Hope During Hard Times: a devotion on faith and hope

From an Africa Study Bible Proverbs & Stories note:

A Cameroonian pidgin proverb says, Smoke wey e commot for mami hi kitchen no bi for hot hi pikin hi eyes, meaning, “The smoke that comes from a mother’s kitchen is not meant to hurt the eyes of her child, but to prepare the food.”

Many believers are disappointed when they have problems in life. They may have been told that life would run smoothly because they are God’s people. But deep waters and hot fires are part of life in this fallen world, so we are not immune to them. God may allow trials, but they are not meant to permanently harm us. When we are suffering, it is easy to feel rejected and abandoned. But God loves us, and He is with us no matter how difficult our experiences. When such trials come, let us hold on to our faith in God. We should not fear, but reach out to the God who says, “You are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Today:

Think of a difficult situation you or a loved one is facing. Ask God if He is trying to teach you something. Commit yourself to being patient in suffering as you consider God’s provision and love for you.