Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Marge Webb – January 21, 2025

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotion was written by Marge Webb.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” Romans 15:13

(NIV).

I remember thinking 2020 was going to be an amazing year, and I was so excited as it

began. But by the end of the year, it was anything but amazing.

On Christmas Day, my daughter called to ask a question, and she noticed I sounded

sick. I told her, “It’s just a cold, I think.” She was not convinced. If you recall, that was the infamous COVID year.

As I hung up the phone and turned around, our rotisserie with the traditional Christmas

prime rib was flaming up to our newly painted cabinets. I quickly woke my husband, Jeff, from his nap. Together, we put the fire out, but our kitchen was full of smoke, the new cabinets were charred, and the dinner was half-burned.

By the end of the week and thus the year’s end, we had bigger problems. Jeff and I

were both sick with COVID. On Monday, I woke to what sounded like an elephant

screaming. I thought Jeff must be watching Animal Planet! I discovered it was Jeff

making the noise, and he was semi-conscious. After several minutes of trying to wake

him, I called 911. The year 2021 started with Jeff hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia, which would affect his physical and mental health for many months.

Our expectation for a new year is often filled with hopes of bright blessings and new

resolutions. Sometimes those goals can get sidetracked with unexpected illness, the death

of a family member, or a financial crisis. That’s why we should not trust in our own goals and dreams but put our faith in God, who doesn’t change. With Him all things are

Possible.

We were fortunate because Jeff survived his COVID-19 ordeal while so many did not. Prayers were certainly covering him. 

Each year has challenges and blessings. This year, as we start the second quarter of this century, let’s pray that whatever happens, we will trust the God of hope to fill us with joy and peace.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.