Charles F. Stanley - Jesus, Our Perfect Hope: 365 Devotions

Behold, I will do something new... will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness.

I SAIAH 43:19

Perhaps youve grown hopeful about something newwhether its a new year, the start of a relationship, an exciting opportunity, or something else. Maybe you feel optimistic that you can shake free from your past mistakes and tiresome burdens. But then your heart sinks when you realize that the issues that plagued you December 31 will continue on into January 1 and beyond.

No doubt, that was the way the people of Israel felt as they awaited the Messiah year after year. What they didnt realize was that even when they couldnt see the incredible plan the Lord was setting in motion, He was working to fulfill His promises to them in an incredible way they could never have imagined (John 1:1213).

The same is true for you. God is making a way for you even when you dont see it. So dont be discouraged because everything looks the same from one day to the next, your burdens remain, and new opportunities dont seem to work out. Trust that at the right time, He will make you aware of all Hes done on your behalf.

Lord, thank You for working in the unseen and in unimagined ways to set me free of the things that bind me. Amen.

My hope is in Jesus because He is making a new way for me.

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.

H EBREWS 12:2 GNT

When you read the news headlines or think about the daily struggles you and your loved ones face, it is easy to lose heart. The challenges can certainly seem too overwhelming to overcome.

But that is why Scripture calls you to have a different focusnot looking at the circumstances before you, but having a gaze fixed on Jesus. Why? Because He is greater than whatever is happening to you. Your relationship with Christ opens the door to every blessing the Father has promised in His Word and provides all the resources you will ever need. Jesus is the reason you can have an unshakable, eternal hope that everything is going to be okay, regardless of the situation.

So no matter what youre facing today, dont think of it in terms of your strength or knowledge. Instead, consider what Jesusthe all-powerful, all-wise Savior who defeated sin and death on your behalfcan do. Certainly, He is the anchor that will always hold you steady, no matter how severe the storm may be.

Jesus, when I get distracted or overwrought by circumstances, always remind me to look to You. Amen.

My hope is in Jesus because He is greater than anything I face.

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.

1 J OHN 4:16

Read todays verse again. We know and believe Gods love. Do you realize the incredible love the Father has for you? Many times, our perception of love may be marred because of our past experienceswe may think of it as conditional, having unsustainable requirements, being easily lost, or even a tool of manipulation.

Yet, John painted a different picture: God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him (1 John 4:9 NLT ). His is not unattainable or pain-causing love. Rather, the cross is the ultimate expression of Gods careit is unconditional, generous, healing, and always seeking the best for you.

Friend, you dont have to be afraid of Gods attitude toward you even when you face difficult circumstances. Whats crucial is that you know and believe that He loves you in increasing measure. Because when you do, you realize that everything that touches your life must first pass through His loving purposes for you, and that even the challenges are sent for your good (Romans 8:2839).

Jesus, help me to embrace Your perfect love and love You more in return. Amen.

My hope is in Jesus because He loves me unconditionally.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

J OHN 1:1

We know that in the beginning, the Lord spoke the world into creation. God said, Let there be light; and there was light (Genesis 1:3). His agent of creation was His Word, and John 1:1418 tells us that His Word has a name: