Dear Heavenly Father,
Life can seem like a rollercoaster sometimes. We pray to receive blessings and to accomplish goals that are really important to us, but it seems that very shortly after we receive them, things kinda go haywire. There are challenges and obstacles that come with the blessing, and when we were praying to receive them, most of us never thought about those things. This made me think to myself, “This is why I needed to be patient! This is why I needed to learn certain lessons.” We don’t always understand why we need to be patient, or why things don’t work out the way we expect, but even with our lack of understanding, You are always preparing us to go to the next level. You are always helping us to get ready to receive the thing we’ve asked for.
Most of us don’t have a clue about all the changes and obstacles that come with the blessing we desire most. If we really want something, our desire for it and our ability to maintain it are going to be tested. We often blame this on the devil’s shenanigans, but we might as well accept that this is how life works. Thank You, Father, for helping us to realize that we can’t base our happiness on circumstances, we must base it on our relationship with You and the knowledge that You will never leave or forsake us. Even when we are tested, You are with us, and we will be victorious as we lean not on our own understanding, but place all our trust in You.
Thank You for helping us to be patient during the process of preparation. We must understand that we won’t always succeed the first time around, and many of us think we should. Sometimes our failure is preparation for success, and we must have confidence in Your Word as we get back up after a fall. You tell us in Colossians 1:9-12(MSG) how we ought to pray in order to be strong and courageous, so that we are good stewards of Your blessings. We should pray that You will give us “wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”
No matter the tests we endure, You always have something bright and beautiful waiting for us. Help us to focus on this, Heavenly Father, instead of the temporary and light affliction that comes with living life! We are not weaklings. We are more than conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ, and our labor for You and Your Kingdom is never, ever in vain. Hebrews 11:6 declares that You are a Rewarder of those that diligently seek You, and You never disappoint Your children.
Yes, we must prove our heart’s desire. We must show You, ourselves, and all of creation the strength of our faith and courage, and we are well able to do this, because You have empowered us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Thank You for all You have made us, and help us to continue to endure with patience and joy, for You are beyond faithful to Your Word and to the promises You’ve made us.
Thank You for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Please let Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Testing of My Heart’s Desire”, written by K. Lizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2019. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.