And we know that, in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

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 Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour




Everyone I know has gone through difficult times.

You know, those are the times when we experience family squabbles, loss of a job, the sickness or death of someone we love. At such times many people turn to God and express their displeasure with Him for allowing these things to happen.

In such situations it is easy to forget that God loves us and, for His Son's successful sacrifice, will never desert us. Our anger pushes truth to the side, as we fail to remember that Jesus took our punishment and His suffering upon Himself.

And as far as these crosses are concerned, they are tests which the Lord allows, so He may build in us a better faith in our sinless Redeemer. But, and this is important, God never allows any temptation to come which will break us (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

I remember how some time ago a fellow pastor was scheduled to travel outside our country for a special conference. Unfortunately, while he was at the airport, his brief case was stolen. Even worse, in that brief case were all his personal papers and travel documents. All the way home he kept asking God, "Why? Why would You allow such a thing to happen to me?"

That night, on the 6 p.m. radio news, he heard that the plane, which had left without him, had gone down. There were no survivors.

That example bears out what Scripture says: in every situation God works for our good. Do you remember how Joseph suffered at the hands of his brothers, who sold him into Egyptian slavery? God rescued Joseph and ended up promoting him to being second-in-command of Egypt. From such a lofty position, Joseph was able to save his relatives, and many others from starvation.

Then there is the story of sad and sorrowful Job. He lost his sons, his daughters, his wealth, and his health. Still, Job refused to curse God. The end of the book shows him blessed and once again experiencing many blessings.

Mary and Martha had to endure the death of their brother Lazarus, before Jesus rescued that beloved man and restored him to his sisters.

God works for our good -- always. That's something worth remembering in the New Year.

If you do, no matter what might happen, no matter what circumstances may arise, you will know God works for our good in everything.

THE PRAYER: Dear God, send Your Holy Spirit so I may be thankful in every circumstance and situation of life. Let my thanks be motivated by faith in the crucified and risen Savior, who is with me always. In His Name. Amen.

Biography of Author: Today's international devotion comes to us from Ghana and was written by Lutheran Hour Ministries' co-worker the Reverend Cletus Alale. Known locally as Lutheran Media Ministry, LHM-Ghana was established in 1993 and has its headquarters in Accra. In this West African nation of nearly 24 million people, this ministry center uses music, dance and storytelling to share the love of Jesus. A musical group, The Harps, gives public performances regularly. Other mission efforts include Equipping the Saints (ETS), children's ministry activities and prison outreach, where the incarcerated are supplied with food, Christian literature and clothing.


To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 10-11    Revelation 19

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