A Prayer About Meeting The Challenge

When I complain about my problems

DEAR LORD,

Jeremiah faced terrible opposition and conflict. Yet he faithfully served as your spokesperson to the people of Judah just before they were taken captive. After hearing of a plot to kill him, Jeremiah complained and asked why he had to endure so much while wicked people were prosperous and happy. I am convicted, Lord, when I read your response—that if those problems were tiring him, how would he ever be able to “race against horses”? My problems don’t come close to what Jeremiah faced, yet I complain and often think in self-pity, Why me? Instead, I should see them as opportunities to develop my endurance so that I am ready for the challenges ahead. Nothing catches you by surprise, and nothing is impossible for you. So I am confident that with you I can persevere and overcome. Thank you for my troubles now and in the future. I know that you are allowing me to meet and work through them in order to prepare me for even greater challenges. I want to be able to race against horses.

If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan? Jeremiah 12:5