From Trouble to Hope by Sheldon K. Bass

"There I will restore her vineyards to her, and the Valley of Achor will become a doorway to hope. There she will respond as she did in her youth, when she came up from Egypt." (Hosea 2:15 ISV) "Achor" means, "trouble".

Suffering: a part of life no one enjoys. But God has a purpose in all things; a plan for each of us. He takes the difficulties in our lives, working through them, creating something wonderful and beautiful. In God's hands our troubles become the very door of hope through which we find the glorious future He has for us.

All things really do work together bringing about good for those who love God. By faith in Jesus, we can praise God through the good times and the bad, knowing He's in control. He states it clearly.

"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." (Jer. 29:11 GWT)

Father, we thank you for the future you have planned for each of us. May we trust you more fully through the difficult times, knowing you are much wiser than us. We praise you for the hope you've given us through Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

After a stroke, today's writer found new purpose in serving the Lord. He writes from Indianapolis Indiana, where he lives with his supportive wife, Becca. Contact