40 Days Of Prayer - Day 30

Perseverance

Devotion

Have you ever felt completely exhausted? Not just physically but emotionally and even spiritually? Have you ever felt like your emotions are so high that you keep swallowing them down? That one little spill, stubbed toe, angry look could cause you to fall to your knees and weep? No? Okay, well maybe it’s just me but I know that feeling.

Where I have pushed as far and hard as I think I can and I wonder, how do I go on? Where do I go from here? If you have or will feel this way you are in good company?

Luke 22:41–44
"He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

Jesus was sweating drops of blood. He was asking God to take the burden off of His shoulders. I know that I have prayed often that the burden be taken from me. Yet, like the rest of this story, it sits heavy on my shoulders. Maybe you too have experienced this. Again, James addresses this:

James 1: 2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

When we feel like we can’t go on. Lean on the one who did and who said He will never leave or forsake you. A long obedience in the same direction. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.

Written by Nathan Braun