Suffering
No one enjoys suffering. Yet we find that followers of Jesus Christ develop greater spiritual maturity and strength through endurance training in the midst of pain and suffering.
(See Chinese versions: 简体中文 > 苦难 | 繁體中文 > 苦難)
A prayer to cry out to God in our suffering
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I seek to honour You in every area of my life and offer myself as a living sacrifice to You.
Romans 12:1 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Thank you that all who seek You will find You and that nothing we endure will ever be in vain if we dedicate it to You.
1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I confess that the challenges I face (name the hardships) are painful and daunting – and I desperately need your love and strength in order to have the wisdom, grace and endurance to behave in a way that glorifies You.
I submit to You first and foremost, and choose not to yield to my emotions, thoughts and fleshly reactions. I choose self-control over my tongue and my body language. I choose to die to myself and listen to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and guidance.
James 4:7 ESV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
If there is any area of unconfessed sin that has given Satan a foothold to oppress me, Holy Spirit, please reveal it to me! I am ready to confess anything that may be blocking God’s favour upon my life. Please show me what lesson I have to learn.
Acts 13:22 NIV After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’
However, if my circumstances are meant to bring about God’s higher purpose for myself or other people, I will obediently walk on this journey. I desire Jesus to walk this journey with me. He has promised to share my burden with me and give me rest for my weary soul. Thank you, Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Father God, I praise You for my circumstances, knowing that You are always fully in control. Use my life to testify to Your truth, power and love. Thank you for the privilege to be Your ambassador on earth. There is no greater joy and fulfilment than to invest in Your eternal Kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
In Jesus’ name, amen!”