Beautiful, broken shells

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-11
Author: Amy B. Trent (California, US)
Saturday 17 January 2026 © The Upper Room.
When I dig a seashell out of the sand I first turn it one way and then the other to see its condition. Does it have chips or cracks, or is it whole and complete? I am looking for a perfect shell – not a broken one. Often, we are content only with the perfect, the unblemished, the new.

That is not the way with God, who understands the broken, the imperfect and the damaged – and seeks us. The scripture for today shows us that we humans are like the imperfect shell. We journey through an ocean filled with rocks and reefs and storms, and none of  us makes it to the shore without scars of suffering and endurance.

At times, we may feel disappointed or ashamed at our brokenness. But in our suffering we are being made strong. And that strength will develop a character that clings to hope. Our hope is not in circum- stances, people or even ourselves, but in our powerful and loving God who will never let us be crushed or lost in the storm. God can transform our stories of suffering into a beautiful strength of character that pro- duces hope which will never  disappoint.

Prayer: Dear God, give us strength to withstand the storms we encounter. Help us to cling to you in hope. Amen
 
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I am so thrilled and excited about the BSL version of Deaf Missions Daily Devotions. I have their booklet and been using them for nearly a year. I have good command of English but still struggle with the concept of the context at times. What a difference it has made just watching someone signing the passage so clearly and of superior quality! I notice the USA are far more advanced with access to the Gospel in ASL but now you have made it possible for us. So many thanks for this! May it go from strength to strength. JJ