Blessed to Persevere

After reading a book or listening to a sermon or finishing a Bible study that has impacted me, I try to write out a prayer and put it in "Prayers for Myself." Writing it out helps to clarify what I learned. Writing it down helps me to remember it.

I just finished Nancy Guthrie's Blessed. It had a significant impact on me and where I am right now.

I've always struggled with self-pity. Even when so many things in my life are wonderful, it is easy to focus on what is not. And for me - it is not wonderful not being near any of my kids, and it is not wonderful experiencing growing physical limitations. I have also seen glimpses of a new ugly thought pattern that says I have served a long time and I now deserve a break.

And then I read Blessed. I am SOOOOOO blessed. Jesus is so worthy of any service or sacrifice - and my service and sacrifices are SOOOO small. I am truly blessed. My heart is full. I do so want what has been spoken into my heart to be seen in my words and actions.

And so I wrote this prayer and added to my journal.

The kind of persecution that I experience is far different from those who have been martyred for their faith. Sill I am called to daily lay down my life. Help me to overcome my propensity to always put myself first. Help me to overcome my appetites for things that do not bring me closer to you. Help me to see through the false veneer into the true ugliness and evil of this world's systems, philosophies and priorities. Help me to orient my life toward the new creation, refusing to expect that life lived under the current order will eventually satisfy or sustain me. Help me to wake up every day and live out each day facing whatever comes, determined to keep trusting in your promises. Give me strength and perseverance to serve you whole heartedly. May my greatest anticipation be the rest and enjoyment of being in your presence.

Please note: I have taken many quotes from different parts of the book and made them personal. Please realize that most of what is below are a combination of Nancy's words, not mine.

Journal Resource for : Thoughts of Prayers for Myself