12/26/24 When a soul starts to make an effort to pray, and begins to try and be devout in that direction, it is very likely, probable, and even definite that some temptation or trial will try to sway them. The devil during those tests of faith could try and derail them from Christ altogether. God have mercy! It is in these seasons, where when tried and pushed, our faith can be enhanced by having to plead with God for mercy, endurance, and strength beyond ourselves. We are pushed beyond our limits, and that doesn’t mean that we are always pushed by God himself, but the world is full of trials on its own. When the saint buckles down and is resolute to pray, opposition will come. Other times when things are “smoother sailing”, a soul that was not undevout can come upon a storm so daunting that it shakes them down to their bone marrow! God permits trials and we’re encouraged to rejoice through them.

“My brethren, count all joy when ye fall, into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Unlike other gods who may offer us a quick fix or a temporary (pleasing) distraction, we are not promised to be brought through every single snare in just the way we like. Rather, our Holy God enables us to be like Him, to be holy above the situation. He reckons there is reason for us to rejoice, because He knows Jesus has endured the ultimate trial that was to come. Jesus actually defeated the one thing that would have destroyed us completely: DEATH. 

Our great reward now is that when all hell seems to occur around us, we have Jesus waiting w us, and standing victoriously with His heel on Satan’s neck.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Amen” (Roman’s 16:20)

The great emotions in prayer emerge when our other emotions do. Jesus doesn’t demand us to smile big in the case out toe gets run over by a car. In fact, Jesus is not a sadist either. Jesus cried when Lazarus died; He didn’t say at that moment: “Let the joy of the Lord be your strength”, and smile with a great grin. He wept which from wgat I understand is like an emotional type of crying where the person looks apparently disturbed greatly. Their demeanor is overcome with sorrow. That’s what I think weeping looks like.

It’s true, the Lord grants us inward joy through our tests, in that we know whatever happens, Jesus is still on the throne and given us peace w God by His blood. That’s a pretty good deal when we can really grasp it.

But He sympathizes with us in our weaknesses, and takes our burdens upon Him; upon Him, who also carried our iniquities. He asks for our sins and weights even now, that we be reconciled and feel the warm glow of His presence in our countenance.

God, you can have my tears, sorrows, joys, worries, happinesses, and heartfelt emotions in prayer. I give them to you so I can honest before God and react honestly as the saints did in your Holy book. In Jesus’ name, Amen.