At All The More, 2020 gave us a deeper belief in our mission to encourage one another, all the more (Hebrews 10:23) via our online community. This year brought many new milestones — hiring our first employee, Kylie, launching our first book study on the Book of Psalms, and bringing on new contributors from outside of the U.S. We have much to be grateful for in this community, and that includes these top 5 blogs of the year that encouraged you — our readers — greatly. It encouraged us as well! So, without further ado:
Our most-read blog of 2020: What I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Marriage by Natalie Mayo
“A spouse who loves Jesus more than they love you can ultimately love you with a truer and deeper love that comes not from their own volition, but from God. His love is truly never-ending and far better than our capacity to love on our own. If you are not yet married, look for a spouse who loves Jesus more than they love you. I don’t mean someone who loves Jesus in word only, or because of Christian culture, but seriously, deeply loves Him and is being transformed by Him. You will not marry a perfect person here on earth, so marry someone who practices repentance.”
#2: Isn’t it exciting to see what God is going to do? by Claire Raabe
‘The start of the new year always brings an onslaught of emotion and reflection for me. My birthday falls on December 30th, so as the world turns another year older, I do as well. To be frank, as of late this event has failed to yield an overwhelming amount of contentment and gratitude in my heart. Instead, the combination of the new year and my birthday feels as though I am being given a double-dosage of “these are all of the things you thought would have happened by now but haven’t.”’
#3: Safety: An Unexpected Idol by Claire Raabe
“By holding safety as an idol in my life, every time that safety is threatened, I perceive it as a lack of protection and providence from the Father. This prevents me from receiving the events of my life with courage and peace, knowing everything that happens passes through the hands of a loving Father. It results in me losing my peace any time the safety of myself or someone I love is threatened.”
#4: Managing Fear in the Midst of a Pandemic by Kathryn Pesyna
“What are some of the promises God is trying to tell me to remember?
- He is bigger (Matthew 19:26, Romans 8:38-39)
- He is never surprised (Isaiah 46:10, Revelation 22:13)
- He is in control (Deuteronomy 31:8, Genesis 50:20)
- He loves us (Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 136:26, Romans 5:8)
- He is faithful
Friends, I want to emphasize the last promise. He is faithful. It is not only important to remember His promises but to remember how He has been faithful in the past so we can have faith in Him in the present. We can trust Him. What’s a promise if it hasn’t been fulfilled?
You may notice I didn’t put Scripture references on the last promise because the entirety of Scripture itself is the reference to God’s faithfulness. Just look at the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Ruth, and David. They all point to the ultimate reference to God’s faithfulness, Jesus. However, I know practically speaking, these ancient stories can feel abstract and distant, so it’s also important to remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives.”
#5: Read Scripture Before COVID-19 Headlines by Bailey Lenzen
“Ask yourself:
- How has this pandemic caused me to look to the interests of others?
- Am I acting first with a desire to exalt the Lord or maintain my own exaltation?
- What idols have this pandemic revealed in my heart?
- What truths will I remember when tempted by panic and fear?
- What saints and heroes of the faith will I recall who experienced similar trials that I have encountered as a result of the virus, and how was their faith strengthened as a result of the trials?”
Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey to know God. May 2021 bring you many opportunities to see His faithfulness.
