I have been praying for endurance quite a bit lately. Not only for myself but for others as well. I have at least 2 handfuls of people in my life (Family & Friends) who are currently suffering while in difficult circumstances. Some are physical situations which cause fatigue and weariness of soul. Other situations are more of a mental roller coaster which also causes fatigue and weariness. Perhaps you can relate.
Every time it seems as though the trial may be coming to an end, the finish line gets moved. Instead of running through the victors ribbon and coming into a time of rest, the race gets extended. Although there is a little splash of water where the finish line once was, it doesn’t seem near enough to keep going, especially when the newly moved finish line can’t be seen. Just like the photos shown in this post, life becomes a bit of a blur in spite of running as fast as possible to keep up.
It is in times like these which I hear the Lord Jesus say,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Most often these words are ministered to my soul by my husband, my mom or a friend praying for me. Although it is a human voice interceding on my behalf, the burden I am carrying gets put in it’s proper place; at the feet of Jesus. Hebrews 4:14-16 declares this plainly.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The invitation to bring our burdens, and those of others, to the Lord is such a gracious gift to every Christian. Although words of encouragement and exhortation are helpful and needed in many circumstances, too often the ministry of prayer is the most needed and yet neglected thing. I KNOW a person loves me and cares for me if they carry my burden in prayer to the only One who can actually do anything to help.
Compassion & Caring
The compassion expressed when one child of God brings another to their Heavenly Father is something which can not be manufactured. It takes boldness and faith to pray for another (especially in their presence), but I am convinced there is no greater way to show love. Even an unbeliever will often receive an offer to pray for their situation. That prayer of faith may be the very thing God uses to draw an unsaved person to Himself.
I want to encourage all reading this post (myself included), love people well through prayer. Yes, do the practical things which God may have appointed for you to do as a good work. Just as important however…do the hard and privileged work of interceding on behalf of others. Yes, it is a privilege to pray for others and enter into their suffering; to walk alongside them in their time of need.
Pray for mercy. Pray for strength. Pray for wisdom. Pray for endurance for how ever long the trial may be. Pray for surrender to God’s will. Pray for grace to walk well through whatever circumstances may come. Pray in their presence. Pray alone with God. Pray for whatever the Spirit lays on your heart…but pray!