We
dare to hang our hat and stake our hope on the gladdest news of all– if
God permits the challenge, he will provide the grace to meet it. God
has enough grace to solve every dilemma you face, wipe every tear you
cry, and answer every question you ask.

Would
we expect anything less from God? Would he send his Son to die for us
and not send his power to sustain us? Paul found such logic impossible.
Scripture says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for
us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all
things?” (Romans 8:32).

Is
Jesus on my side? Just look at the wound in his. Having given the
supreme and costliest gift, how can he fail to lavish upon us all he has
to give?  If God permits the challenge, he will provide the grace to
meet it.

Because of an ear infection, Little Johnny, had to go to
the pediatrician. The doctor directed his comments and questions to
Little Johnny in a
professional manner. When he asked Little Johnny, “Is there anything you
are allergic to?” Little Johnny nodded and whispered in his ear.
Smiling, the
pediatrician wrote out a prescription and handed it to Little Johnny’s
mother. She tucked it into her purse without looking at it.

As the pharmacist filled the order, he remarked on the unusual food-drug
interaction Little Johnny must have. Little Johnny’s mother looked
puzzled
until he showed her the label on the bottle. As per the doctor’s
instructions, it read, “Do not take with broccoli.”

Received from Thomas GCFL

Almighty God, I know you are supremely faithful! Today I ask you to restore hope to the hopeless. Plant seeds of hope in hearts that have lain fallow for so long. Send down showers of hope on those struggling with illness, persecution, or difficult relationships.  
Hope that comes from you is hope with the power to sustain us when nothing around us seems the least bit hopeful.

As
long as you are stationary, no one will complain. Dogs don’t bark at
parked cars. But as soon as you accelerate—once you step out of
drunkenness into sobriety; dishonesty into integrity; or lethargy into
compassion—expect the yapping to begin. Expect to be criticized. Expect
to be mocked.

So
how can we prepare ourselves? Peter said this: “Don’t give the
opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at
attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master” (I Peter 3:14-15).

As we meditate on Christ’s life, we find strength for our own. Do you want to be bold tomorrow?
Then be with Jesus today. Be in his Word. Be with his people. Be in his
presence. And when persecution comes, and it will, be strong. Who
knows? People may realize you’ve been with Christ!

From God is With You Every Day