A Brighter Future: A 5-Day DevotionalSample

Day 1 — A bright hope

Do you know the feeling of putting your hope in something and then being disappointed? It’s hard to wrestle with. Where do we put our hope when we are facing situations that don’t seem to have an immediate resolution? Do we deny our disappointment, or is there a way we can entrust our uncertainty into the safe arms of our Father?

The Bible tells us that when we make God the foundation of our hope and believe in Him, we will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11). It says that He, our Creator and Loving Father, has imagined a future for us that is full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and He will satisfy our desires with good things (Psalm 103:5).

So what do we do when we are stuck in circumstances that feel anything but hope-filled?

Olive, a woman from Uganda, knows exactly what this wrestle feels like. When Olive and Jackon first met, it was love at first sight. Although they didn’t own much and lived in a small mud hut, they were happy. Before long, God blessed them with their first child—the first of six. When Olive was pregnant with their secondborn, everything changed. Jackson faced mental health challenges. No matter how many hospitals the couple visited, Jackon's condition didn’t improve. “Sometimes Jackson would leave home and not return for three weeks,” says Olive.

With Jackson unable to work, Olive had to make heartbreaking decisions. Their family could not afford basic necessities, and her children would often walk six hours to fetch water from a faraway cave. To combat starvation, Olive taught her children to skip lunch so they could stretch their food to last another day. Many nights, Olive would lie awake in bed wondering what would become of her family.

When Olive’s youngest, Promise, was three years old, someone told the local church pastor about their situation. The church staff visited their home and registered Promise into Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program. Immediately, Olive and her family were given food provisions and a cash transfer. The family bought a goat—the first animal they’d ever owned—as well as mattresses and bedding. Olive was given business skills and eventually opened a small kiosk where she sells bananas, sweet potatoes, and millet.

Throughout her journey, Olive has experienced many highs and lows. She understands being starry-eyed with hope for her future, and the crushing weight of disappointment when things started unravelling before her eyes. Yet, woven throughout is the steadfast presence of God. Although He might not have always been visible from a human perspective, Olive came to a place where she had to rely on God for everything. And the best part is: He showed up. “My story is a testimony for others that, at the right time, God shows up,” says Olive.

Biblical faith rests on the trustworthiness of God to keep His promises. It is a surrendered hope in the person of God who does not change (Malachi 3:6), and who is trustworthy to keep His covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9).

As the people of God, we are called to live in this confident hope—not hope in ourselves or in our circumstances—but in the nature of our Father. And that is good news indeed.

No matter what circumstances you are facing today, be encouraged that the same God who began this work in you will bring it to completion, and you don’t face a single moment of it alone. There is always a brighter future ahead when you face it with God by your side.

Reflection question

Why do you think we innately hope for a brighter future?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the times when I doubt the faithfulness of Your nature, I pray You would gently remind me of who You really are. Refine my perspective so that I can see You clearly and remind me of Your truth when I am tempted to forget it. Amen.