By His Grace

Trying, burdensome, exasperating, frustrating....these are all great words to describe some days that we women may experience. Well I was having just one of these days a few weeks ago, but by God's grace he turned it into a joyous one.

Things just weren't going right at home, I can't even remember details anymore but I remember some of my feelings and thoughts! I was feeling unappreciated, unloved, and overwhelmed by the day's trials. I didn't feel that my husband was responding to my wishes appropriately and the kids weren't behaving as I would have planned. Often in these situations my first inclination is to get angry and initially this was my response. However, the Lord provided much grace for me during these moments of anger. My mind recalled some words that I'd just read of Elizabeth Prentiss' mom.

Submissive and somewhat in the background during the life of her husband, she exhibited strength, resourcefulness, and initiative as a widow. Most of all she relied on her God, with whom she communed often in prayer. In the last Bible study Elizabeth gave just before her death, she looked back to these early years: 'Accustom yourself to turn all your wants, cares and trials into prayer', she said. 'If anything troubled or annoyed my mother she went straight to the "spare room", no matter how cold the weather, and we children knew it was to pray. I shall never forget its influence over me.'

I long to be this type of godly witness to my children, to be known as a woman who prays always. So in this particular moment, I sought prayer. I quickly got the children ready and went for a walk. I'm not sure I was really expecting my heart to change, but God was faithful to me.

As I walked and tried to sort out my feelings and pray, I was able to reflect on Christ and the cross. During this, my heart was brought to true repentance and I enjoyed a time of sweet fellowship with my triune God.

All this to say, pray Christian. Pray when you are joyful. Pray when you are discouraged. Pray when you are angry. Pray when you don't want to. Pray when it doesn't feel like God is near. Pray always. Pray continually. Pray without ceasing!

God grant us grace!