Greetings Prayer Warriors,
As we pray for different family members and the families of one another, we always hope for a rapid answer to our prayers as it is difficult to watch those we love struggle and suffer even to the smallest degree. But perhaps we shouldn’t fear the cross as much as we do, as it is the path to Jesus. He uses crosses to shape and mold us, to humble us, strengthen us, and embolden us. Sometimes, He even allows us to offer our own suffering for the sanctification of another. Crosses are a gift.
We don’t know what the physical future holds for our family, our state, our country, and our world, but I have the sense that the sands are shifting. We are constantly being introduced to a "new normal". Yet we can be confident in what our eternal future looks like, if we persevere in prayer and make/keep it as our forever daily normal.
Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a great contest of suffering. At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction; at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated. You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession. Hebrews 10:32-34
Lord, may we accept all hardship with joy, keeping our eyes on eternity and never losing hope in your promises. May we praise you in good times and bad.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised. “For, after just a brief moment, he who is to come shall come; he shall not delay. But my just one shall live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.” We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life. Hebrews 10:35-39
Lord, our greatest desire is to be in eternity with You, and with all of our family members. Hear our ongoing petitions, look kindly upon our steadfastness, have mercy on our missteps, and grant us and all who we hold dear, the perseverance and endurance to complete the journey and the faith to never lose sight of our destination. Send your angels to guard and guide us, until we are safely home with You. Amen.
And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Ongoing prayer is the guardrail on the path to eternity. Pass it on!
