Scripture Reading:

Genesis 9:8-17

DEVOTIONAL:

Noah and his family had endured 40 days of relentless rain and an extended period of isolation. When the floodwaters receded, God used a rainbow to symbolize a fresh start and a promise of hope. The rainbow wasn’t just a natural phenomenon; it was a divine assurance that God was still present, even after the storm.

In the same way, storms in our lives can feel unending. We face seasons of uncertainty, grief, or challenge that leave us questioning if brighter days will ever come. Yet, God promises to be with us, and He often sends signs to remind us of His faithfulness. These signs might be as grand as a rainbow or as small and personal as an encouraging word from a friend, an answered prayer, or an unexpected provision in a time of need.

Harriet Tubman, known as "Moses" to her people, found hope in the stars as she led enslaved people to freedom. Each star in the sky was a reminder that God was guiding her steps. Her journey, like Noah’s, reminds us that God provides light after the darkness. Just as Harriet trusted the stars and Noah trusted the rainbow, we, too, can trust that God will make a way through the storms of life.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK QUESTIONS (use the devotional as a guide):

1. God established His with Noah and his descendants.

2. The is a sign of God’s promise.

3. The storms in our lives can feel unending, but God promises to be with us.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What does this story teach us about God’s faithfulness?

2. What storms in your life do you need to trust God to guide you through?

3. How can you “look for the rainbow” in your current challenges?

Scripture Reading:

Ruth 2:10-12

DEVOTIONAL:

Ruth faced despair after losing her husband and leaving her homeland. She found herself in a foreign land with little to her name, gleaning in fields to survive. Yet, even in her vulnerability, she trusted in God’s provision. Boaz, a man of integrity and compassion, recognized her faithfulness and extended kindness and protection. His words to Ruth, recorded in Ruth 2:12, remind us that God sees our sacrifices and honors those who take refuge under His wings. Through Boaz, Ruth experienced not only sustenance but also the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan, which would later culminate in her becoming part of the lineage of Christ.

Similarly, Sojourner Truth faced extraordinary adversity as a black woman and advocate of women’s rights. Born into slavery and later freed, she encountered rejection, poverty, and hardship. Yet, she clung to her faith in God, believing He would guide her steps and provide for her needs. Like Ruth, Sojourner Truth trusted God to write a new chapter in her life. Her unyielding hope and trust empowered her to fight for justice, inspiring countless others to find refuge in God's promises.

The stories of Ruth and Sojourner Truth remind us that God sees us in our lowest moments and works behind the scenes to redeem our circumstances. When we trust Him with our lives, He not only provides for us but also uses our faith as a testimony to encourage others.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK QUESTIONS:

1. Even in her vulnerability, Ruth God, and He opened a new chapter in her story.

2. Boaz’s kindness demonstrated God’s in Ruth’s life.

3. Ruth’s testimony reminds us that God richly rewards those who come to take in Him.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What does Ruth’s story teach us about God’s provision?

2. How does Ruth inspire you to trust God in unfamiliar circumstances?

3. Where is God calling you to take refuge under His wings?

Scripture Reading:

Hosea 3:1-5

DEVOTIONAL:

Hosea’s marriage to Gomer was a powerful symbol of God’s redeeming love. Despite betrayal, Hosea pursued his wife, reflecting how God relentlessly pursues His people, even when we falter. This kind of love is not based on what we deserve but is rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness—a love that goes beyond human understanding. Hosea’s actions challenge us to reflect on the depth of God’s grace in our own lives and how He seeks to restore us, even when we stray.

This reminds us of Martin Luther King Jr., who loved his enemies despite their hatred. His pursuit of justice through love and forgiveness mirrors the unrelenting love God shows us. King once said, "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Like Hosea’s pursuit of Gomer, King’s unwavering commitment to love, even in the face of opposition, reflects God’s love for humanity—a love that transforms and redeems.

As we meditate on this passage, let us consider how we can embody this divine love in our own lives. Are there relationships where we need to extend grace? Are there situations calling for forgiveness and reconciliation? Just as Hosea’s love for Gomer was an act of obedience and reflection of God’s heart, we too are called to demonstrate love that seeks to restore and heal.

Take a moment to thank God for His relentless love and ask for strength to reflect that love to others in your daily walk. May we grow in understanding that no matter how far we wander, God’s love is steadfast, pursuing us and calling us back to Him.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK QUESTIONS:

1. Hosea’s toward his wife is an illustration of God’s for us.

2. Despite Gomer’s betrayal, Hosea continued to pursue her, reflecting God’s pursuit of His humanity.

3. Hosea’s actions challenge us to reflect on the depth of God’s in our own lives.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What do you learn about God’s love from Hosea’s story?

2. How does this story challenge you to show love and forgiveness?

3. Who in your life needs to experience God’s redeeming love through you?

Scripture Reading:

John 21:15-17

DEVOTIONAL:

Peter’s denial of Jesus could have led to despair, but after the resurrection, Jesus restored him. Peter’s story reminds us that failure doesn’t define us; God’s grace does. Even in moments of weakness and betrayal, Jesus’ love and forgiveness are steadfast.

Fannie Lou Hamer, though beaten and rejected, found strength in God’s love. Her perseverance for voting rights, like Peter’s renewed mission, shows us God faithfulness. Hamer’s journey demonstrates how God empowers us to rise above obstacles, turning sorrow into strength and brokenness into bold action. Just as Peter was tasked to “Feed my sheep,” Hamer’s work nourished a nation of marginalized African Americans and advocated for justice, reminding us that God’s grace equips us to carry out His purposes with passion and purpose.

Let us trust that even when we stumble, God’s grace is sufficient to guide us toward a greater calling, turning our failures into opportunities for growth and service.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK QUESTIONS:

1. Even in our moments of weakness and failure, Jesus’ love and are steadfast.

2. God’s grace equips us to carry out His with passion and conviction.

3. Even when we stumble, God’s grace is sufficient to guide us toward a greater .

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What does Peter’s restoration teach us about God’s grace?

2. How does God’s grace restore you after failure?

3. Where is God calling you to serve despite your past mistakes?

Scripture Reading:

Luke 1:13-17

DEVOTIONAL:

For years, Elizabeth and Zechariah waited and prayed for a child. From their perspective, they stared into a hopeless reality. The scriptures tell us that Elizabeth and Zechariah were “both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and the statutes of the Lord.”

In the same way we might have, it’s fair to conclude they asked themselves “Why us? We have done everything right!” Though barren and discouraged, God gave them John the Baptist, a beacon of hope for Israel, born out of a seemingly hopeless situation. Their waiting was not in vain. Their patience teaches us that God’s timing is always perfect and always intended to bring greater glory.

Similarly, Frederick Douglass found hope through the Word of God while enslaved. Despite his circumstances, he trusted in the promises of freedom and renewal. In your waiting, find peace in knowing that you serve a God that hears your prayers and always comes through.

Find encouragement in knowing that God’s timing is always for His glory and our good.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK QUESTIONS:

1. In your waiting, find peace in knowing that you serve a God that hears your and always comes through.

2. God’s timing is always for His and our good.

3. Elizabeth and Zechariah’s story teaches us that even when we feel discouraged or hopeless, God is at work behind the scenes, preparing something.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What does Elizabeth and Zechariah’s story teach you about patience?

2. How can you remain hopeful while waiting on God?

3. What prayers are you trusting God to answer?