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     Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Hab. 3:17-18

     Dear heavenly Father, I approach the throne of grace today on behalf of those of us who are living in difficult stories, like Habakkuk, with unsettling circumstances and uncertain outcomes. I’m so thankful you always welcome us in our brokenness, never despise us in our anxiousness, and thoroughly understand our weariness. You, alone, are grace-full—bidding us cast our cares on you, even as you are prepared to catch everyone of them.

I pray for those of us facing difficult health issues—in our own bodies and minds, or in the lives of those we deeply love. Father, the promise and hope of our resurrection bodies never looked so good (2 Cor. 5:1-5).

We know that Jesus’ finished work has secured our ultimate healing (Isa. 53:5); but as our “outer man” further deteriorates, we trust you for wisdom, grace and the supernatural work of your Holy Spirit. It’s not a matter of “claiming healing,” but loving and trusting the Healer. Bring great glory to yourself, and peace to our hearts, no matter what you write in the next chapter of our stories.

I pray for those of us living in difficult relationships—marriage and family, church and vocation, neighborhood and community. Few things are as unsettling and upsetting, as broken, strained and messy relationships.

We praise you for Day when we will enjoy perfect relationships forever—in the new heaven and new earth. But until that Day, grant us mercy, strength and love—whether we get to see the beauty of reconciliation, or must bear the pain and grieve the loss of relationships.

I also pray for those of us facing uncertain outcomes in difficult jobs, legal proceedings, financial stress, parenting challenges, global fears, and in any of a number of hard providences—though we may not yet see and fig leaves, grape buds, olive blooms, or baby calves, grant us a centering inner joy—knowing the gospel is true, we are your beloved children, and you are in complete control of all things. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus trustworthy name.

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