2020: Clear Vision or Hindsight?

The number or phrase “2020” can refer to a number of things vision related. Physically, it means having perfect vision. Another phrase, “hindsight is 2020”, refers to the idea that we see or understand a situation better looking back on it than we did in the moment. Last year was expected to be a year of clear vision (because of the number) and many were disappointed at the massive curve balls thrown our way. We definitely didn’t see that coming! But I think it was a year of clear vision, not because the path was laid out before us clearly, but because it cleared our vision.

 

Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him…Therefore know today, and take it to your heart, that the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

 

The War Is Already Won

We all struggle. Sometimes it feels as if we are in a battle, whether physical, mental or spiritual. The closer we come to God the more aware we become of spiritual battles waging in and around us. Even when we are aware of the spiritual battle, it can seem daunting, even impossible, to continue fighting, especially when we have asked for help or deliverance. Why doesn’t God help us? Why doesn’t He fight for us?

Stand Your Ground

So now, we have our armor, we are ready for battle, what do we do? As I covered earlier, half of the battle is prayer, but what else? When we are in battle what do we do? Is there any one specific action we are commanded to do in battle?

Stand

Ready For Battle

Battle. Images from war movies come to mind. Men fighting and dieing for some cause. It brings with it ideas of pain and suffering. Battles are ugly. Unfortunately, they are also, at times, necessary. Another idea we have with battles is that they are distant, something we may never face. Sadly, that is not true. In reality, we are all in a battle, so the question is not whether we will be in a battle, but will we be ready?