PRAYING IN THE STRUGGLES

Most of us pray at some point or another.  Some people who have no relationship with God will still pray when they are in trouble or when they really need help in a time of great distress.  Does God hear their prayer?  Yes, He does.  Will He answer their prayer?  Yes, He will.  How God answers that prayer is up to God for He knows each person’s heart and knows what is best for each of us. 

God is much more generous than any human being and He alone knows the end from the beginning.  However, when we have given our will and life over to the care of God, we are assured that His eyes always watch over us and His ears are open to all our prayers.

The Lord watches over everyone who obeys him, and he listens to their prayers.  But he opposes everyone who does evil.  Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.  1 Peter 3:12; Jeremiah 33:3

Whether we have walked with God for a while or not we sometimes struggle to do what's right. It can be helpful to remember that God knows about the battle and provides a promise for success with a clear strategy for attaining it: keep alert and pray.

The sinful self wants what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against the sinful self. They are always fighting against each other, so that you don’t do what you really want to do.

Galatians 5:17

Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak., Matthew 26:41

Jesus prayed:  “I am not asking you to take them out of the world. But I am asking that you keep them safe from the Evil One. They don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world.” John 17:15-16

Well Lord, today we humbly admit to You that we are powerless to overcome temptation without You. We bring our challenging thoughts and circumstances to You. We ask You for wisdom and guidance. Help us to resist the temptation, or even to want to resist. 

We know You have all power over every kind of temptation so we’re asking You today to help us to stay alert to the work of the evil one who is seeking to destroy us right now, all day today, and every day.  Help us to stand firm on Your promises, and to keep looking to You and trusting You for all the help we need. 

Lord Jesus, We will have victory through You because You never leave us and will never forsake us. We surrender ourselves to Your care.  We will walk with You in truth today.  You can be trusted to take care of everything else.   Amen