Welcome
Hey! I’m Cheri Strange, the hostess for the devotional aspect of this 21 Days of Prayer emphasis with America World. It is my pleasure to partner with this fabulous organization during this season of hope in my cyberspace. We may have met last year during the same season through What if YOU Were the Plan?
Before we get started, allow me to give you the skinny on the plan and the general structure for each day. Once we get going, I will try to provide a seamless experience for you and get out of your way. Let me first invite you to make yourself at home while you are here. Get to know one another in the comments section. Sometimes this particular road can feel lonely. I have found much-needed support and encouragement just when I needed it, so if something strikes you or an idea comes, please share it in the comments so that others who have signed up to participate with us can benefit.
Reading Plans
You are reading this plan in my Reading Plan section. All of these plans (at least a portion of them) can be found on YouVersion in some variety. Most of the time you will find the Scripture reference or the verse entirely at the beginning of the day’s reading. Under the Bible reading will be the devotional material. The only time I will deviate from that is when I feel it flows better to embed the verses within the body of the devotional material.
Most plans have bonus materials that are added periodically, so don’t forget to check that out. If you have any questions, comment below or you can contact me at info@sheyearns.com.
I am so thankful you are here and have been looking forward to your arrival for months! Let’s see what God has in store.
For His Glory,
Cheri
Day 1: A God of Hope
Scripture
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Devotional Material
When I was about ten years old, my parents managed a Christian radio station. A small operation, it often became a family endeavor. My sister hosted a contemporary hits show while I debuted my disc jockey skills hosting a weekly children’s hour.
What I remember most was the personal investment it required. The victories were ours to celebrate and the problems stuck around until they were solved. That investment included the tower.
In case you’re not familiar, radio frequencies rely on very tall towers to transmit signals. Towers are required to house red flashing lights on top to warn low flying aircraft. When these go out, replacing them is an urgent management problem.
Although a licensed pilot and a lover of flying, heights did not love the management. There was no way my dad was going to climb that tower and change the lamps. What we needed was someone outside of ourselves to bring what was darkened back to light.
Someone Outside of Ourselves
This is what the Holy Spirit does within us in terms of hope. He brings to light what we cannot do for ourselves. Even a person with a temperament that leans toward happy and joyful on any given day can’t do this. It’s simply supernatural. You can’t raise your hands high enough or believe strongly enough to obtain it. We are not capable of solving our deepest issues of belief and trust in our God. This kind of hope must be awakened by the Holy Spirit like a small broken lightbulb made new to light up the sky.
What in your life has just about burned itself out?
Maybe you’ve done everything in your power to fix it, to bring back the light, but it’s still not working.
Perhaps you are looking up at a very tall tower, wondering how you are ever going to solve this problem. It’s just too overwhelming.
Consider outsourcing this job. You’re right. You can’t fix it. And it will burn out.
You and I were not made for Lone-Rangering our God-given responsibilities. Yes, God asked you to manage it. But bringing light where there is none? That’s out of your league.
It’s time to call in the expert in all things bright and beautiful.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Something I find myself saying often is “You can’t give what you don’t have.” Ask God for hope (or whatever it is that you need according to His will) and He will give it. Then, you will be better able to give hope to others.
Jennifer,
Yes. Right on, Sister. Hope is just not always in that “I think I need more of that so I will ask God for it” mental category. I love how the Bible illuminates what may not have been clear to me. And that understanding is passed on to others when you and I grasp it, just like you were saying.
Thank you I was very excited to leave work, get cozy at home and start this plan :).
Ha Ha Leona,
I’m glad you are finding your perfect spot! So happy you are here 🙂
I think it’s clear your father didn’t know all the responsibilities accepting the job of managing a radio station would entail before he signed on. However, I’m sure God equipped him to the task & the lights on the towers were always working.
I believe God enables us to do tasks he calls us to do . Also, God teaches us new skills to enable us to be able to serve God in areas of increasing responsibilities. Now, I need to find the ministry God is calling me to fill.
Sandra,
You’re hilarious! I assure you — this was not the first station he had managed — and never had he been responsible for the lights on the top of the tower… It proves my point. There are some things that lie completely outside of our ability to do for ourselves. We can’t just conjure up more hope. Just like you can’t create what it is God is calling you to do in this season. These elements lie OUTSIDE of us. They are Holy Spirit directly and Holy Spirit given. And I am so thankful. So we pray. I absolutely am praying for you. You have so much to offer. I will be praying that you will hear clearly – that God will direct you to know precisely what it is He has for you and that you will have peace and fulfillment in knowing you God has heard you, lead you, and is equipping you for His Glory.
Hello Cheri,
Thank you for your prayers. I appreciate them.
Looking forward to learning more about what God has for each of us. Or just learning more about God.
I am encouraged by this devotional. I have been struggling recently. To be reminded that GOD is where I find my hope hit home. I sense a down to earth and authentic love for JESUS in you. Thank you for that.
Debra,
I’m sorry for your struggle but it often leads us in the right direction–for exactly the right message at the perfect time.
Welcome. I’m so glad you are here!
Cheri