How to Pray God's Word When Life Is HardSample

I got a phone call from a woman I barely know and what she said shocked me. She was crying almost uncontrollably, and she said, "I'm in a dark place right now, and I'm not sure I want to continue living. I picked up my phone to call the hotline, but dialed you instead."

At that moment, I was stunned. In all of my time doing ministry, I've never counseled someone in this situation. I've never dealt with these feelings, and I didn't know what to do. I realized that life and death are literally in the balance in front of me, and I'm responsible for responding to this woman the right way.

I started to panic. "God, why would you have her call me? I'm not the right person. I could give her someone else's name. Maybe they can help her." I started making all these excuses and told God that I didn't know what to say.

At that moment, I realized that the Holy Spirit, the author of all things, the all-knowing, all-powerful God lives inside of us. At that moment, I had to move aside and let the Holy Spirit work through me.

As we talked, I got to witness a Father who deeply, deeply loved His daughter, telling her all the things that He wanted her to know. He was telling her how loved she is, that she is cherished, that she was chosen, that He has plans and purpose for her life, and that He was walking with her through this difficult storm. It was the most beautiful exchange I've ever seen.

When we move out of the way, the Holy Spirit can work through us but we have to set aside our own thoughts and our own judgments.

Pray God's Word With Me:

Lord, I praise you for your goodness and everlasting mercy. I know you have a purpose for my life, so I submit to you and ask you to make my path straight. Equip me with everything good so that I may do your will and fill me with your magnificent wisdom so I can fulfill your wonderful plan.