For Enduring Hardship - Called to Pray

For Enduring Hardship

IN 1979, MOTHER TERESA WROTE these doleful words to her spiritual confidant, Reverend Michael van der Peet: “Jesus has a very special love for you. . . . As for me—the silence and the emptiness is so great that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear. . . . The tongue moves [in prayer] but does not speak.”

We may never know what caused Mother Teresa to cry out, but it’s clear that she felt alone. I wish I could tell you that loving God takes away all of our hardships, but we both know that isn’t true. On the cross, “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” (Matthew 27:46).

Your struggles will sometimes make you feel alone and forgotten, but God is an ever-present Father. He always walks before you (to make a way); walks beside you (to keep you strong); and walks behind you (to catch you if you fall).

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

TODAY I DECLARE

Through every peak and valley, God is with me.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

In my struggles, I feel alone. At times, I even question if you care. But I know that you are faithful and loving—attentive and loyal. You are the God who never forsakes me.

Please help me to see you in this darkness, and remind me that these feelings don’t reflect what is true. Wrap me in the blanket of your presence.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“God is an ever-present Father.”