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FAILURE, FRUSTRATION AND HOPE
It is almost impossible to imagine what Adam’s life was like in Eden. He was first and one-of-a-kind: no childhood, no parents, no schooling, no guilt, close contact with God, perfect world, a beautiful garden, knowing animals by name, a spouse created to be an ideal partner, only one rule to follow. Life today is vastly different.
Yet we can identify with Adam’s struggles: (1) He’s embarrassed to admit mistakes and wants to avoid confronting his problems. (2) His kids get into big trouble, spoiling many of his dreams for their future. (3) He works harder and gets less done as life goes on. (4) As an older adult, he has little to show for all his labors except a small farm and scattered grandchildren.
Yet even Adam had hope. Genesis 3:15 is God’s first piece of Good News: Satan will be defeated; a Savior will come. That promise gave Adam hope, and still lifts us from the pits to the heavens, from “What’s the use?” to “Praise the Lord!” When life seems barren and pointless, remember that even Adam, who had fallen the furthest, had this hope.
Jesus has come, salvation is won and the Bible promises another (second) coming at the end of time when all of our tears will be wiped away. Whenever you’re discouraged, remember the Good News.
PRAYER
Lord, I need encouragement today because . . .
READ
Adam’s story is told in Genesis 1:26 — 5:5. Adam also is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38; Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22,45 and 1 Timothy 2:13 – 15.
It is almost impossible to imagine what Adam’s life was like in Eden. He was first and one-of-a-kind: no childhood, no parents, no schooling, no guilt, close contact with God, perfect world, a beautiful garden, knowing animals by name, a spouse created to be an ideal partner, only one rule to follow. Life today is vastly different.
Yet we can identify with Adam’s struggles: (1) He’s embarrassed to admit mistakes and wants to avoid confronting his problems. (2) His kids get into big trouble, spoiling many of his dreams for their future. (3) He works harder and gets less done as life goes on. (4) As an older adult, he has little to show for all his labors except a small farm and scattered grandchildren.
Yet even Adam had hope. Genesis 3:15 is God’s first piece of Good News: Satan will be defeated; a Savior will come. That promise gave Adam hope, and still lifts us from the pits to the heavens, from “What’s the use?” to “Praise the Lord!” When life seems barren and pointless, remember that even Adam, who had fallen the furthest, had this hope.
Jesus has come, salvation is won and the Bible promises another (second) coming at the end of time when all of our tears will be wiped away. Whenever you’re discouraged, remember the Good News.
PRAYER
Lord, I need encouragement today because . . .
READ
Adam’s story is told in Genesis 1:26 — 5:5. Adam also is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38; Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22,45 and 1 Timothy 2:13 – 15.
Scripture
About this Plan
This is a 21 day extract of the Once-A-Day Men & Women of the Bible Devotional with 365 daily readings unpacking the most memorable people of the Bible. Daily readings take a look at the lives of Bible characters and include Bible text, a short reading, and a thought to ponder.
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