|
For many of us, the new year is a fresh start; a clean slate; a chance to really make our lives better for the coming year. We have high expectations for what the new year will bring, with resolutions, and goals, and planning, and excitement.
But if you’re anything like many of us at Midwest Mission, 2024 has not been the fresh start you hoped for. Expectations were crushed, goals were set aside, and planning came to a halt. The “winter blahs” have set in.
We planned to jump into 2024 on fire for what God would be doing with this ministry. The staff had a few weeks off to rejuvenate and refresh, and as the new year neared, we were ready to get back on the wagon, full speed ahead.
But then, the new year hit, and the wagon just would. not. go.
We had several cases of Covid among the staff, several teams had to cancel due to sickness, and the bitter cold weather and icy storms closed our doors for a few days. Then a few staff members were dealing with health issues, the water heater broke in the dorm, and just about every vehicle on our campus wouldn’t start after the cold weather hit.
Was the wagon was stuck in reverse?
Maybe you’re feeling similar. You were ready and gearing up to hit the ground running, but it seems that some obstacle is in your way every step you take.
It reminds me of James 1:2-4 — “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.”
Consider it pure joy. Pure joy is cultivated beyond our human capabilities, beyond our happiness, success, and wishes coming true. Pure joy is holy, set apart from what is normal because it deeply contradicts our society’s depiction of joy. It comes from a heavenly perspective, shifted by the Spirit, that brings light to the world in good and bad situations.
So many of the people we serve are constantly going through heavy trials. Yet, according to the feedback and reports and pictures we receive, they seem to hold onto joy that comes from Jesus.
So consider it pure joy, the trials you faced in January, and trials to come. Because we have a heavenly Father we can rely on through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let Him use you, as you hold onto the hope we have in Jesus — may that bring all the joy you need to persevere through the hardest times.
So what do you do when you’re in the winter blahs and you are in need of JOY?
-
Get in the Word! Pour over His words, and let Him speak to you through the pages of Scripture. Spend time with Him, share your trials and burdens, and ask Him for heavenly help to persevere.
-
Unite with one another. One of the best ways to combat the winter blahs is to be with your community. We are made for community, yet it can be so easy to be apart (especially when it’s so cold outside!). But make an effort to join together - and be on the lookout for those who might not be able to go to you.
-
Serve. Sometimes to get through the trials of our own life, we have to focus on the good we can do for others. Helping others, especially alongside our community, is a great cure for the winter blahs. Serving together brings an unexplainable, abundant JOY that brightens the darkest day. Focusing on someone else, serving the least of these (Matthew 25:40), will further the Kingdom of God, and bring pure JOY for the one who is serving.
So how can you serve right where you are?
- Make Kits at home - buy or collect supplies and put them together with a group of friends. (midwestmission.org/kits)
- Call around for medical supply donations - call local friends, hospitals, nursing homes, VFWs, American Legions, and other medical facilities to see if they have medical equipment they would donate to Midwest Mission. Collect it, and bring it to us or a Permanent Collection Site near you. (midwestmission.org/collect-donate)
- Collect other items we need - bikes, sewing machines, kit items, you name it! We are always in need of supplies to send to make a difference around the world and around the corner.
- Make handmade items. We have a plethora of patterns and instructions for handmade items we send internationally. (midwestmission.org/patterns)
As we enter into February, we are holding onto the hope that comes from Jesus to help us persevere through any trials ahead, because we know He has great things in store for His Kingdom. We pray for peace and pure JOY through whatever comes your way, as well.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” James 1:17-18
| 
