There is a book titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by author Eugene Peterson that puts into words the experiences of many who remain faithful to the Lord while their suffering continues without end. I have prayed the prayer below during such seasons and, today, this is my prayer for you. You may feel invisible to God, but He is near to your soul and listening to you.
Lord, my heart feels empty. Be gentle with me today for my strength is gone. I’m empty. I plead with you, Lord, to fill my soul with Your strength, which You promise me in Ephesians 3:20. Open my eyes to Your work within me. The trials You have allowed are serving to change my soul, even as my circumstances stay the same. Will You provide strength within to fulfill today’s activity?
Suffering puts our emotions on a roller coaster; trying to make sense of them is impossible. Because of that, I offer this absolute truth: God is faithful in the midst of your trials. He is providing you with the strength to endure. As the apostle Paul wrote, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20 MSG, emphasis added).
Suggested Resource
“Paul on His Knees . . . Again” from the series Becoming a People of Grace by Charles R. Swindoll (CD or MP3)