Today I offer a prayer for perseverance under trial. We frequently face difficulties in life. Every struggle has the opportunity to draw us nearer to God (our best option) or make us more bitter and indignant toward Him (Satan’s goal). So many things are beyond our control, but one thing that remains within our control, is our attitude toward God. Do we wish to persevere and draw near to Him, or push Him further away?
Father God, our Compassionate King and Steadfast Lord, You are with us in times of trouble. You say that those who remain steadfast under trial are blessed, for those who withstand such trials will receive Your promised crown of life. May we learn to rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that these struggles grow perseverance within us, resulting in Christlike character and hope, so we will lack nothing. You also assure us that our continued pursuit of obedience to You, if we don’t grow tired and give up, will result in a bountiful harvest of blessing. May we lay aside every burden and sin which slows us down, so we may run with endurance the race You set before us, seeking Your presence and strength continually. By completing Your will for us in this life, we will receive the full blessing of Your promises. By enduring we will one day reign with You in Heaven, but if we deny You, You will also deny us. Therefore, may we remain patient in tribulation, rejoice in hope, and be constant in prayer. We seek to remain alert, and pray at all times in the Spirit, on behalf of our neighbors. Please continue Your good works in us, and in our neighbors’ hearts as well, bringing them to completion through Jesus Christ, so we will endure to the end and be saved. Lord, please direct our hearts to loving You, and remaining steadfast in Christ, each and every day. Amen.
[Inspired by: Jas 1:12, Rm 5:3-4, Jas 1:2-4, Rm 5:4, Gal 6:9, Heb 12:1, 1 Chr 16:11, Heb 10:36, 2 Tim 2:12, Rm 12:12, Eph 6:18, Php 1:6, Mt 24:13, 2 Ths 3:5]
~ Conqueror in Training