Weekly Devotional:

Devotional Week of July 27

 By Bobbie Schaeperkoetter

As I climbed in bed last night, I asked the Lord to bring to my mind a verse that I might meditate on as I laid there waiting for sleep to come. The verse that that whispered in my thoughts was Lamentations 3: 22-24 CSB.  It says, “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”

            I spent some time just letting my mind wander back and forth over those words. I know there are many people right now who are in a season of lament. Some are facing challenging situations, a concerning medical diagnoses, strained relationships, financial uncertainty, or anxiety about their future. My heart can ache at the heaviness we experience in this world. Yet, at the same time, I can cling to the peace that passes understanding and turn my heart and mind to gratitude for God’s presence, purpose, and power at work in this world.

            Here’s the truth, sweet sister. In this life we will have trials. Jesus told us this in John 16:33-34 CSB when he said, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

            It is no surprise to God. We live in a world that has been tainted by the permeating disease of sin. We live in a world that experiences brokenness, pain, and heartache. Everything in all of creation feels the effects.

            But God is not a created being. He is the Creator, the One who has existed from the beginning. He has not been touched by sin’s devastation. In fact, he is the only one with the authority to completely overcome it!

John 1:1-4 CSB says this about Jesus, calling him the Word.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

            Sister, I do not know what burden you’re facing right now. I don’t know how the brokenness in this world has affected you. I’m not sure what pain or heartache you have experienced in your life. If I were physically there with you right now, I’d want to look into your eyes and remind you of these promises.

            God is good. Even in the midst of all of the mess. He is with you. He is for you. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. He will not fail you. You can endure even this because of his loving faithfulness to you. His mercy never ends. Even when it hurts, he is here. Even when it doesn’t feel good, he is good. Even now, he is enough.

            Sister, Hang on to hope. You are not alone. God is with you and so are we. This is a praying sisterhood. Reply to this email and you will be wrapped in prayer.

            If you’re reading this and this isn’t the season you find yourself in, take a moment to lift up someone else. Pray for the friend you know who is experiencing a hard season. Also, pray for the friend you don’t know. Ask God to meet the needs of the women reading this email who are hurting.

            No matter where you find yourself, the words of Lamentations can be a powerful agent of peace and hope for you and for the one you might be praying for.

Verse to Meditate On:

Lamentations 3: 22-24 CSB

 “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”

Prayer:

            Take some time to pray over the friend that you know is experiencing a hard season. Then take some time to prayer over the person who might be reading this email who needs to see God’s loving presence, power, and provision in their life.

Practice:

            Reach out to a friend this week and just remind them that they aren’t alone. Ask how you can be praying for them.

Worship:

            Your Presence Changes Everything by BattleCreek Worship https://youtu.be/rySgjBoxygo?si=nJkbLtKJxqpG_Pmt