Lord, You have never guaranteed this life would be free from troubles.

You never said the journey would be easy.

You never promised a life free from strife and suffering.

So why am I surprised?

Why do I meander through this difficult season of life disillusioned and confused?

Why does this moment of deep trouble shock me so?

You told us we would have trials.

You told us tribulations would come upon us, that suffering would be a part of this life.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

You told us…but You also promised to be with us in the midst of the torrent.

You promised to protect us.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:2-3).

Therefore, my heart will rejoice during this painful trial because You are with me.

Because I am Yours, no weapon formed against me shall prosper.

Though You have allowed the circumstances in my life to be as they are right now, in this moment I will trust You.

Your grace is enough.

Your ways are perfect, higher, better though mysterious and beyond understanding.

I will rejoice during this my season because I trust and believe that this suffering will produce in me perseverance, character, and hope.

This great and lasting hope that I have in You, Jesus, will not disappoint because You have poured out Your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit, whom You have given me.

Help me to remember that my heartbreak and present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in me.

You are my hiding place, my comfort in all my troubles.

For just as Your sufferings flow over into my life, so because of You, because of Your mercy, Your grace and comfort overflow into my life…into this moment.

Oh Father, I long to suffer well.

I long to bring You glory even now, in the midst of all that’s going on, in the middle of this place.

When I have come to the end of this heartbreak, more than anything I pray that as a result of this time in the valley that You will be magnified above my pain.

That it was You…You shone forth in the midst of it all.