100 Days of HopeSample

Finding Hope

In observing and ministering in poor communities, God is revealing to me the truth of Isaiah 55:8: that His ways are not my ways and that they are, in fact, higher than my ways while sometimes initially appearing foolish. I recently entered one very poor slum. This community of Christians lived and worked in garbage 24/7, was regularly marginalized and persecuted for their faith, and materially had nothing. I felt so sorry for them as I reflected on my life of plenty.

After hearing their stories and praying with them, however, my sentiments completely changed as I saw the Gospel giving life in a broken place. With no material idols to worship, this Christian community had found its identity solely in Christ and was a model for me in not living for this world but for Christ. Stripped of everything the world holds dear they have a profound understanding that apart from Christ they are nothing—and they live in the light of this identity despite persecution, filth, and disease.

These people in the slum were living in the truth and understanding that the power of the Gospel is real—our only hope is a life in the love of Christ. Through Christians living in a wretched slum, God revealed my need to live daily in the power of Christ to escape the garbage of sin.

Prayer: Father, thank you for teaching us that unexpected people and experiences can teach us more about your grace and our need to daily depend on you.