"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." James 5:13

When we find ourselves in the situation where we are suffering or in trouble, what is our first reaction? Do we try to find a way out? Do we cry and complain? Do we have a pity party? Or do we pray? Pray for understanding, pray for strength to see us through the experience, pray for wisdom, pray for God’s "eyes" that we might see this trial as He sees it. God has given us many promises in His Word. He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Heb. 13:5) "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 "But those that wait on the Lord will renew their strength." Isa. 40:31 In his book, Disappointment with God, Philip Yancey makes this profound statement, "Never doubt in the darkness what God has told you in the light." While we are going through the trials and testings in this life, let us never forget the promises that God has given us in the days of sunshine, when the clouds were far away and everything was rosy. Truth does not change because the clouds have gathered. It may be obscured from our vision, but through prayer and supplication we can gain clearer vision; a vision that can see past the clouds to the promises of a future of great hope. Prayer will see us through the tough times in life; let us make prayer our first reaction to suffering. Only then will we know with certainty what God has told us in the light, that He is faithful and He will see us through.

Father, help us to come to You in prayer at the first sign of trouble in our lives. Forgive us when we try to work things out on our own. Grant us Your wisdom that we might see our trials in a new light. Give us Your peace that is beyond all human understanding, that we might patiently wait for Your timing. Thank You for your patience with us and for always being ready to hear our cries for help. Amen