There are super spiritual persons who claim that they have the secret of living trouble-free lives in this world. If that’s you, well God bless you and may you continue to do so. Jesus said in John 16:33 (MsgB) “…In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” It is better to accept God’s truth and let every man be a liar. Tribulations will come; God did not promise life on an easy street, but he has provided a way to overcome them. Living through or overcoming every challenge starts with prayers.
Many of you reading this article, like myself, may recall times from childhood to this present time in your life when tribulations came your way. You may have been rejected, deceived, disappointed, taken advantage of in some way or another. You may be suffering the consequences of your own bad decisions in life. We must keep in mind that we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world and amongst us is the author of destruction and the invisible promoter of every evil work.
Some of us have yet to learn that no matter how dark and difficult our circumstances are, we can live through and eventually rise and live above them by God’s grace. Our creator, and loving heavenly father, did not leave us to fend completely for ourselves. As the law of lift when applied will cause a huge heavy aircraft to break the laws of gravity, so is the effectiveness of spiritual laws when applied. They will change things seen and unseen, known and unknown. Prayer is the most powerful equipment that God has given us to travail and triumph over tribulations.
At times, things happen where the purpose of God can be revealed (John 9:3). Occasionally, it is used to purify us; it will burn sin and selfishness that lies within. Sometimes misery comes from Godly discipline incorporated into our life Hebrews2:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”. Hebrews 12:5–6 ) So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. ” It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. Sometimes we are caught in the enemy’s web; he will try to make us miserable and destroy us. Often the anguish, fair, sorrow, sadness, grief or pain we feel is Satan’s doing and no fault of our own or anyone else. Our comfort comes in knowing that God will help us through and out of the predicament as we humble ourselves and effectively pray, communicate with God for progressive wisdom, discipline and strength.
HOW TO PRAY THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES
Regardless what the reasons for our difficulties are, prayers will make a difference. Every day and every prayer is an opportunity to change our future. Though we may not see the results immediately, every drop of prayer definitely makes a difference. Christ’s life was fibred with prayer. Surely Jesus coped and conquered by prayer. And that’s the manner all Christians must.
1. We must pray for God’s wisdom
We are prone to use worldly wisdom at all levels in our walk daily. Leaders of large denominations, pastors in growing, leaders of great countries use worldly wisdom. James tells us what Godly wisdom is: James 3:14–17 (NIV) “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. [17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
2. Pray for the Spirit’s help
John 14:16-17 (NIV) “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
The Spirit will also comfort, empower and teach us all things.
3. Pray for the mind of Christ
1 Cor. 2:16 (NIV) “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. Philip. 2:5 (NIV) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:1 Peter 4:1 (NIV) Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. God will give us the mind of Christ in every situation and we will overcome as he did.
3. Pray for a greater sense of God’s presence in the dilemma
Psalm 112:7 (NIV) He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Acknowledging the presence of God in a difficult situation will help us find rest and peace, knowing that he is cares, is willing, and helping us to get through the trouble.
4. Pray that you will stay in God’s will and be obedient in this difficult time
Luke 22:40–43 (KJV) And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. [41] And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, [42] Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. [43] And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
Staying in God’s will in difficult times is a critical thing. We can miss the purpose of our entire life or it can be the window of the greatest opportunity. Don’t miss it, Jesus did not — let’s follow him.
5. Pray to see the good in the bad
It is vital to see the scenario from all angles. God will reveal everything we need to see that will help us through and encourage us.
Elisha’s servant found himself in what seemed to be immediate death and panicked. Elisha prayed, his eyes were opened and he saw what would be the outcome of the situation.
2 Kings 6:15–17 (KJV) And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? [16] And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. [17] And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
6. Pray that you will have Godly expectations only
Disappointments and sufferings are inevitable because life never consistently meets our expectations. We make mistakes expecting that people will not disappoint us and that we will have everything as promised or expected, but it never came through. Instead of things getting better, the venom of bitterness and unforgiveness comes in. Let us expect people to be people and God to be God. God will help us sustain disappointments.
7. Pray that God will help you forgive others
Often the greatest times of disappointment are when someone fails us. We get hurt deeply and find it hard to forgive. Many live life festering and weeping wounds, while the other parties are having a blast in life. Our joy and happiness must not depend on people and we need God’s help to forgive them. When we release and forgive our offenders, we are on our to recovery and wholeness in life.
8. Pray that God will help you accept His forgiveness and forgive yourself
Though the hardhearted feel no remorse when they fail others, many of us feel we have committed the unforgivable sin and keep living under tons of condemnation. When we cannot forgive others, we cannot accept God’s forgiveness and neither can we forgive ourselves. We must pray that we’re able to accept God’s forgiveness and forgive ourselves.
9. Pray that you will not be discouraged
Discouragement can flow in like a flood; we think we are standing strong and someone says something or we think the wrong things and we are washed away with waves of discouragement. Our difficult times will come to and end.
Remember what Paul Said in Philip. 4:13 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (MsgB) Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Be reminded that God’s timing is not ours and he moves with great precision without delay. David said in Psalm 37:5–9 (GW) “Entrust your ways to the Lord, Trust him, and he will act {on your behalf}. [6] He will make your righteousness shine like a light, your just cause like the noonday sun. [7] Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Do not be preoccupied with {an evildoer} who succeeds in his way when he carries out his schemes. [8] Let go of anger, and leave rage behind. Do not be preoccupied. It only leads to evil. [9]Evildoers will be cut off {from their inheritance}, but those who wait with hope for the Lord will inherit the land.”
In 1 Samuel 30:6 we see that God says (KJV) “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” We must too.
Regardless of your present situation, know that God is at work in every circumstance in your life and it is for your own good. And that all things work together when we don’t know what we need today for when we pray in the Spirit. He wants us to trust him. Trust Him when we are weary; we will find strength. Trust Him when we have problems; we will find peace. Trust Him when we are empty; we will experience his fullness. Trust Him when we are sad; he will give us joy. Don’t be blinded by circumstances; there is a great future ahead for us so let us believe in His promises. Look to God instead of the circumstances. With man, few or many things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.