Together as One: A Lent DevotionalSample

Day 7: Together with God

In Romans 5:11, Paul invites us to ‘boast in God’, which means to give God glory, praise and honour for the things he has done. And what better time to do that than at Easter, when we remember and celebrate the incredible gift of salvation?

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are reconciled to God — not because of anything we’ve done, but because of God’s unconditional love. Through Christ, we’ve been joined together with God, once and for all. The cross stands as the ultimate symbol of hope, showing us that no situation is beyond God’s power to transform.

From death to life

Firas, a father in Aleppo, Syria, experienced the transformative power of hope through training from Tearfund’s partner. After losing his home to war and earthquakes, Firas’ family faced unimaginable suffering, including the tragic loss of his son. Burdened by grief and living in extreme poverty, Firas found hope through vocational training and began installing electricity in homes in the community.

Even more important than these skills, he gained confidence, support for his mental health and renewed hope for the future. Today, Firas earns enough to provide for his wife and five children, and pay for his youngest child’s medical treatment. His story shows us that when Jesus’ resurrection power is at work, despair is turned into flourishing life.

‘My mental health significantly improved because of the kind treatment I received from the excellent trainers. I rediscovered my humanity. My wife, my children and I are profoundly grateful for you,’ he said.

At Easter, we celebrate that Jesus continues bringing new life where death and destruction once reigned. Firas is just one story, but many more people need Jesus’ resurrection life. That’s why Tearfund will continue to partner with local churches and our supporters, to bring an end to extreme poverty in Jesus’ name.

As you praise God today, give thanks that his victory over sin and death extends not just to your own heart, but to every corner of the world.

Reflect

• Why not spend a few minutes ‘boasting’ in God? In other words, give God glory and praise for the things you’re grateful for.
• Are there any areas of your life where you need new life? Ask God to bring his life and transformation.
• This Easter, how could you share the hope and love of Jesus with others? Could you pray, give, or act to help families like Firas’ find new life?

Pray

Risen Lord Jesus,

I praise you today for your death and resurrection. Thank you that through the cross, I am reconciled to God forever. Thank you for the new life you bring to me, and communities like Firas’ around the world.

I lift up to you those people and places I know of who need your resurrection power today. Help me to trust in the transforming power of your love, and to share it with those around me.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Learn More About Tearfund