Gratitude in prayer enables us to stay close to the One who can keep us from despair when faced with the perplexing situations of life. Stay close to God in prayer with an attitude of gratitude. God will carry you through and send the right people to support you.
We discussed the importance of gratitude in prayer. We emphasised thanksgiving in prayer as a fundamental attitude in life and devotion. Prayer can be incredibly inspiring and give us strength to endure the difficulties of life. In order to be able to persevere in tribulation, we must learn to rejoice in hope despite the troubles we're in and be 'devoted to prayer' (Romans 12:12). We often don't know what or how to pray, yet God's Spirit inspires and guides us to pray according to God's will (Romans 8:26-27). That kind of prayer is crucial if we want to experience God's power to work out all things for our good (v 28). If we become bitter and angry, things won't work out well for us. We must remain in God's love and purpose! That is achieved by an attitude of gratitude, knowing that the hardships can turn ordinary people into the kind of people that can embrace an extraordinary destiny.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
-2 Corinthians 4:8-9
These words of Paul, discussed previously, are helpful to understand the difference between a temporary setback from which we can bounce back and a complete collapse from which we can't recover. Despite the afflictions of life, unavoidable as they are, there is a way to not be crushed by them. Despite the situations that are truly perplexing in life, we must find the way to not despair and give up on life. Despite persecution or rejection, painful as it is, we remember the One who does not forsake us. And even if some friends won't stick it out with you, there are some who will. Martin Luther King was right when he said that at the end we remember not so much the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends! So, yes, we can be struck down in life, but there's a way to avoid total destruction.
Throughout history there are numerous examples of people who had major setbacks but had a great comeback. When you have your setback, prepare for your comeback! Take courage, learn from your mistakes and try again. It's easier said than done, of course, yet consider the following.
The crucial Difference
There's a crucial difference between being afflicted and crushed, perplexed and despairing, persecuted and abandoned, and struck down and destroyed. Yes, in this world we will suffer tribulation, yet in Christ there is hope. He has overcome the world (John 16:33) and we need to live in that victory by faith in Him (1 John 5:1-4). God's power will keep us from being crushed in afflictions, from despair when perplexed, from abandonment when persecuted, and from being destroyed when struck down.
We must avoid falling into despair when we are perplexed. We can't control all the perplexing difficulties that come our way, but we can learn how to handle these situations and respond so as to avoid falling into despair. That's crucial. We must avoid destruction when struck down, by finding a way out of these troubles. For example, find a way to avoid financial bankruptcy when in financial struggles. Find the strategy to work yourself out of problems and afflictions that could crush and defeat you. In prayer, God gives us not only strength to endure, but also the 'way of escape' or 'exit strategy' to overcome and be safe - know that 'God is faithful' in your difficulties (1 Corinthians 10:13). He won't forsake you when persecuted.
Paul had times when 'no one supported' him, and even his companions and coworkers 'deserted' him (2 Timothy 4:16). That's tough; that's painful. The silence of our friends can truly be deafening at times. Yet Paul kept a good attitude despite it all: 'may it not be counted against them.' He kept a clean heart towards those who had failed him. He didn't become bitter, but better. He knew that 'the Lord stood with [him] and strengthened [him]' so that he could do what he was called to do (v 17). He was even 'rescued out of the lion's mouth' and trusted God that He would rescue him 'from every evil deed' and bring him 'safely to His heavenly kingdom.' Paul gave glory to God in gratitude for His goodness (v 18). This attitude of trust and gratitude is vital if we want to avoid despair and defeat in life's struggles and disappointments. Paul showed us that persecution and affliction must not end in destruction and despair.
Friends and Brothers during Adversity
There are, however, friends who love 'at all times' and brothers who are 'born for adversity' (Proverbs 17:17). There are such friends - few and rare as they are - that stick 'closer than a brother' (Proverbs 18:24). There are those whose commitment towards us is strong and of great value when adversity hits us.
Jonathan, the king's son, was such a friend and brother to David, the king's servant. The jealous and frantic king started a hate campaign against the beloved hero, David, who had just delivered the whole nation from a national crisis by defeating the seemingly undefeatable giant, Goliath. Despite being successful as an army general and bringing victory to Saul's kingdom, 'Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on' (1 Samuel 18:9) and planed 'to put David to death' (19:1). Jeaslousy is evil.
David was 'persecuted but not abandoned' - Jonathan stuck with him 'closer than brother.' Their bond was a covenant (18:1-4). When there was 'hardly a step between [David] and death' (20:3), Jonathan protected him 'because he loved him as he loved his own life' (v 17). He encouraged David to keep his perspective right: Jonathan reminded the future king of his future as king (23:17). He did so in a time of perplexity for David and his words kept him from sliding into despair. Such is a true friend. Jonathan didn't lay claim to the throne as the king's son, but rather gave way to God's chosen king, David. This type of humility is rare and all the more precious.
Be grateful if you have such people in your life. They are key people to help rebuild your life and reach your destiny. These friends keep us from being destroyed when struck down, from falling into despair when we are perplexed, from being crushed when afflicted, and they are proof that we are not forsaken or abandoned even when persecuted. Thank God for them.
Rebuilding Your Life after Setbacks
It's hard to rebuild your life after setbacks or defeats, but it's not impossible. It might seem overwhelming, like a long staircase to a small child. But you start by taking the first step, and you keep walking step by step until you are where you want to be. Take courage, Christ has overcome the world and is making you into 'more than a conquerer' (Romans 8:37). David managed to rebuild his life after years of persecution and difficulties. So can you.
Trust God. Remain grateful. Take that first step and keep going.
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