Renew Your Faith

Daily Devotion for January 1, 2018

The first sunrise of the new year

Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” —John 13:7 (NLT)

When my sister Maria died in her sleep, I thought the grief would lift when I could finally learn what happened. But when the autopsy came back with all the test results normal—no trauma, nothing wrong—I was baffled.

god's perfect peace held in perfect peace

I spent hours on the Internet searching for the truth. I borrowed forensic books from the library. One late night, nose-deep in a medical book, I suddenly realized my mistake: I thought that if I found out how she died I would understand why. The answer was something I’d never find in a book.

I turned to prayer. I asked God to help me understand. No answer came. I prayed about it more. I changed my prayer to help me find peace without knowing. I still pray about it.

Not long ago a coworker brushed me on the shoulder and said, “Hey, did they ever find out what happened to your sister?”

I shook my head. “She just died.”

“Must be hard not knowing,” he said.

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“It strengthens my faith,” I replied. As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I meant it.

Dear Lord, when doubt and questions trouble me, help me to have faith that there are reasons I’m not to know right now. 

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A Journey of FaitH

Embark on a moving journey of faith as Edward Grinnan, Guideposts’ Editor-in-Chief, shares his inspiring memoir on navigating his mother’s Alzheimer’s and conquering his own fear. A blessing for those facing trials.

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