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Essentials of Prayer - Part Two:
Prayer and Trouble:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV).
Prayer and trouble are closely related to each other, prayer is of great value to trouble, oftentimes, trouble drives men to God in prayer, while prayer is but the voice of men in trouble. There is great value in prayer in the time of trouble, prayer often delivers one out of trouble and more that often gives us strength to bear affiliction, adversity, challenge and struggle. You may need someone to comfort you in times of trouble, so that you can beget patience in the midst of trouble. Wise is he in the day of trouble who knows his true source of strength and who fails not to pray. Trouble is common to man, there is no exception in any age, climate or station. Prayer in the time of trouble tends to bring the spirit into perfect subjection to the will of God, saves from all murmuring over our lot and delivers from a rebellious heart or a spirit critical of the Lord. Trouble is under the control the Almighty God and is one of His most efficient agents in fulfilling His purposes and in perfecting His saints. Trouble is neither above God nor beyond His control, it is not something in life independent of God. No matter from what source it springs or from where it arises, God is sufficiently wise and able to lay His hand upon it. Prayer so prepares the heart that it softens under the disciplining hand of God, in which prayer places us where God can bring to us the greatest good, spiritual and eternal. Temptation is really a solicitation to evil arising from the devil or born in the carnal nature of man. Prayer allows God to freely work with us and in us in the day of trouble. Prayer removes everything in the way of trouble, briningn to us the the greatest blessing that God has in store for us. Trial is testing, it’s that which proves us, test us and makes us strong and better when we submitto the trial and work togetjer with God in it. Prayer is the most appropriate thing for a soul to do in the time of trouble, also prayer recognizes Him in the day of adversity and trial. Prayer sees God’s hand in trouble and intercedes about it. Prayer in the time of trouble brings comfort, help, hope and blessings that, while not removing the trouble, it enables the saint to bear the storm better and to submit to God’s will. Prayer does not interpret God's providences, but it does justify them and recognize God in them. Prayer in trouble drives us away from unbelief, saves us from doubt, and delivers us from all vain and foolish questioning because of our painful experience. (E.M. Bounds ~ Essential of Prayer).
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by your name;You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God,The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom,Ethiopia and Seba in your place” Isaiah 43:1-3 (NKJV).