Daily Devotional for October 26

 

October 26                                                  Matthew 12:15-21

When I look back over my life, I realize that the hardest times
weren't those when I lacked money, health, or friends. I can
live with poverty, sickness, and loneliness, and, like many peo-
pIe, I have done so. The true low points came when I lacked
hope. For without it, each day becomes a bitter chore to be
endured.

Such was the case during the last days of my marriage. Ignorant
of the blessings that come from a knowledge of Christ's love
for all people, I lived with anger, guilt, and hatred, for I be-
lieved no hope existed for a better day.

I thought myself condemned, cut off from Christ and beyond
hope. Indeed, those were the worst days of my life. Worse
than living on stale bread and bologna as a teen-age father,
struggling to pay for an education and support a family. Worse
than facing major surgery as a young adult. Worse than living
alone for the first time at the age of thirty. During those times,
at least I felt God was with me, and I trusted in God's love
to see me through.

How foolish - and totally helpless - we are when we face
life's struggles without accepting Christ. Without God, we
come face to face with a world without hope.

Today's passage makes it abundantly clear, though, that we
need not spend one moment in despair. The prophecy was
fulfilled long ago. The Chosen One was sent into the world
for all people.

Yes, the nations will place their hope in Jesus. So will all of
us, as the peoples of those nations. Only then will we be able
to endure life's low points.

Jesus didn't promise that we'd never be poor, sick, or lonely.
He promised only to be there for us. And that is enough.

​

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989