Lenten Devotional
By Carole Valdespino

Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

My Story:

Twenty years ago, as a one-year-old, my grandson was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Although it was intended for the exiles in Babylon, this is the Scripture we prayed for him as an individual.  Surgery was performed and the doctors hoped that the tumor would not return, but it did return a year later. As we continued to pray fervently he was treated with chemo, but he developed a severe allergy and it was necessary to discontinue therapy altogether. Imaging was ordered to provide more information for continued treatment. Options were limited, and we  continued our prayers, trusting in God. The images showed absolutely no trace of the tumor! We ascribe that miracle to God’s work in his life.  Today he is a bright, healthy young man with a heart for God, and I am a grandmother with a heart overflowing with gratitude to our Lord for this blessing and so many others. I thank God for his Word which provided this scripture.

Prayer:

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings You shower on us—the ones we realize at the time, the ones we realize later and the ones we never even notice. We acknowledge that we are not worthy of this bounty and accept it with gratitude and awareness of our need for You. We love You for all that You are and all that You do. In the precious name of Jesus we pray that You will continue to guide us in becoming the sons and daughters you want us to be. Amen.