Faith for Today...

Oh Father, please help me today. Lift the heaviness of my heart. Remove my doubts and the feelings that whisper, "I just can't do this. I can't press on anymore. I just want to go back to bed."

Ever pray similar prayers? Feel weighted at obstacles? Overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding your life?

If so, may it comfort you to know...You're not alone.

Elijah prayed, in 1 Kings 19:4-5, "I have had enough, LORD," ... "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." (NIV)

David prayed, in Psalm 42:5, "Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." (NIV)

Paul wrote, in Roman 7:24-25, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (NIV)

Friends, faith wouldn't be faith if it were easy, if everything ALWAYS lined up perfectly, if EVERY emotion always remained full of joy and bliss.

InJohn 16:33, Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)

That's where our faith must rest...in Jesus...in the truth of God's love...resting in WHO HE IS...Faith presses on regardless of circumstances, knowing God will never leave.

Oswald Chambers, in Run Today's Race, wrote: "Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."

Friend, what battles do you face? Are you in a "fiery furnace"? If so, take a deep breath. Retreat to the arms of God. Find comfort in the promises of His Word. Pray for the Holy Spirit's comfort.

1 Corinthians 10:13 promises us that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV)

Let me know if there is anyway I can pray for you today by emailing me at: Julie@juliegorman.com