underserving, unqualified, undeniably His. 🙏🏾