(From the heart of Melody Benedict)

Difficult things have been happening around the world and right here in our own backyard. Difficult things… and many of them to God’s own. God, where are You?

Look back to the cross. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus knew confusion. But Father had not forsaken Jesus! Father’s plan was beyond belief! His Son would conquer death – His own and ours, and we would become Father’s own children, heirs of the King!

Now “whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus” (2 Cor. 1:20, MSG)!

When Jesus was born, HOPE was born! Now all of God’s promises belong to us, His children. So when I look around me, and I see hard things happening, things I cannot understand, I think on His promises to me.

He says He will never leave me (Heb. 13:5).

He promises that in all things He works for my good because I love Him (Rom. 8:28). Even suffering has good purpose (Rom. 5:1-5).

I may not understand why things are playing out as they are, but God is working. I know that He is because His promises are true.

Knowing God’s promises brings me HOPE.