Prayer in Times of Trouble

The way we act when trials come matters. Recently I heard of an EMT who fell out of the faith because he saw no difference when Christians suffered then when others category suffered. While many have heard the expression “there’s no atheist in a foxhole”, this EMT said there’s no Christian in a hospital bed.

Books have been written on the subject of suffering with joy as a Christian, and I can recommend a few excellent ones (a good reading through Acts and James for starters; “When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy” by John Piper). But in this blog I want to address how we pray in times of suffering. For this, let us look to what our savior said about this in John 12:27, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” The faith in God shown here by Jesus is amazing. Many of us, when we go through trials, beg God to take away the trouble. We ask for miracles. Yet, Jesus does not ask for a miracle, although he could easily have gotten one (Matthew 26:53); in fact, he doesn’t even ask for God to take the trial away. He basically says, “Why would I ask my Father to save me? This is the purpose I have”. In other words, the trial was part of his purpose. Do we ever consider this? Maybe our worst trial is for God’s purpose. Paul realized this (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), as did Job (Job 42:1-6). This realization led Christ to be able to pray “My Father...not as I will, but as you will.” Our primary concern is God’s will, not our comfort. We must take comfort and have great faith in the promises of Hebrews 12:10-11 and Romans 8:28:

“He (God) disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”

We can pray for miracles, we can pray for deliverance, we can ask for trials to be lifted. Yet, before all of these, we must pray “not my will, but yours be done God”. Our trials may be for a greater purpose. Sometimes a miracle is not the best thing that could happen.