Voice of The Youths – 3rd Sunday, May 2021
Deacon Arlene Burton presents the prayer “Voice of The Youths – 3rd Sunday, May 2021”. Deacon Burton owns the copyright to this post. We reprint here with her permission.
Hi Everyone, we are hoping that you are well but if not, please let us know by sending your prayer requests.
Hi Everyone, it is the third weekend of the month. The Lord wants us to give enough space for the voice of our youths, especially during these times of confusion and hopelessness. This can provide an avenue for encouragement and healing. Today’s encouragement and prayer were done by Nackeemi Smith. Nackeemi is a first-year university student and the treasurer for Grace Youth Ministries (GYM).
Encouragement
I have never decided to sit down, by myself, never once, and compose a devotional or write about what I recollected from God’s word. Generally, I would just read, try to decipher and try to memorise. Nevertheless, I have found that effective, to an extent. However, the beauty of having a written devotional is that I will always have something to look back on. I should do this more often, and I will.
Today’s scripture concentrated on the book of Isaiah, chapter 43, verse 2. It reads “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” [NIV]
Lately, I have found myself doubting God’s presence in my life. As a university student, the workload can be burdensome at times. Furthermore, I have my own life to live filled with darkness, agony, distress, anguish, complications, and many other difficulties. I don’t see myself having anyone I totally feel comfortable talking with about my toils and battles. I often try to put my best foot forward, but even that often seemed to be in vain. It’s almost as if I’m alone in all this unrest because I feel that no one truly understands my concerns.
We all have our season of difficulties and trials. We often offer our best, only to feel alone in the end. At times, we look for God’s fingerprint on the trail with the bit of hope that we may have left. In our feelings of loneliness, God may seem so far away, and we begin to question if He has abandoned us. Yes, it happens. Many of us may fear that He has renounced himself from our lives to do better things or care for other people because we have sinned too much and have fallen from Grace.
Many times, I’ve tried to pray; and even with that, at times, it seemed challenging to get a glimpse of God in my life. I’m confident that I’m not the only one going through this kind of crusade. However, I realised that we have to keep the faith and dwell under His covering, hoping that he will carry us through our loneliness and trials.
It’s effortless to feel as if God has left us, especially at our lowest points. The scripture assures us that he hasn’t and will never do so at all. Isaiah 43:5 partly reads “Do not be afraid for I am with you…” (NIV). This means that even when we go through our greatest struggles, though it may not feel that way God is with us, for He cares for us.
Undoubtedly, there will be times when God seems to be at a distance, but you must take heart and rely on His promise to us in His Word. We know that His Word is ever faithful and everlasting. There’s always a reason why we feel emotionally distant because there is purpose in everything that God does.
No experience, emotion or trial goes wasted. God is forever working good on our behalf. However, whenever we feel this way we should rely on the promise that God is with us, and He’s always working. Even if we can’t see Him, or see a move in our situations, He’s always there. Trust Him, continue your talks with Him, read His Word, and hold on. He will come through at the exact right time.
Prayer
Most Righteous and Heavenly Father, we thank You for being the God of our lives. We thank You for all that you have done for us and continue to do throughout all of our lives. Lord, we come in the name of Jesus Christ, asking that You cleanse us from all unrighteousness and forgive all of our sins. Lord, at times we fall short, and the guilt of our sinful nature weighs in on us heavily and can cause us to feel abandoned. It can cause us to feel as if You’re punishing us by setting us in uncertain predicaments.
Lord, subsequently, it often feels as if You have abandoned Your children. However, please help us to rebuke these negative thoughts and feelings of loneliness, for Your word says that You are with us always and Your plans for us are always good.
Lord, please help us to rest assured that You will be with us when we pass through the waters; when we pass through the rivers; and, when we walk through the fire. Lord, help us when we go through our battles and hardships. Help us to keep in the promise that You have given to us, Lord.
Lord, we ask that You protect, provide, guide and direct our path as we take unpredicted journeys in these times. Remember those who are in leadership. Equip them with the right kind of mind and desires so that they act in the best interest of the people. Comfort those among us who mourn.
Lord, help us not to lose hope. Break the dark clouds from around us, and heal our brokenness in a way that only You can. Lord, rescue us from any plans of evil. Give us the strength that we need to continue with each day. Let Your blessing and favour be upon us as individuals, families, communities, Churches and country as a whole; in Your precious name, we pray with thanksgiving.
Amen.
Our Prayers of Encouragement are for everyone. Therefore, if you are also in need of prayer or comfort, please contact us with your request. We would be so very happy to share with you.
