Lord, help me learn to rise each time I fall just as you have done. Three times you fell on your journey to the cross, and three times you chose to rise and continue the journey. You overcame death, hell, and the grave for the world that you so loved through your journey of crucifixion and resurrection. We love because you first loved us. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
In this world, I will have tribulation but I can rejoice because you have overcome the world. Thank you for giving me the gift of your Holy Spirit that I may overcome as you have. He who is in me is greater than he who is the world. I am not entitled to or promised an easy life, but you have promised me your presence, which is far greater. Jesus is near and he is my sustainer. Help me not to act surprised at fiery trials when they come upon me, as something strange were happening to me, but see that you are meeting me in every moment of my suffering.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2
Lord, teach me to persevere with grit and determination. “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord” as Philippians 3:8 says. My strength is not enough, but in my weakness, you promise that your power may rest upon me. I remember your promise to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Help me to echo his response to you in verse 10: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” – Psalm 51:12 Empower me to overcome with joy. My inheritance as a child of God is fullness of joy in every season, trial, and hardship. Remind me that if I don’t quit, I will win the prize of the crown of life for those who persevere under trials.
Reveal to me your loving-kindness and grace that carries me in every season. You are my refuge in every moment of my daily life. “In all things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord.” – Romans 8:37-39
Guard my heart with vigilance from discouragement and negativity in my own words and the words of others. When faced with setbacks and challenges, help me to run to you Jesus and get your perspective. Have your way in my life, I trust that all my seasons are in your hands. Lead me to those who need your love and comfort in suffering. Strengthen me to run the race set before me with endurance. Resting and abiding in you is what carries me forward. You are my prize.
In Jesus name,
Amen.