Christ will make a way

By Jessica Brodie

I write this two days after the inauguration of a new president of the United States and less than a month after the new year has begun. We’re supposed to be in a time of fresh starts, new beginnings. And yet, I hear the grumblings…

Politically, I’m a moderate. As a journalist, I was trained not to take sides, to be as objective as possible and strive never, ever to let any persuasions taint my writing. In the 25 years I’ve been in this industry, this has served me well both professionally and personally. I have family and friends on both sides of the political and theological spectrum. Frankly, I like it that way. I tend to get bored and stagnant when all my friends, coworkers or neighbors look the same, think the same, act the same. Variety helps me grow. It helps me be a better disciple and have more tolerance and compassion. After all, how can I have hatred for an opposing viewpoint when it’s held by someone I love?

I choose to believe this year will be better than the last. The best days are not behind me but are yet to come, because every day I grow closer and closer to my Lord no matter what struggles or triumphs I experience. It’s true for us all.

I watched the inauguration Jan. 20 in prayer for unity and peace in our nation, in prayer that God’s will prevails. I don’t know what kind of president Joe Biden will be, though I am hopeful. I don’t know what positive or negative impacts his policies and appointees will bring about, but I do know God will use him for God’s glory. He used Presidents Trump and Obama before him, and He uses us all.

I hear the fear: This new policy could open the door for terrorism. That new policy could harm our economy. But fear is always with us. As a Christian, I choose to put my hope and salvation not in a politician, a government or a political party but in Jesus Christ alone.

Christ will make a way where no one else can.

I hope you will join me in continued prayer for our nation, our culture and our world as a whole to turn to God as our “guiding star.”

Scripture reminds us, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22b-24 NIV).

It’s the same today. As there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, there is no real difference between man and woman, conservative and progressive, Republican and Democrat, “reconciling” and “Wesleyan Covenant.” All fall short. But all are justified in Jesus.