Whispers of Hope Though the Winds of Change | Marlin D. Harris
Welcome to our 31-Day Corporate Fast.
My Dear New Life Family: Life often unfolds before us in seasons. Some seasons are marked by joy and abundance, while others are marked by pain and broken hearts. This past year, our beloved church family has weathered many seasons of profound change. We have grieved the loss of cherished loved ones, borne the weight of debilitating illnesses, faced personal economic uncertainties, and stepped forward with bold faith into the transformative vision of our DREAM Community Revitalization Campaign. Through it all, one truth has remained constant: our God is faithful, and His whispers are louder than the fears and anxieties shouting all around us.
This devotional, Sacred Whispers Volume 6, was born out of our desire to prepare your heart to hear God’s gentle whispers of hope—hope to guide us through shifting circumstances, hope that anchors us in God’s unchanging character, and hope that inspires us to continue building His Kingdom. This year’s theme, Whispers of Hope Through the Winds of Change, reflects the gentle yet powerful way God sustains us as we navigate the unpredictable waters of life.
In these pages, you will find reflections that mirror the complexities of life’s seasons. As you read, you will hear of sorrow, triumph, stillness, and transformation. Each devotion invites you to pause and listen for the sacred whispers of God, gently guiding you forward with hope. Our prayer is that as you engage with these writings, you will experience the peace of Christ in your circumstances, the renewal of His strength in your weakness, and the joy of knowing that no matter what season you are in, God is with you.
The devotions in this collection are much more than words on a page; they are spiritual roadmaps drawn from the deep wells of Scripture, personal testimonies, and the heartfelt reflections of our New Life family. They speak to the challenges we’ve faced this year, offering encouragement for the weary, strength for the struggling, and a renewed sense of purpose for those called to dream big for the future. You’ll find reminders of God’s steadfast love, His mercy that is new every morning, and His promise to carry us through every storm.
This past year has been a powerful testament to the resilience of hope. As a church, we have prayed together, wept together, and believed together. We’ve reminded one another that hope is not found in the absence of challenges but in the presence of God. Whether walking through grief, navigating illness, or pressing forward into the unknown, we have seen the fingerprints of God’s faithfulness in every step. And as we continue to build and strengthen our church family, we know that our hope rests securely in the One who never changes, even when everything around us does.
As you journey through this devotional, I encourage you to approach it with an open heart, ready to receive the whispers of hope that God has for you. Let His Word steady you; let His promises encourage you; and let His Spirit empower your faith. Whether you are mourning a loss, wrestling with uncertainty, or simply seeking to grow closer to God, may this book remind you of His unfailing love and His purpose for your life. And as a church family, may we hold tightly to one another, lifting each other up as we press forward into the hope that God has placed before us.
I’m praying that hope overflows your heart like a mighty stream rushing over dry ground. In the words of Isaiah 43:19, God is saying to our church family, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” In every season, may we find joy in knowing that the God who whispers His hope to our hearts is leading us into the glorious future that He has crafted for each one of us. Our First Lady and I love you all dearly,
Hope Yet Lives!
When fasting it is important to remember:
- Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus.
- Fasting is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying YES to the Spirit.
- Fasting is not about going without, it is about looking within.
- Fasting is an outward response to an inward cry of the soul.