Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: affliction

Friday, March 11, 2016

Saved By A Storm

For months a homeless woman wandered the streets of her city alone and in agony. She did not know where she was, where she was going or even her name.

One day while walking in a park, a severe thunderstorm broke out. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck a tree close beside her and gave her a jolt. Immediately, memory returned, and she remembered where she lived. As the details emerged, she found her way back to her family and friends.

We read in the Psalms of a king who had a similar experience. Though no doubt he knew who he was and where he was, he had been wandering aimlessly. Once he asked God to teach him good judgment and knowledge, reminding Him that he was aware of His commandments and knew their value for his life. He admitted that he had gone astray and as a result was “afflicted.” Then he added, “It was good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn Your statutes.”

If we let them, the storms in our lives may serve to bring us back to, or perhaps even, much closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. It always seems as though the grass is greener after the rain.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when we experience the storms of life, help us to realize that You are there and that You want to bring us closer to You: in Your Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:65-72 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Lifelong Learning

Oswald Avery and a group of biologists were looking for a method to cure pneumonia. While doing their research they accidentally discovered the properties of DNA - a unique gift from God that gives each person a unique identity. It has had and will have a direct impact on each of our lives as scientists expand its usefulness. It has the potential to assist physicians in diagnosing illnesses and in prescribing medications that will increase the healing process.

Avery did not have the discovery of DNA as a lifetime goal or objective. In fact, he worked in the laboratories of the Rockefeller Institute Hospital in New York City for many years and many of his research efforts failed.

But there was one standard in his life that kept him motivated. Each time he failed in one of his experiments, he took great pride in saying, “Whenever you fall, pick up something!”

Paul had that attitude. In his second letter to the Corinthians he wrote that God’s “gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.”

Paul wrote those words when God refused to remove his “affliction.” Yet, through his “affliction” he understood and saw God at work in his life.

How? God gave Paul His courage and strength, and His power to overcome his doubts and weaknesses.

Prayer: When life seems to be crumbling all around us, Lord, help us to look to You in faith, believing that You have a gift for us in the midst of life’s “afflictions.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.