Most Understanding Lord, sometimes I become dissatisfied and complain bitterly about what I am having to go through. But through my hard times I am coming to realize that a Christian life is not trouble free. Despite knowing this, I still go through struggles and complain to You about the things I am having to go through. If I want to be free from the consequences of my bad choices and sins, I cannot lose sight of the tremendous price that You paid for my debt, so I do not have to pay for it. Because You acted as my substitute, I have been freed from the punishment due from my sins. As a believer, I must face another principle … “reaping and sowing” … that comes into effect when dealing with the consequences of my actions. The thing I can count on is that when I suffer because of the poor choices, You will always be there to show me the way forward.
As a person living in this crazy world, I have come to expect that I will undergo tension and conflict. As a result of an unbelieving world being out of sync with my Christian beliefs, I must turn to You for guidance on how to deal with the struggles in my life. Your expectation of me is that I will show courage and persistence in running the race to which I have been called. I must not become depressed and feel downtrodden knowing You have my back. Despite the inevitable struggles I will face, I must not forget that I am never alone. Your Word tells me that nothing can separate me from Your love and that is my assurance that You will not abandon in the midst of my struggles. As a man of many sorrows, You have compassion for the trials and tribulations I go through. Since You learned how to overcome Your struggles, I believe You can teach me how to overcome mine.
I understand that trials and testing come into my life so that my faith can be proven to be genuine, and my response can bring you honor. I must accept trials and tribulation as a part of the refining process that eliminate my weaknesses and impurities. I do not want my faith to be like the seed that when troubles and persecutions come in it falls away because it is not rooted in Your Word. Help me rejoice when I suffer through trials and tribulations because as I endure the suffering it produces perseverance, character, and patience. When undergoing trials and testing I must rely on promises, remain patient in affliction and become faithful in praying. These struggles cause me to experience difficulties that help me grow spiritually. When trials and tribulations come, I will overcome them by my dependence on Your strength. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
I Peter 1:6-7 For a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come to you so that your faith … may be proven genuine and result in honor and praise to Jesus Christ.