James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  –James 1:12

Dear heavenly father,

There are few things worse than suffering with no direction or purpose.  Your word here gives me purpose in every suffering.  My goal is to cling to you and your promise to make sense out of it in the end.  My goal is also to use the suffering to glorify you.  I will receive my crown from you when I see you for the first time in heaven. I look forward to seeing your approving and forgiving smile.  Give me the strength to persevere with hope and courage under my problems and challenges.  Keep me from making my loved ones pay with my grouchy and surly attitude.  Help me not pass the stress on to them but to give it away to you in prayer, trusting that you are listening and will rescue me in your time.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Standing up under pressure is easier when you know God is watching and waiting to make it all worthwhile.