When I experience persecution and hardship, I am tempted to think that God has lost control of the universe and lost control of my life. My circumstances of hardship reveal the doubt and disbelief present within my heart. Instead, I must remember and speak to my soul.
I remember the wisdom of God.
God, please help my unbelief. Forgive me for my lack of faith. My tendency is to try to take control of the situation and try to find answers and solutions to the riddles of life. I work out one scenario only to discover I have caused other problems with my “solution.” Your wisdom is far greater, wider and deeper than I can comprehend. In my disbelief, I ask that you transform my heart. Graciously, give me a heart of faith.
I remember the love of God.
If then, you who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God – if this is the manner of your love, then how can I fear the unknowns before me? You have secured my very eternity before I recognized my need.
I remember to trust God.
I need only to trust – not blindly nor leaping into an unknown darkness – yet trusting in a God who has made himself known through Jesus Christ.
I remember that trust is an ongoing act, not a one-time event.
I must keep trusting, building my life upon Christ the Rock, even as the storm tries to snatch the seeds of faith from the soil of my heart. I trust, knowing where my help comes from.
I remember that God rules from the heavens.
I look to the heavens, beyond and outside of myself, to the God who sits on the throne sovereignly ruling and reigning. Nothing is outside of your control. Nothing is hidden from your sight.
I (remember to) praise God for his enduring, never-ending love.
Thank you for being gracious and merciful. Thank you that your steadfast love endures forever. Thank you that you have borne all of sin and shame on the cross and rose victorious.Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Amen.
Trials, suffering, persecution each purify our hearts and make us holy. God uses all things, including suffering to transform us into his image and likeness. Let us take great comfort in knowing that our eternal, ever-living God rules from the throne. Nothing, including our current hardships, escapes his power and control.
