As I sit here at my computer thinking of a special topic for our devotions for today I looked up and saw a purple tag and ribbon hanging on my wall above my desk. It reads as follows:
October is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Since today was about saving the children of Peru I thought this could tie in nicely.
Possessing Everything
We are treated . . . as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:8, 10
We hear the daily news and feel helpless. Crime, corruption, child abuse, spousal abuse, murder, terrorism, war, and rumors of war are all around. We struggle with the trials of our everyday lives. Perhaps we suffer in sickness or sorrow. Has God forgotten us?
St. Paul endured many hardships as he carried out his far-reaching ministry of spreading the Gospel. And the Lord always rescued him. Yet at all times, Paul still had the riches of the Gospel.
You and I have the same Gospel. We have been purchased by the highest price ever paid—the suffering and death of Jesus. He is our help and hope in every trial.
History is filled with courageous Christians who triumphed even amid their trials. Lutheran pastor Martin Rinckart wrote the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” (LSB 895), even while he was burying hundreds of his parishioners who had died of the plague, including his own dear wife. God’s enduring and unfailing promises sustain us in every trouble. Through faith in Christ, we possess all things.
Our heavenly Father, turn our obstacles into occasions for joy, as we serve You in faith and our neighbor in love; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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