Do you ever feel like that, like you're losing the battle marked before you and you're at the end of your rope? You're running the good race for God, and don't seem to be getting anywhere. And even worse, it's not for lack of effort on your part.
I have certainly been there, and I imagine that's how Job must have been feeling at this point in his story with God.
Job continues round three of his conversation turned argument with his friends over his sufferings. The heart of the discussion is Job trying to convince his three friends that good, faithful people do suffer sometimes. And even more than that, Job tries desperately to understand what God is doing in his life.
In desperation, Job decides to encourage his friends with some sarcasm.
“How you have helped the powerless!
How you have saved the arm that is feeble!
3
What advice you have offered to one without wisdom!
And what great insight you have displayed!
4
Who has helped you utter these words?
And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?"
It's Job's question about Spirit at the end that really speaks to my heart today.
When I am feeling defeated, like Job, I am reminded that as a believer I always have the Holy Spirit on my side. The apostle Paul tells us,
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Usually if I am feeling defeated, it's because I am relying too much on myself to win the battle instead of entrusting it all to God to do the fighting and transforming for me.
Sometimes I just need to stop, be still, and hand it all over to my Savior by saying, "I trust You, Lord, and I am giving it all to You."
The fact that Christ died for me, so that I am am able to do that is such a blessing.
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for transforming my life through Your Living Word.
Thank You for filling me with Your indwelling Holy Spirit that intercedes for me even when I am all out of words.
Forgive me for all the ways I get caught up in insignificant details on the road to following You. Open my eyes to the weaknesses in me so that I can know Your strength. Open my heart to Your presence, and fill me with gratefulness and love for others like Jesus.
I need You to work on __________________ (name a situation weighing on your heart). Your way is always so much better than mine. And as I pray about this situation, I pray for all involved, for ______________________ (name those involved). Guide my hands and feet, my words and my deeds.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen
Peace of Christ,
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