3rd. June. 2020. Daily Devotion.

Someone said to me today, “For the first time in my life I really cannot imagine what the future will be like.” I had to agree with him. The immediate future, – more lockdown, no summer holidays, what will autumn bring, what will life be like this Christmas? How and when will the children return to school, what will normal be next year? Changed, for sure. We may not know, but we are called to move into the future with faith, so we take heart from the encouragement of God:

20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22

The Children of Israel had left their former life in Egypt, and they were camped on the edge of a desert. God had indicated to Moses that the desert was the safer route to take. Imagine, safer in the desert? Here is a comment on this prospect:

When God calls us into the deep valley of death, he will be with us. Dare we think that he would abandon us in the moment of death? … Would the shepherd require his sheep to journey to the highlands alone? Of course not. Would God require his child to journey to eternity alone? Absolutely not! He is with you!

What God said to Moses, he says to you: “I myself will go with you, and I will give you victory” (Exodus 33:14).

What God said to Jacob, he says to you: “I am with you and will protect you everywhere you go” (Genesis 28:15).

What God said to Joshua, he says to you: “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you” (Joshua 1:5). from Traveling Light.

Here is a selection of prayers for faith and the future:

Prayer of God’s Provision

Dear Father God, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank You for Scripture that comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank you for taking away my fears and worries, the what-ifs, and reminding me that my help comes from You. Help me be a good steward and to sow wisely. In Christ’s Name, Amen. ~ Renee Davis

Prayer for Growing Faith

Dear Lord, help me – every single morning – to find faith amid the chaos. Give me the desire and ability to see You, hear You, talk to You, and give thanks to You. And as I do, I pray that I will draw nearer and nearer to You, and that my faith will multiply exponentially as I understand in new, deeper ways that You are everything I ever hoped You would be. And so much more. Amen. ~ Kelly O’Dell Stanley

Prayer for Confidence

Lord, help me let go of my fear of failure. I know that my fears hold me back from living boldly for You. Forgive me for not living in faith and help me from this moment on to live with bold confidence in You. Lord, help me not compare myself to others around me. I pray instead that I can keep my eye on You and live a life that proclaims Your excellence. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. ~ Rick Warren

God of all mercy and compassion,
life and death are in your hands.

Hear our prayers in this time of illness and infection,
of isolation, fear, and uncertainty:
for the sick, and those weighed down by pain, distress,
loneliness, and anxiety;
for all who care for them, conscious of the risks they bear;
and for those who have responsibility for public health and social order.

Hear the cry of the afflicted and let them be comforted,
so that all who suffer may come to know
that they are joined to the sufferings of Christ,
who gave his life for the salvation of the world;
and by your blessing on them and those who care for them,
may they be restored, according to your will,
to soundness of body and mind,
and offer you joyful thanks in your Church.

Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

As I travel through the rest of my day, may the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope. Amen.