Why Me?
Acts 4:23-31
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported 
all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.....(  read more )
 
We don't need to look very far to see difficulties or struggles in our lives or in the lives of others. Jesus told his followers clearly that in this life they would have troubles, but it's difficult to know exactly how to pray when we are facing hardships. Our natural instinct is to say "why me?!" and even feel a little sorry for ourselves.

Released by the officials from their imprisonment, Peter and John immediately went to find the other believers. They reported everything that had happened and everyone began to pray. They didn't pray for the end of the persecution. They didn't pray that the religious leaders would loose their influence or power. They didn't pray for any type of escape from what they were facing; instead, they first praised God for his sovereignty and power, asked for courage to keep speaking the truth, and then prayed for more opposition. In fact, they prayed for more healings and for greater demonstrations of the power of the Holy Spirit.  But it was God healing the lame man that directly led to their persecution in the first place, and it was clear that more of this kind of activity would produce similar results. What was remarkable about their prayer was they had no intention of slowing down. They were only asking for more courage and boldness in the face of their opposition.

It is likely that we have all found ourselves praying for escape, relief or even freedom from our struggles, whatever they might be. What if, instead, we changed our perspective, thanked God that he is in control, and prayed for endurance?  As difficult as it may be, consider what Jesus did to allow you to live with hope and confidence despite the circumstances, and take a new look at what you are facing today.     
  
Prayer
Heavenly father, thank you for creating the universe and giving me life, in what I am facing today provide me with what I need to stand up under it and to glorify you in the midst of it.      

Thursday (July 13): Acts 4:32-37