A devotion from World Concern’s “Salt & Light: Hope through Transformation”
Several years ago, Bithi felt she had no choice but to marry off her young daughter to an older man.
In Bangladesh, single women struggle to provide for their families without the support of a spouse. Bithi did not want to marry off her daughter but could not see another way.
Then one day, Bithi found a program that helps single women just like her! Here she could not only earn a living but also make beautiful saris. Hope began to break through Bithi’s otherwise hopeless situation.
Through this small-business program, Bithi’s life changed in the most profound way.
With a steady income and community, Bithi feels empowered to make her own decisions. Today she finds hope and a new life in an environment that allows her to create and thrive. And not only did her life change, but now Bithi’s youngest daughter is able to wait for marriage until she is older. Bithi is so thankful this new life has given her a clear purpose and hope for a brighter future.
A Time to Reflect
Hope. It’s what keeps us going when everything seems to be falling apart. We can rest on the promise that God is faithful and at work in our lives – no matter the circumstances we’re facing.
Reflect with us for a moment. Is there an area in your life that you feel is hopeless, or beyond the ability to change?
Having lived her entire life in poverty, Bithi could not see hope for her future. But for Bithi, hope came in the form of a small business loan.
Take time today and remember we serve a God who is faithful and true, and loves you unconditionally. He works everything out for His good purpose – even situations that seem impossible or beyond our control.
When we remember all that God has done for us, and what He will do, we can find hope today for the future.
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.Lamentations 3:21-23
A Prayer for Today
Lord, I lift up my life to you in faith that you are in control. Thank you for all you have done for me, and all you will do. I pray that your Holy Spirit would give me hope and peace as I face a new day. Help me to remember your promises as I seek to follow your Word, and hold onto the hope that is found in you.