2021 Daily Devotion - Day 355

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In his book, Winning Life’s Toughest Battles, psychologist Julius Segal wrote about the 25,000 American soldiers who were held by the Japanese in POW camps during World War II. “Forced to exist under inhumane conditions, many of them died. Others, however, survived and eventually returned home. There was no reason to believe there was a difference in the stamina of these two groups of soldiers. The survivors, however, were different in one major respect. They confidently expected to be released someday. They talked about the kinds of homes they would have, the jobs they would choose, and even described the kind of person they would marry. They drew pictures on the walls to illustrate their dreams. Some even found ways to study subjects related to the kind of career they wanted to pursue.”

Segal goes on to point out that researchers have found a hopeful attitude can lead to physiological changes which improve the immune system – the body’s defense against toxins and disease.

This is the power of hope. When our hope is placed in God, who always keeps His promises, it has a dynamic power in our lives.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, because You are on Your throne, there is a future. Help us to dream and talk about what we see You doing in the future, and in so doing, re-establish our hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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