Topic: Feeling Hopeless [Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 1 March 2020]
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Acts 27:1-25
People disappoint us, circumstances cause pain, and our own limitations lead to frustration. Jesus told His disciples that struggles are part of this life (John 16:33), and many other Bible stories show evidence of this reality.
Hannah couldn’t have a baby. The longer she waited, the more her hope disappeared and sorrow and bitterness took hold of her (1 Samuel 1:6-10).
Paul was caught in a violent storm. Against his advice, the captain had the crew set sail, endangering him and everyone on board. After efforts to save the vessel, those on board had to swim ashore to survive (Acts 27:10-11; Acts 27:42-44).
A jealous Saul pursued David throughout the land and tried to kill him. In Psalm 13:1, David wondered if God had forgotten him.
What did these people do? They prayed. Hannah cried out to God and asked Him to give her a son. Her hope returned because she trusted Him with her future. Paul witnessed to the hopeless sailors and told them to have courage because God would deliver them. David didn’t dwell on his circumstances but instead focused on God’s unfailing love (Psalm 13:5-6).
Time with God can combat hopelessness. It moves our attention from the circumstances to the Father’s great love for us.
Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 28-30