Voice of the Youths

Voice of Youths Friday – August 2021

Deacon Arlene Burton presents The Prayer of Encouragement – Voices of Youths Friday – August 2021. Deacon Burton owns the copyright to this post. We reprint here with her permission.

Brothers, Sisters and Friends, we are hoping that you are well. However, if not, please let us know by sending your prayer requests

Hi everyone. It is Youth Friday for the month of August and the Voices of our Youths are here! Today’s encouragement was done by Anjesh Zodge. He is 14 years of age, and currently in high school. He is a member of the Grace Youth Ministries (GYM).

Being Thankful in the Worst of Times

Sometimes, we feel like everything is going downhill for us. We may feel discouraged whether it has to do with the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or even a multitude of mishaps that have negatively affected us physically, spiritually, or even mentally. We may feel like we have nothing left, and that all is lost.

The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 54:17 that, “no weapon formed against you will prevail…”. No matter what problems or troubles the devil may put us through, he will not succeed in bringing us down to the pit of hell with him because God is watching over us and ensuring that no harm will destroy us. 

The devil tries to attack us because he knows that he has fallen from grace. Jealousy has overtaken all his feelings and he wants to take us down with him knowing that we are on the path to eternal righteousness. He even tries to trick us into believing that we are wrong and not good enough for God and that we should follow him and his schemes.

But the Lord’s promises and blessings to His people Israel can be embraced by us. He said in Deuteronomy 28:13 that His people are the head and not the tail, He puts us above and not below. His word generally guides us into all that we need to overcome Satan and his plot. One of the main things that can help us is to simply follow the commandments that the Lord has set.

A man named Job faced many losses and issues. Job lost his children, livestock and even his servants (Job 1). However, through all of these setbacks, Job ripped his clothes and cried out to God in prayer (Job 1:20). He thanked God even if he faced nakedness (and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:21, NIV).

The devil tried to use his wife to encourage him to curse God (Job 2:9). Instead of going against or disregarding God, he was grateful.

Job’s approach can encourage us to follow the word of God, for in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”. We too should follow Job’s example and try to find the joy of the Lord in our circumstances.

However, it is important for us to be alerted to the schemes of the devil. As the Bible tells us, we are to “Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV).

Always remember that “… the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV). And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Therefore, no matter how unhappy our challenges may make us feel, just remember that God is allowing things to happen for a reason. In the end, God’s reason will always be a good one and His will must prevail!.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, we come before You today. We come in the name of Jesus Christ, thanking You for being good to us in these trying times. We thank You for being a great and mighty God, who cares for us at all times. Lord, we ask that You cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and forgive all of our sins. 

Lord, we are asking You for strength; strength for family, friends and our country. We pray that You will continue to keep us safe and clear of all evil and danger whether caused by man or by nature. Lord, provide for us and guide our path.

Lord, we pray for the state of our country especially with the spike in deaths caused by the COVID-19 virus. We ask that You touch the hearts of the citizens of Jamaica, Land we love so that we will abide by the prescribed protocols to help diminish the reign of COVID-19 that is over our land and the world at large.

Lord, we ask that You guide the leaders of our country into making the best possible decisions that will only benefit our citizens, and our country as a whole; and that there will be no backlash.

Father, give us the grace to have more faith and trust in You. Keep us safe and healthy, and help us to see your true plan for our lives.

Lord, help us see the good reason for the tests and trials You allow us to go through. Also, give us the strength to withstand the temptations and tricks of the devil. Comfort our hearts, grant us peace, keep our minds pure and cause it that our actions glorify You, in Jesus’s name, 

Amen.


Our Prayers of Encouragement are for everyone. Therefore, if you also need prayer or comfort, please contact us with your request. We would be so very happy to share with you.

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