Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
— 1 Corinthians 13:12b

Thought Of The Day...
I want to believe with all my heart “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). But I must confess that I don’t always see and understand fully the good that God is working out in many situations.
For example, I don’t understand fully the good that God is working out through the enslavement and continued racial discrimination against people, like myself, of African descent. I don’t understand fully the good that comes from the sexual abuse, and sometimes murder of innocent, helpless children. I can’t comprehend the good that is derived from the genocide resulting from people who demonize others in the name of religion. I don’t always see the good that God is working out through diseases like cancer, schizophrenia, and Alzheimers. I often feel like that father of a demon-possessed son who cried out to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
How do I avoid being overwhelmed with despair? I cling to the belief that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). And I cling to his promise that one day “I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I pray that you too are sustained by this belief in the one who “loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). as we journey toward the resurrected life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, Today, I come before you in the humblest way I know how. Longing for the day when I shall know fully your loving ways. Your love is beyond measure and your ways are higher than ours. But I believe that one day, I will understand it fully.

Father, I pray that you would deepen my faith and hope until I attain to the goal of my faith – perfection. Draw me closer to you and reveal yourself to me in new and wondrous ways. Help me to trust in your perfect plan for my life and to have unwavering faith in your promises.

I know that in this world, I will face trials and struggles. But I pray that through it all, my faith will remain strong and my hope will never falter. Help me to fix my eyes on you, knowing that one day I will see you face to face and understand your love in all its glory.

I thank you, Father, for your unending love and for the grace that is sufficient for me. May I continue to grow in my faith and hope, until the day when I am made perfect in your presence. I pray all of this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!