Hold Onto Hope: A 5-Day Devotional for Encouragement and New BeginningsSample

For years my relationship with God had taken a back seat in my life. For most of my time as an adult, I listened to the biblical words my mother relentlessly preached, understanding little of what she was trying to say. Without either of us knowing it, she was trying to prepare me for what was to come in my life—both the good and bad. Still, I didn’t go to church, and I rarely took the time to read the Bible. But when my mother, my truest friend, became seriously ill, I ran full speed to Jesus, and He welcomed me with open arms.

This is the part of my life that I enjoy sharing when I reach out to the many people I have a chance to meet and speak to today. So many of us wander off the path and away from the love of God, then question how we can ever find our way back to His love. But I can testify from firsthand experience that while we may drift away from the Lord, He never leaves our side. He is our parent, and He is extremely patient in His love for us. He understands that sometimes we will rebel and go our own way. But the door to His home is always open, and the locks are never changed. When I faced the reality of losing my mother, my earthly parent, I was completely lost until I took the time to realize that I have a heavenly parent as well.

Yes, my earthly father was still living, but the connection I had with my mother was unmatched. All I could do was reach back to the faith that had sustained me as a young child. This was the faith of my ancestors, my grandparents, and so many other African Americans who’ve been through the fire and survived.

Yes, my faith was restored through the most tragic of circumstances, but remember: God welcomes us home at any time and for any reason.

Prayer

Father, thank You for welcoming me with open arms. Please help me as I continue to grow in my faith, and please help me share my story so that others can know Your love and grace. Amen.