Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
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
One day, Javier decided to go for a walk with his father. They were traveling along the road near their home when Javier tripped over a stone and nearly fell into a gorge. His father stretched out his hand, grabbed him before his tumble, and held on to Javier very tightly. He pulled Javier back onto the road, and they went on walking together, hand in hand.
Sometimes, the hardships we face are very similar to stones we find on the road. They are always there to make us stumble and put us flat on our face. It is good to remember, however, that God has reached out to rescue us, in Christ.
There are always opportunities for us amidst our difficulties. The best way of dealing with trouble is through our faith in Christ. Our faith is "more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire" (1 Peter 1:7b). Our faith gives us spiritual strength to face our problems. Thanks be to God who gives us the hope to face life's rough spots with the firm knowledge that we are victorious through faith in His risen Son.
Remember that God's promises are greater -- and more enduring -- than the momentary difficulties in your life. No matter what kind of problems you face, you will be able to rest in God. He will give you the strength to overcome them, even if the solution seems impossible.
THE PRAYER: Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your strong hand in times of trouble. Grant us faith to hold on tightly. Amen.
Biography of Author: Jaime Paredes was formerly the director of Lutheran Hour Ministries' Venezuelan operations. The Lutheran Hour in that country is called "Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones" (CPTLN) or "Christ for All Nations." There, LHM's radio and print ministries address problems like anxiety, sex, drugs, depression, occultism, and family relations. These programs are broadcast to more than 30 million people over 40 stations in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Cuba.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 1-2 Luke 24:36-53
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