Praying In The Time Of Struggle

One of the great comforts and challenges, all at the same time, is the reality that we are powerless to manage our lives on our own.  Nothing makes us feel more vulnerable than not being able to be in control.  The truth is that whether we know it or not, life is too much for us and only the care and control of our gracious God keeps our world and our lives on track.  

In this struggle to maintain our faith and trust in God and not scramble due to the panic of being out of control, we are invited to pray for one another.  Whether we've been in recovery for a long time or just getting started, we all know that there are many struggles and challenges to be faced if we are to keep going. The Bible encourages us to pray for one another in the struggle.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.  (Romans 15:30 NIV)

The struggle may come from our own personal challenges with temptation and obsessions.  The challenge may be to retain hope for a loved one who has relapsed once again after seeming to do well for a time.  Whatever the challenge, we know that prayer is the number one strategy to employ to find the solutions and strength we need.  The deepest level of our lives is the spiritual and the solution for every other area of thought, emotion, and behaviour is rooted in the spiritual work that is taking place in the core of our being. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

The evil one is stronger than us but is no match for the power of God.  That's why we need a higher power who can restore us and to whom we can pray and regularly give our will and our lives into His care. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I’m glad I don’t have to pretend that it’s not a struggle to continue to do what is right.  Help me to stand in Your love and to support my friends in prayer as together we offer our powerlessness to You and invite You to continue Your work of restoration in our lives. Amen

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