Question: “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hope?'”

The Shunamite woman was not at all happy. Years earlier she took Elisha in as a boarder. Having learned she had been barren for many years, Elisha promised that she would have a child. God provided her with a son who filled her life with joy. However, tragedy struck a few years later when the boy suddenly died. She was devastated and angrily spoke these words to Elisha: “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes?’” We can certainly share her feelings. God gave her a long-awaited child, and now he took him away. Has God ever disappointed you? Has it ever seemed that God pulled the rug out from under you too? Life in this sinful world teaches us that nothing is ever certain. Nothing is reliable. Nothing, that is, except God. He promises never to forsake you, and he always keeps his promise! Although his ways may seem disappointing or even unbearable at times, the final outcome will always be for your benefit. Yes, you can raise your hopes in the Lord!

A verse to remember:

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off!”

Proverbs 23:18

Today my prayer includes . . .

          thanks for this special blessing:

          concern for this special person:

          petition for this special problem:

 A closing verse:

When sins and fears prevailing rise,
And fainting hope almost expires;
Jesus, to You I lift my eyes,
To You I breathe my soul’s desires.

Ann Steele

(This devotion is from “Hope for Each New Day: 333 Quiet Moments with God” by Reynold R. Kremer)