December 12 Advent Devotional
Scripture: Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
A customer was explaining her past and how she ended up jobless and without a permanent home because of a nasty divorce. She kept saying how the Lord continued to provide for her by a friend letting her stay in a lake house and another friend has given her temporary employment while she looks for a job. She thanked her blessings, even though she was in the middle of a lot of turmoil, she knew that God would provide. She is choosing to remain faithful in the midst of the hardest time of her life.
I read to her the above Bible verse and I could see a bright recognition in her eyes as she was thankful for the reassurance even through her trials and tribulations she was being provided for by God. She is hopeful that there is a place of employment preparing for her arrival. She prayed over me and asked God for words of to share with you all. Little did she know those words would come directly from her.
As we come upon this season of hope and joy, many of us have a sadness in our hearts for what could have been, loved ones struggling or in heaven, or whatever else may ail us. This passage reminds me that through our faith, God will guide us to be our best selves.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Give us the strength this year to go through the tough times. When we are going through good times, remind us of what brought us here. Your unending love allows us to put a foot forward each moment of the day. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen.
Submitted by: Shannon Fancher
