Streams of Comfort

We’re a quarter of the way into the 21st century. A strange thought when I reflect on some of the events that happened a quarter of the way into the 20th century. Just to highlight some:

• January 3rd, 1925 Benito Mussolini proclaimed himself dictator.
• April 6th, 1925 a film was shown on an airplane for the first time. 
• April 10th, 1925 a Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was published. 
• July 18th, 1925 Mein Kampf was published. 
• August 19th, 1925 Babe Ruth was fined $5000 and suspended for being late to batting practice. 
• December 1st, 1925 The Treaty of Locarno was signed. 

For more historical digging into 1925 see https://www.history.com/a-year-in-history/1925.

When looking at a snapshot of the events that rocked our world 100 years ago, I can’t help but think about how God shapes not only our past, present, and future, but the world’s too. We sometimes limit God’s scope. In all fairness, it is difficult, if not impossible, to fully comprehend the power and the love of God. Paul writes this to the Ephesians, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19, NIV). 

Yet, we know that God created this world and everything in it. And therefore knows what will happen. A knowledge that is hard to swallow sometimes when we think about the tragedies that shape our lives and history. Humans are, by default, sinful creatures, enemies of God and His light. The enemy presides over the darkness of this world and tempts us. Despite all of that, God made Himself like us and saved us with His sacrifice. And that’s why we already know the ending of our story. God reminds us so many times in the Bible that our future is secure in Him: 

• Lamentations 3:21-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”.
• Proverbs 23:18: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”.
• Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. 

For me, this year has been a year of hope in change. I’ve struggled for many years with honesty towards myself and others, loving others, and setting healthy boundaries. Looking back, it was like being trapped in my own personal prison of disillusionment. A lonely place of my own making. As a Christ follower since childhood, I couldn’t wrap my mind around why God would let me suffer so. One of the things that had kept me going were those verses from Proverbs and Revelation. That one day this pain will pass. And after finally surrendering to God the plans I thought I wanted for my life, I stopped fighting internally. I was able to see. To start the process of unraveling the chains that had held me tight throughout the years. To face the hard truth that I don’t know what’s best for my life. Only God does. In letting that go, this year has been filled to the brim with blossoming new friendships and beautiful scars on some old ones. My internal world is no longer filled with dread and confusion, but hope for a brighter future. 

Take a look at those events from 1925 again, and reflect on some events from this year. Being a bit of a history nerd, I realized that our shared history, like our individual ones, is a constant push and pull. We go through cycles of triumph and pride that lead to depressions and suffering. There’s death and life. Throughout it all though, is the God who holds us. The author of our stories and histories. Find peace and comfort going into 2026 in knowing that our God is enough. He is good and wise and ultimately wants the best for us. 

To end this post, Antoinette and I thought to share three things we are praying for you all for 2026. Here are my prayers for you:

• That God reveals Himself to you in ways you never saw coming. In the moments of great strife and great happiness. 
• When the waters rise, you will know that Jesus is your lifeline. Pray thoughtfully and often to remind yourself and others that He never left the frame. 
• Don’t let the darkness in the world overshadow your light. We are living in a rapidly evolving world that for many may seem terrifying. AI, climate change, infections, political tensions. etc. All of these will no doubt follow us into 2026, no matter where you live, but we know the one who holds it all and is greater. Don’t forget that. 

May the peace, love, and hope of God be with us all. Happy New Year!