Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Psalm 42:5
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Life can be tough sometimes.
Usoro was in the middle of the most trying time of his life. He was terminated from his job. The bank where he had all his savings was going out of business. Desperately needing cash, he tried taxi driving to make ends meet. But one week into this new venture, he was involved in a near-fatal accident that destroyed his car. He came out alive, but he lost all he had left. Frustrated and hopeless, Usoro descended into an abyss of depression. Abandoned by both family and friends, he was at his wits end.
It was in this state the outreach team of Lutheran Hour Ministries - Nigeria found Usoro holed up in his apartment and in anguish. They shared the Gospel with him. By God's intervening power, Usoro was led to understand all was not lost and that there was always a second chance beckoning for those who believe in Jesus. Usoro was counseled and learned to appreciate the dictum, "If the devil wants to see your tears, show him your cheers."
Usoro joined the LHM volunteer corps and engaged in evangelism and community services to distressed people. Soon, Usoro realized it was more fulfilling serving God as he served humanity. Usoro came to know that God's saving grace through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, lifted him from the pit of despair.
The word of God still sounds hope for all people who are depressed, sad, hurting, broken, downcast, mourning, afflicted by disease, or trapped in hopeless situations. Jesus calls out to all such troubled souls, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, grant to the hearts of Your believers the peace that comes with knowing the forgiveness you have earned them and the eternal rest You have promised them. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Emem Bassey has volunteered with Lutheran Hour Ministries - Nigeria for the past year. A Lutheran since childhood, she is an active member of the National Youth Fellowship and the Lutheran Students' Fellowship of Nigeria. She graduated from Polytechnic and majored in business studies.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Kings 16-18 Acts 13:1-25
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