Through Prayer and Difficulty
Let’s start with prayer today.
Jesus, we believe You are speaking to us right now. Thank You that You are guiding us into all truth. We want to see our challenges today as a means to trust You more. Shape us as we become more and more like You. Amen.
Recently, I was talking with a friend about being grateful for challenges. Truthfully, I believe that I grow more in seasons of challenge than I ever do in seasons of comfort. When I am challenged in my life, I NEED God’s voice and direction, and I pray with more passion and diligence.
The friend I was talking to was in the hospital with a mysterious illness that had left the doctors mystified. I will never forget his comment, “Why did it take an illness to bring me back to such a sweet place of dependence and connection with Jesus?” I pray that you and my friend, will never forget that sentiment! Romans 8 says:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27, NIV)
friend,God is speaking through your pain and He wants you to talk back! I know that God does not delight in pain, but He will use it to bring us closer to His heart. Listen to the words of the Psalmist:
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:67-68, NIV)
Before I left the hospital, God spoke to me and called me to pray healing and hope over my friend. I remember praying, “God, Simon needs a miracle and you are a miracle-working God. He began this journey at 180 pounds and now he is down to 147. Jesus, we need you to do a 180 degree turn and bring Simon back to 180 pounds! You said that whatever was released on earth was released in Heaven so we are standing in faith and believing that this is done. Amen.
My friend, I am praying this truth over your need for a miracle. May God speak His comfort over you and may you HEAR and experience it today! You are going to receive a complete turnaround today, in the name of Jesus! Your challenge is the perfect place for God to show up strong for you, and He will.
You are a miracle!
