Devotional -- June 26, 2011

Here's today's readings..(I like it because it posts a bible verse, too!) It will have a verse, then a story by one of the two authors, and then a prayer. At the end is a quote from someone. I love these!! I'll try to post in the mornings instead of the evenings, but I wanted to be sure to post and share today's!

Productive Hope
"I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Have you ever been treated unfairly or been disappointed in a job situation? I have too. But time and time again, I've seen good come out of adversity when I've given the situation to the Lord. I'm convinced he still is in the creation business and can bring his god out of tough situations. One of my favorite stories illustrates that thought.
          The new boss at the office always left written instructions for the entire staff, including the evening cleaning crew. A janitor who could not read or write was fired when he failed to respond to the written messages.
          But instead of giving in to discouragement, the man grabbed a fresh helping of hope and began his own cleaning business that resulted in numerous commercial contracts. Eventually he became very wealthy, even able to buy several buildings.
          During an annual financial checkup, his banker was astounded when he discovered his prominent customer was illiterate.
          "Just imagine what you'd be if you could read and write!" he exclaimed.
          The man smiled, Yes, I'd still be the janitor in the building I now own."
          This story could have had an entirely different ending, one filled with bitterness and blame. But, because a fired janitor grabbed on to hope and refused to give up, he built a new life ---Sandra

   Lord, I'm quick to blame you when things don't go my way. Help me to give my disappointments to you. Help me to trust you to reconstruct them and bring your good out of my pain.

You and I must be willing to be taught and to trust God's wisdom as He deals with us, sometimes in a chastening way, to help us learn what He wants  us to know. --J.I. Packer, theologian and author