Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Christ Brings Hope for the Hopeless

Bible Reading:   Genesis 18:1-10

Key Verse: Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10)


DEVOTION

Genesis 18:1-10 records Abraham’s encounter with God on a deeply personal level. He had to contend with moments of uncertainty. One of those uncertainties was that of his lineage as he and his wife Sarah were, at this point, older and without a son. What we come to find out through Abraham’s faith journey is that encountering God brings life to situations that seem hopeless. In Genesis 18, we read of a heavenly encounter between Abraham and three men. It is important to highlight Abraham’s heart posture throughout this entire exchange. His first response was to take on the role of a servant in making necessary food and lodging accommodations for the guests that he just met. Instead of focusing on his personal problems, Abraham shifted his focus to the task at hand. Faith, in a sense, requires a forward momentum. Abraham’s acts of service show that, by faith, we can move forward despite pressing hopelessness.
 
There are many ways to view and comprehend faith in the life of a Christian. One commonly used analogy is that of the road. Roads are not always straightforward. They can have bumps and unexpected turns. Abraham’s life was not the most straightforward road, yet he kept going. Faith is an active exercise. Abraham chose to engage with the visitors that came along his path. He could have easily dismissed them and chosen to focus on his problems (e.g., lack of an heir). Something else to consider is that God’s plan may not make the most sense to the flesh. Earthly minds cannot grasp the fullness of an infinite God. In the end, Abraham’s faith was met with the blessing that God had intended for him. He had found out that Sarah would have a son in one year’s time.
 
As Christians, how can we combat hopelessness? Jesus’ victory at the cross has to be the starting point. God used the greatest tragedy to bring about the greatest victory for humanity. In that victory, we can anchor our lives and find renewed strength to keep going.
 

PRAYER

Father God, we thank you for giving us another day in our lives. We offer praise and thanksgiving to You. May we, like our patriarch Abraham, be found faithful in Your sight regardless of our circumstances. We cast all of our burdens before You because You care for us. We ask that You guide our footsteps and lift us up whenever we fall. May we never lose sight of You in the ups and downs of life. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.


Thought for the day

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”. – Bill & Gloria Gaither
                                                        
Christin Mathew
Epiphany MTC, NY

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