Prayer Calendar Archive

by Lisa Hall, international prayer coordinator

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)   

Per-se-ver-ance: the continued effort to do something despite difficulty.

Some things in life you can just count on happening; trials are one example. Sometimes they are a result of choices, but others seem to randomly come into our lives unannounced. We may face the death of a loved one, medical crises, relational divisions or financial losses. Other trials are more internally difficult, like depression, addictions, anger or hopelessness.

No matter how they come, trials have the power to destroy us or to move us closer to maturity in our walk with God. What part do we play in the effect that trials have on our lives? And what truths do we need to embrace about trials so that they can make us stronger rather than defeat us?

Recently, one of my closest friends suddenly passed away. I was in shock and grieved deeply at this huge loss in my life. I found myself continually crying out to God, asking for him to help me sift through my emotions and thoughts. My “go to” Scripture in times of uncertainty is 2 Chronicles 20:12, where King Jehoshaphat faced a vast enemy and cried out to the Lord, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Friend, what are facing right now? Will you join me in holding on to the truth that we are not alone in our trials?

May we be encouraged to hold our struggles before God, release them to him and ask him to open our eyes to see the way he has made for us to persevere through them. We can stand on Jesus’ promise in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our ultimate help is always in Jesus.

In addition to trials, temptations are another certainty in life, both those caused by our sin and those that are not. Jesus again can help us. Not only does he understand and have compassion for us, but he has successfully endured every temptation that we face. Our Lord offers us his help, experience and power. We see in Jesus’ wilderness temptation that he overcame Satan by being rooted in Scripture.

In Romans 12:2, we are told to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This takes place when we saturate ourselves in God’s Word and let its truths sink in and change us. As we are washed by the Word of God, it reveals areas in our lives that need to change and be given over to God. What sin is currently tripping you up? What new thought patterns, actions and accountability do you need to put in place to be set free?

As Jesus discerned each temptation in the wilderness, he looked to God’s Word to find the truth to stand on which would counter the lie of the enemy. He put into practice Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” What a great example of perseverance to follow!

In addition to Christ’s example, godly fellowship with other believers helps us resist temptations and stand strong during trials. The body of Christ has been given to us to literally hold up our weary hands and graciously direct our eyes back to Jesus. Please call out for this support to help you persevere! Who do you need to confide in to come alongside and help you right now?

As we keep our eyes on the Lord, he enables us to persevere for his glory. May the challenges we encounter in our lives mature our faith and testify to the goodness of our God.