I was a basketball fan in my college days. I loved the team spirit and the thrill each game offers. For every shot taken, for every rebound caught, and for every successful play execution, me and my friends faithfully cheered.
As I look back in those years, I found myself smiling through one of the basketball rules that seemed ordinary to a fan like me — the resetting shot clock each time a goal is missed.
Just like in basketball, it can be surmised that in our walk with Jesus, our “shot clocks” are reset as well each time we fail. When we feel defeated by our temptations and give in to sin, when we feel down and out, when we hit rock bottom, God stretches out His mighty hand, and motions for the Sun to rise again to give us a new 24.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
Sin could never threaten our hope because God allows us to come to Him in repentance. He gave us a way to get washed and sanctified, all we need to do is to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
When we feel like we hit rock bottom, and we feel like giving up, God assures us with His promises of faithfulness. He tells us that when we put our confidence in Him, He will help us endure.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
Instead of us dreading a new day because of the challenges it brings, let us be grateful that we have a new day to live. Let us train ourselves to look back into God’s past faithfulness in our lives, and see it as his guarantee He will carry us through our present and future problems. By lifting up our situation to God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and growing our faith by prayer and bible reflection, we can live on to a new hope for our new 24.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 4:4-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you find yourself thanking God each morning? or do you deal with constant anxiety and stress? What keeps you from thanking Him?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you very much for the eternal hope that we have with you. For the new chances you give us. For the new opportunities to grow our faith. Give me the grace to continue trusting in you my Lord. Amen.
