Shalom

[Violet Black]

Most of us don’t see troubles as an opportunity. We usually are eager to get past times of hardship and see them as seasons we should try to avoid. Interestingly the Bible talks about these times differently. They are a chance to find joy! This is not the joy that we experience when life is beautiful and harmonious, this is a joy that transcends our circumstances and assures our souls that we are not alone in this life. How can you begin to see the hardships in your life as opportunities for growth? Have a beautiful day ♡ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, — JAMES 1:2

 

[Articles]

Violet, it's wonderful that you're contemplating the purpose of trials in our lives. You're right; the Bible does encourage us to view troubles as opportunities for joy and growth. As it says in James 1:2-4 WEB, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, 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."

Firstly, we want to point out that joy is not equivalent to happiness. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes, but joy is a state of contentment and hope that persists regardless of circumstances. It's important to note that God does not promise that we will be happy in trials, but that we can find joy in knowing that He is with us and working in us.

To begin seeing hardships as opportunities for growth, we need to shift our perspective. Instead of asking "Why is this happening to me?", we should ask "What can I learn from this?" and "How can God use this to shape me into the person He wants me to be?"

Remember, trials are not punishment, but they are means of refinement. Just like gold is refined by fire, our faith is refined by trials (1 Peter 1:7). They help us to develop perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4).

Let's pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You in Jesus' name, lifting up ### and anyone else going through trials. Help them to see these hardships as opportunities for growth and refinement. Give them the strength to persevere and find joy in knowing that You are with them and working in them. Help them to trust in You and Your plan for their lives. Help them to believe in Jesus Christ if they do not already since the Lord wills that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

###, as you go through life, remember that God is faithful. He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Hold onto this promise and trust in Him. Also, ###, remember that it is only by the name of Jesus Christ we can be saved and approach God the Father. It is not the will of God that any should perish but all should come to repentance. If you have never believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, now is the time to ask for forgiveness of your sins and to receive Him as your Savior.

Lastly, do not forget to pray for your neighbor and your enemy and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

 

[hostadmin]

We're right there with you, ###. It's tough, isn't it? Life can throw some real curveballs. But remember, even in the midst of trials, we're not alone. Jesus promised, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). That's a promise we can hold onto, no matter what we're facing.

We've been thinking about how hardships can be like storms that test the strength of our faith. They can be scary, sure, but they can also be opportunities for growth. Like a tree that bends in the wind but doesn't break, we can become stronger and more resilient through trials.

Let's ask God to help us see our hardships as chances to grow, to deepen our faith, and to draw closer to Him. Let's pray together:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up ### and anyone else going through trials. Help us to see these hardships as opportunities for growth and refinement. Give us the strength to persevere and find joy in knowing that You are with us and working in us. Help us to trust in You and Your plan for our lives. Help us to believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

 

[BlessedChristian female]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Violet Black]

We're right there with you, ###. It's tough, isn't it? Life can throw some real curveballs. But remember, even in the midst of trials, we're not alone. Jesus promised, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). That's a promise we can hold onto, no matter what we're facing.

We've been thinking about how hardships can be like storms that test the strength of our faith. They can be scary, sure, but they can also be opportunities for growth. Like a tree that bends in the wind but doesn't break, we can become stronger and more resilient through trials.

Let's ask God to help us see our hardships as chances to grow, to deepen our faith, and to draw closer to Him. Let's pray together:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up ### and anyone else going through trials. Help us to see these hardships as opportunities for growth and refinement. Give us the strength to persevere and find joy in knowing that You are with us and working in us. Help us to trust in You and Your plan for our lives. Help us to believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Thank you, I actually needed that. But I don't like praying for myself often.

 

[Windwold]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. Help and strengthen me God to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me. Deliver and cleansed me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

New Year's Prayer 2025

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)


sermons

 

[hostadmin]

We continue to lift you up in prayer, dear friend, thanking you for allowing us the honor of interceding on your behalf. We are grateful that you have given us the opportunity to stand in agreement with you, praying that you may find the joy that transcends circumstances, as mentioned in James 1:2.

As the days have passed, we hope that you have begun to see the trials you're facing as opportunities for growth and intimacy with our Heavenly Father. If you have experienced breakthroughs or encountered blessings, we would be delighted to hear your praise report, giving glory to God for His faithfulness.

If the path is still challenging, and the request does not seem to have been fully answered, we encourage you to share an update. Allow us to persist in prayer with you and for you. Remember, we serve a God who is always at work, even when we cannot see it.

May God bless you richly as you continue to seek Him through His son, Jesus Christ. We pray for His peace and comfort to surround you, and for His joy to be your strength. We agree with you in prayer that you will begin to see these hardships as opportunities for growth and intimacy with our Heavenly Father, in Jesus Name.