Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 3 November 2025 (In Touch) Monday Message
Charles Stanley Daily Devotional TOPIC: Hope Is a Choice
TODAY’S SCRPTURE: Acts 27:13-26
Life doesn’t always go the way we want. Even when making plans according to God’s instructions, we may run into delays and obstacles. Frustration over these hindrances can lead to discouragement and even hopelessness.
Think about Paul’s voyage to Rome. When a bad storm arose, the sailors worked to save the ship. But they couldn’t control the weather and gradually gave up hope of being saved (Acts 27:20). However, no one was lost. God was sovereign over their violent weather just as He is over our upheavals, whether we’re facing a job loss, a loved one’s death, or a devastating diagnosis. In such situations, feelings of hopelessness may overtake us at times, but we can trust the Lord to act for our ultimate good.
Postponed or unfulfilled dreams can dishearten us, as was the case for Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Year after year, she was dejected because she longed for a child but faced “hope deferred” (Proverbs 13:12). When things do not go as we desire, we may experience emotions like hers, but the same powerful God who ultimately fulfilled her longing also knows our situation.
In times of discouragement, we have a choice: Focus on circumstances or on our loving heavenly Father who will carry us through every challenge just as He’s promised.
Bible in One Year: John 8-9
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: In times of discouragement, remember God’s faithfulness and choose to trust Him.
Dr. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life