Today's Lectionary TextRomans 15:13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's Devotional
My name is Mulu Bannister. I was born in Gambela, Ethiopia on the great continent of Africa. I moved to the United States as a child when I was 6 years old. Although too young to fully understand my world at that age, the cultural heritage and the unique experiences I went through in my journey to the United States have shaped who I am as a person. I lost both of my parents at a young age -- my sister and I survived when taken into an orphanage in Addis Ababa. At a young age I had already experienced one of the most tragic events a child could go through, yet I endured the pain without becoming a negative person.
When I tell people my story, many ask how I have been able to get through my past despite what I have endured. I refer them to this scripture verse “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). I am grateful that the God of hope also offers joy and peace because having hope isn’t always easy but having joy and peace in that process to sustain that hope makes it easier to maintain hope. I am confident that if I can overcome the challenges I went through as a child, anyone else can learn from my story and overcome theirs. God told Jeremiah that “I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not plans to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’’ (Jeremiah 29:11) I think that one of the practical ways we can cultivate hope is to trust that God is always on the side of our well-being and that God's love is strong enough to help us endure life's struggles. Prayer for ReflectionDear God, we thank you for this day. We are grateful for the many blessings you have given us. We acknowledge your presence in our lives. Fill our hearts with joy even in the midst of uncertainties. Keep us from hopelessness in this broken world. We invite you to come and dwell with us. We honestly seek your face for repentance. Forgive us for our wrongdoings and clothe us with your unconditional love. Teach us how to walk with you. This we pray with thanksgiving. Amen.
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