My Dependable Savior, I am so blessed to have You standing by my side. I must confess that sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the things I am facing. In these times, doubting robs me of my hope and makes me feel like a loser. My suffering takes many forms … disillusionment, disappointment, worry, sickness, fear, etc. The pain and anguish from these times tempt me to turn back, surrender or give in. I know that giving my life to You does not automatically shield me from hard times and the emotions that come from them. Because of Your faithfulness, when I face what appears to be an impossible task, I count on You to come through for me. In my darkest times, You fortify my faith, give me comfort and infuse me with hope. I am thankful for all of the things You have done, are doing and will do for me. I understand that each trial I face is meant to strengthen my faith and draw me closer to You.
In response to Your calling, I am to live a holy life, reverently fear and trust You, be honest and loving toward my fellow man and be more like You. You are the cornerstone upon which the church is built and You are the sure foundation upon which I’ve built my life. As I follow in Your footsteps, I am believing that You will prevent me from stumbling and falling as I journey through life. Even though I struggle with problems, my life should be above reproach and a model of how You lived. The image I should portray is one of obedience even in trying and difficult times. I must not be surprised when hard times come upon me and I should be appreciative of the opportunity to suffer in Your name. In every difficult circumstance I find myself, I must look for and believe in Your deliverance. In becoming like You, I must learn to be submissive to my elders, the leaders of Your flock and the Holy Spirit.
I must accept that suffering for doing right is a part of becoming like You. When You came to the earth, You were without sin yet You submitted to the will of Your Father and became a sacrifice for me. When I encounter stress and turmoil in my life, I should rejoice in the fact that You’ve given me an opportunity to draw closer to You. You suffered for my sake and, as a one of Your own, I should be willing to do the same for You. When You suffered on the cross, I’m sure You felt alone and abandoned. Why else would You have cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me.” But like You, who the Father visited and strengthened to complete Your task … so do You promise to never leave or forsake me so I can complete mine. You’ve always promised to be with me … through thick and thin … sooner or later … in large or small. And it is for that promise that I give You praise. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Matthew 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.