Hope: A Courageous Journey of FaithSample

DEVOTIONAL - TODAY'S DISCUSSION It's difficult being a heaven bound spirit living in a broken human world. Doubt and fear are everywhere..the media, schools, the workplace, and sometimes even the church. Without our eyes focused on God daily, it is easy to be tossed by the sea and wind of this world "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you asks, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James1:5-6 NIV) Personal quiet time is a powerful way to direct the focus of our day on God. God can generously give us His wisdom, especially when we are in the depths of grief, despair, anxiety or depression, God wants us to "...not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6 NIV). When we are facing trials, God wants us to turn to Him first. He wants a deep relationship with us, his children. If you do not know exactly what to say to God, ask for his intervention because He knows all and understands what we need far better than we do. FROM "TAYLOR'S GIFT" THE BOOK Since I wasn’t going into an office every day, I tried to be as disciplined as possible at home. I got up at the same time every morning and went outside to sit on the back porch to read and pray. I had decisions to make for the foundation, and so many things were coming up that I had to seek direction and guidance from Scripture on a daily basis. I liked using the YouVersion app to read the Bible on my phone because I could quickly find related verses or search by topic. One day I started reading James, and for the next several days, I found myself working through his words about suffering, such as, “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” (James 1:2–3). James also talked a lot about how action should come from our faith—something that resonated with me. Tara would often join me outside. We just needed to be near each other. Over time, I noticed she was also reading. First, it was books on grief—most written by mothers who’d lost a child. Tara couldn’t focus for long periods of time and stories seemed to hold her attention the best. After a while, I noticed she had started to read devotionals. But lately, I noticed she’d also begun to pick up her Bible and read. I asked her about it one day. “I think you reconnected with God faster than I did,” she said. “You immediately saw a purpose and his divine fingerprints on things. I’m still searching.” At least she was looking in the right places. TODAY'S REFLECTIONS What are your doubts and fears today? Have you taken these fears to God in complete belief that He is in control and will hear you? God wants to guide us each day.  Will you ask him for direction? Remember Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (NIV)