Encouragement in Trials

Prayer When Trials Hit Hard

Recently I started keeping a prayer journal.  Every day during my quiet time I write down what stands out to me during my Bible reading and study, and then I turn the meaningful points into a prayer to the Lord.

Last week I hit some trials.  Or rather, the trials hit me.  Hard.  They came out of nowhere and took over fast and fierce.  One morning all I could muster were the words, "I'm struggling Lord."

Immediately He started filling my head with His promises.  He reminded me of who He is and who I am in Him.

Psalm 18:6 - "In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.  From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears."

Encouragement through Struggles

My struggles didn't disappear, but He reminded me that I don't have to go through them alone.  I had been praying to Him all week throughout my trials, but that morning after He reminded me that He was right there, my prayers changed.  They went from, "Please take this from me," to "Please help me to stretch and grow into the person You want me to become," and "Please help me to learn from all of this what You are trying to teach me."

When Struggles Have a Purpose

Can I be honest about something?  It's scary telling God to stretch and grow me.  It's a whole lot more comfortable staying right here where I'm at.  He has been stirring in my heart for awhile now, and I know something is coming.  I don't know what.  I don't know when.  I do know that I want to be prepared.  I want to be used by Him.  I think the trials I'm going through (present tense - they aren't over) are to develop my perseverance, obedience, and commitment.  

I want to run in such a way that I get the prize.  ~ 1 Corinthians 9:23-25

I want results that measure up to what matters most.

I want to persevere.  

I want to glorify Him in how I handle the storm.

Somehow I feel like it's going to get harder before it gets easier, but one thing I am certain of, I don't have to do it alone.

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