May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 WSV).
Happy Birthday, Kyle! The picture I’ve included with this devotional was taken 46 years ago. Hardly seems possible that so many years have passed so quickly. Oh, by the way, Kyle was 3 years old in this photo … you do the math … LOL! We were living in Tyler, Texas at the time. Little did I know we would soon be moving to Huntsville, Texas, where I would be the pastor of University Heights Baptist Church. We would also add another son, David, soon as well. Aaron, our youngest, would be born after yet another move nearly five years after David. I can’t even begin to list all of the marvelous memories I’ve collected through those years with all of them. Mary and I have been blessed beyond measure through these decades. However, today I want to both honor Kyle and encourage you in your journey.
Our reading today is the beginning of that celebration and honor. The Apostle Paul ends his letter to the believers in Rome with this verse. It is his prayer for them as they face some of the most terrifying times in the history of Christianity. The persecution from Rome was relentless and fatal in many cases. Yet Paul prays they would be filled with all joy and peace. I am sure that prayer was answered. It was for me.
Of course, I have never faced such terror and persecution for my faith. In fact, I have been protected so much more than others. My life has been one of challenge, but never to the point of those of the first Christian century. However, the same god of those early believers is my God. The same Savior is my savior. And, because of that I know I have experienced the joy and peace of God in such abundance. Our family has provided the best example of that joy and peace. I continue to be amazed at how God works through them and in them to bring such wonder into my life.
My hope is that you have had such an experience through your family, though I know for some, family has been difficult. So, here’s my encouragement for you today. Let nothing stand in the way of forgiveness and grace in your family. Regardless of what may have been done or not done, trust the Lord to bring good from it. And, if it is not possible to find reconciliation and restoration in your family, please know that your heavenly Father has promised you the perfect family with Him. That is where your real hope is!