We have a litany in The Word of individuals who went through deplorable situations!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were cast into a furnace by men who died throwing them in!
Job was tortured – loss of children/property/health.
Ruth was widowed, penniless, a stranger in a foreign land.
Daniel was thrown to the lions as to devour.
Joseph was placed in a pit to die/sold into slavery/temped/thrown in jail/challenged with an unsolvable puzzle. He became next in authority to the Pharoah.
The accounts are innumerable – Samson was blinded, shorn and made to perform in the stadium. Until he asked favor of The LORD and in his final action slew more Philistines than he had in his life!
The Philistine men captured Samson. They tore out his eyes and took him down to the city of Gaza. Then they put chains on him to keep him from running away. They put him in prison and made him work grinding grain. But his hair began to grow again. The Philistine rulers came together to celebrate. They were going to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They said, “Our god helped us defeat Samson our enemy.” When the Philistines saw Samson, they praised their god. They said, “This man destroyed our people! He killed many of our people! But our god helped us take our enemy!” The people were having a good time at the celebration. So they said, “Bring Samson out. We want to make fun of him.” So they brought Samson from the prison and made fun of him. They made him stand between the columns in the temple of the god Dagon. A servant was holding his hand. Samson said to him, “Put me where I can feel the columns that hold this temple up. I want to lean against them.” The temple was crowded with men and women. All the Philistine rulers were there. There were about 3000 men and women on the roof of the temple. They were laughing and making fun of Samson. Then Samson said a prayer to the LORD, “Lord GOD, remember me. God, please give me strength one more time. Let me do this one thing to punish these Philistines for tearing out both of my eyes!” Then Samson took hold of the two columns in the center of the temple that supported the whole temple. He braced himself between the two columns. One column was at his right side and the other at his left side. Samson said, “Let me die with these Philistines!” Then he pushed as hard as he could, and the temple fell on the rulers and everyone in it. In this way Samson killed many more Philistines when he died than when he was alive. Samson’s brothers and all the people in his father’s family went down to get his body. They brought him back and buried him in his father’s tomb, which is between the cities of Zorah and Eshtaol. Samson was a judge for the Israelites for 20 years.
Judges 16:21-31
We could go on and on and on… But, what situation are you in? What troubles you? Have you known grace and having it stolen from you? What were your dreams? What potential did you possess? Trick question! You are you – situations may have changed but you remain the same. It may not ‘feel’ it, but you are you. The same person you were Created to be.
Turn your eyes to your Author! Your ‘story’ is being lived!
Isaiah 48:10 – “Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction”. Our Almighty God has not drop the pen that he is using to write yours and my story and so keep the faith and walk with the Holy Spirit for better understanding of your purpose.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_write_your_story
And we pray:
Heavenly Father, I humble myself before you asking for your hand of support during these difficult situations. You are my refuge and my strength; my present help in trouble. Hold my hand and do not let me fall. Let your grace be upon me during these times of anguish. My trust is in your love which never fails, and your power that knows no boundaries. Be my guide. Amen.
Stand With Me Prayer
Jesus Christ, I ask that you may give me a shoulder to lean on during this difficult situation. Wipe my tears away. I am burdened, Lord, hold my hand. I take my yoke upon you that I may learn from you; you are gentle and humble. In you, I can find peace. My heart rests in you. You are my friend. Stand with me to the end. Be my rock. Amen.
Renew My Soul
King of kings, you did not promise us the absence of calamities. You promised to be with us when calamities strike. I count on your promise during this season of hardships. Be with me, God. Give me wisdom and strength to overcome all these difficulties. Work your ways to deliver me from these discouraging times and let my trust be in you alone. Renew my soul and let me be still and know that you are God. Amen.
Go Before Me Prayer
Everlasting Lord, You are my peace in times of hardships; you are the rock I take refuge in. Go before me and make rough places smooth. Be my guide. I know that during such situations, my faith is put to test and I am glad that my trust is in you. No matter how weary I am, the promise of your presence lifts my spirit and gives me hope. You are my tower of strength and I can’t go through these hardships without you. Amen.
Help Me Through Prayer
Heavenly Father, My heart is troubled. I cry out for your help. Help me through these difficulties for you understand my struggles. Let your mighty hand work things out for me, Lord. You are my source of strength, I can’t do it on my own. Let your angels watch over me every step of the way. My enemies are waiting for me to fall but with you, I know that I can stand. My trust is in you. Amen.
You Are My Strength Prayer
Father, you gave your only son to die on the cross so that I can be saved. You’ve promised to be with me in all circumstances. What else won’t you do for me? My trying moments are nothing before you because I have overcome them already by faith. You are my strength. You are a faithful Father. My heart rejoices in your love. Amen.
