“You have GOT to be kidding me.” I said to myself as I looked at my choir enrollment numbers for the upcoming school year. This was my second year as the choral director at a small private Christian school and while we were still in the building phase of the program, I was not ready for the shock ahead. Three students signed up for the upcoming semester. I should not have been surprised at the drop. We planned a trip to Disney World the previous spring which had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. The spring musical also was cancelled by the virus. After five months of no musical engagement, it is no wonder many students moved on to other electives. Yet, I took the news personally
For several days, I moped and moaned, playing the victim to my circumstances. I cried out to God in frustration. I made the situation about me. I wanted to throw in the towel. As I continued to complain and wallow, God patiently listened. As I was praying one day in the shower, with water beading down my face, He reminded me of my biblical forefathers who experienced trials yet persevered. Joseph, while in prison, held on to the dream God had for him. David, when sought by Saul, poured out his heart to the Lord and continued his journey, knowing he was anointed to be king. Paul, though beaten and broken, clung to the gospel as his mission. I wiped away my soapy mess.
While I do not consider my suffering even comparable to these great men, their stories reminded me that my role has no less of a purpose. God chose me to be an influence on those He has allowed me to influence, whether that is one person or one hundred. This thought humbled me to my core. I had looked at my circumstance with the wrong perspective and was ready to quit. God is not impressed by the number or the sound of the choir. Rather, He is concerned with my stewardship over those He gives. Renewed by my time with God, I began to formulate a plan, with His help. This would be the best year yet.
So, how do we pray when we are ready to give up? Scripture often shows the heart of the vulnerable crying out to God in their distress. Psalm 143 gives an illustration of a prayer of David when David was in distress. In this passage and prayer, he called on the character and nature of God to meet him in his situation. His prayer was one of vulnerability and trust, recognizing his weakness and trusting in the Lord’s ability to direct his steps and overcome his adversity.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Vladimir-Vladimirov
Father God,
You are my Lord of hope, the God of my salvation. Right now, in this moment, I cannot see Your hand at work. Help me to trust that You are present with me. You are Sovereign over all of Creation, including Your plans for me. You are a good and loving God. Help me trust in your goodness. May I look to Your plans and purposes that You have called me to instead of my present circumstance. Right now, joyfulness seems far off. Help me, by Your Spirit, experience peace and joy. Humble me so I can understand the lesson You are teaching me in the moment. Help me to rely on Your strength and not my own, for it is by Your strength I can do all things.
Amen
Philippians 3:14 (GNTD) - So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.
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.
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Colossians 1:11 (NLT) - We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
1 Corinthians 9:24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord will fight for you. You only need to be still."
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/shuang paul wang
Cortney is a wife and mom of two high school students. She has her Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain.
This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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