Endurance: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8:22

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.”

Physical labor pains are difficult enough for a short period of time. But to consider the concept of enduring them without limit is beyond understanding. Thankfully, it can’t happen as medical professionals step in to save the lives.

Yet creation is still waiting for release. Still waiting for the new life once born in the first creation to be restored. When every day brought about a newness of life and “God saw that it was good.”

Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational trials weary us to the bone. In each situation there comes a place of decision. Do we continue to trust in new birth, new beginnings, and new beauty in God’s timing? Or does the waiting, the discomfort, the challenge, the exhaustion, the inconveniences, or the pain, pull us away from trusting in Him and His mercy. We falter. We fall.

Yet what is unattainable in our own strength and determination is possible when we are able to trust the Lord’s love and commitment to us to carry us through. No matter how long the pain endures. No matter the outcome. Because.

We are His living stones, redeemed by His mercy, precious in His sight.

Lord, please keep our hearts steadfast in Your words of life and hope and trust.

Psalm of Worship: Proverbs 8:21

“Endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”

Reflection Pain: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you had a season of life where pain has kept you from hope?

2.     How did cope? Or did you?

3.     Did you believe God was present with you through the trial or did you think He had forgotten you?

4.     How did His hope reach into your situation and give you the strength to keep going?

Share: What would you share from your experience with someone experiencing emotional or physical pain now that could give them a sense of hope in the Holy Spirit’s presence?

Pain: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Romans 5:5, “and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

When our circumstances become a roller coaster ride of disappointments and frustration, or emotional and physical pain from a crisis, it takes very little effort to resist or ignore hope.

We acknowledge the gift of life in our breathing but can still lose the vibrancy of living under a season of numbness. When pain becomes the center of our lives hope often seems to be wishful dreaming—a maybe one day possibility.

But that isn’t the hope that God gives. He brings His definition into all of our days regardless of the circumstances. God’s gift touches our hearts, which impacts everything from the inside out with His grace instead of the outside in crushing us with despair.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…and you shall find rest for your souls.”

His truth goes deeper than the situations we struggle with as well as those we joy in. His hope is a poured out gift of presence and relationship and understanding. When we see through His vision, then disappointment cannot take root and blind us to restoration and renewal.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:116

“Sustain me according to Thy word, that I may live;

And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 5:13, And the taskmasters presses them, saying, “Complete your work quota, your daily amount, just as when you had straw.”

Waves of helplessness flood us when we face circumstances we can neither control or change. Fear grips our minds. Outrage engulfs our hearts. We stand bewildered.

The foremen of the sons of Israel faced an impossible situation not of their own choosing. They attempted reason. Rejected. They reviewed the possibilities. Pruned. They requested clemency. Caned. No hope for negotiation. No exit.

How do we cope? Where do we flee when the pain becomes unbearable? God promises us “that you may be able to endure it.”

That doesn’t sound like the rescue I’m seeking Lord. It sounds more like I have to stay awhile in this place. Why? I came to You like You said I should. Remove me, please. Give me distance to reflect on this trial. What’s keeping me? My own chains! But I have a right to be angry. Don’t You see how uncooperative and hateful they’re being? I’m here by accident, remember.

“but He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 71:2

In Thy righteousness deliver me, and rescue me;

Incline Thine ear to me, and save me.