The bread of adversity and the water of affliction (Isa 30:20-21)

ABBA, Forgive me for my grumbling heart and cause me to rejoice in You Who is my anchor in the storms, my refuge and my strength. Life is hard and I see so many whose lives are touched by pain and suffering. Yet those who know You are not overcome but have learned to walk through the fire, knowing You are with them, their provision and their strength; their constant Companion. The trials are only temporary and become opportunities to draw closer and closer to You. They teach us that we can rely upon, cling to and find rest in You.


It's a day by day journey, sometimes moment by moment and I don't always make the right choices. I try and do it on my own, in my own strength and in the way I want to go . . . until I can't go on. And there You are, always present, always loving and forgiving my wayward heart, my stubborn will. 

Oh ABBA, I so wish we could skip the hard parts and simply always abide in the center of Your will. I know this is and has always been Your plan and that gives me hope, knowing that You will complete what You have begun; that Your plans and purposes will be accomplished because You are God and have chosen me to be Your child. I will not fear the storms. You take the bread of adversity and the water of affliction and turn them into a feast of joy, peace and abundance. So, I will not fear the storms for I have put my trust in You.