The Power of Prayer: Trusting God Through Life's Storms

When It Feels Like God Has Failed You

Let’s take a moment for a brief exercise. Think back to a time in your life when you felt that God failed you. Now, I want you to think back to a day when He didn’t do what was best for you. Did you do it? Were you able to think of something? I didn’t think so. That day has never and will never exist.

Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, but when you let God in and give Him total control, He knows how to guide and sustain you. There will come moments when you feel burdened, when the struggles and chaos of life seem overbearing. In those times, it may seem easier to run away from God and believe the lies of the enemy, but that is precisely when you really need to seek refuge in Him.

How to Pray in Difficult Times

Psalm 46:1 reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This means He is always near, ready to deliver and reveal Himself to you. However, you must take the step and call on His name. As the saying goes, "Closed mouths don’t get fed." God wants to help you, but you must humble yourself, open your mouth, and ask for His guidance.

Though challenges may feel overwhelming, remember that hardship is a part of life. Life will always be unpredictable, but God remains the exact same. We often trust Him with small matters, yet when faced with significant trials, it's as if we immediately forget all that He has already done and what He’s brought us through.

A group of students praying in preparation to lead the PRESS Clubs- learning we must practice before we preach it no matter what we are going through.

The Power of Prayer: Real Stories of Unshakable Faith

Remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. They refused to follow the king's instructions and were thrown into the fiery furnace, yet they came out untouched. Likewise, Daniel stood in the lions' den, yet he emerged unharmed. These stories highlight an unwavering faith in God—the same faith we are called to have today.

Despite whatever presents itself to you, have faith and keep trusting God no matter how hard it gets. Matthew 17:20 speaks of having faith the size of a mustard seed. A mustard seed is tiny, yet powerful—and that’s all we need. So, put your faith in the one true God who has never lost! Trust Him!

Instead of allowing yourself to be consumed by emotions and negative thoughts, hold onto the truth that the Maker of heaven and earth is by your side. Don’t run away from God—run directly to Him. He understands your struggles and is touched by the feelings of your infirmities.

When God’s Plan Looks Different from Yours

At times, we bring difficulties upon ourselves, yet we are quick to blame God when things don’t go as expected. Sometimes, what we desire was never in God’s plan to begin with. Like a loving mother rushing to help her child who just touched a hot plate, God's grace reaches us even when we face the consequences of our own choices.

Final Thoughts: Let Prayer Be Your First Response

Remind yourself who God is. It’s easy to trust Him in good times, but can you trust Him through the hard times? Can you believe that He will fulfill His promises?

The next time you face a situation that makes you feel overwhelmed, turn to God first. Call on His name. He allows things to happen, but He will never give you more than you can handle. Instead of letting stress consume you, ask Him to help you navigate your journey. He knows the end from the beginning, so let Him lead and guide you every step of the way.

Need more encouragement? Listen to Surviving the Hard Times, an episode on the PRESS Podcast's journey through every prayer in the Bible

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