Weekly devotion: How can we turn from despair to hope?
The Karagheusian Medical Centre, Lebanon
Medical staff examine a patient at the Karagheusian Medical Centre.
The Karagheusian Medical Centre is located in the Bourj Hammoud area of Beirut. It provides high-quality and affordable medical assistance to Syrian and Iraqi refugees, as well as disadvantaged Lebanese people.
The economic crisis in Lebanon has left many people unable to afford basic primary healthcare services and there are severe shortages of medicines for chronic conditions. The Centre steps into this gap, offering diagnostic tests, essential medications and referral to specialists where needed.
Bible reading
‘Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the end of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.’
Isaiah 40:28-31
Thought
Many of us are living in economically challenging and uncertain times. The catastrophic economic and financial crisis in Lebanon may feel insurmountable – and yet our God is sovereign over all kingdoms, rulers, authorities and problems.
Ask yourself: In times of challenge, how can we fix our eyes on God and turn from despair to hope?
Prayer
Faithful God, we commit to you people living in difficult circumstances in Lebanon. In the midst of fears and health struggles, we pray that these people will know the warmth of your love and the tenderness of your care. We pray for your rich blessing on the vital humanitarian efforts of the Karagheusian Medical Centre. We thank you that you are a God is not aloof from suffering, but you are intimately acquainted with sorrow and grief. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Podcast episode: My Lebanese Hospital
Discover the story behind the Karagheusian Medical Centre.
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