“Then he said, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  (Luke 23:42)

We read in Scripture that Jesus was crucified along with two robbers on either side of him.  The gospels of Mark and John say little about these men. While Matthew tells us that both robbers insulted Jesus, Luke’s gospel tells us that one of the thieves asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.  Despite the fact that he was dying, the condemned man finally understood that the one who could save him for all eternity was on the cross right next to him.

So many times our problems cause us to think that God has forgotten us.   It is hard to understand that the Source of our strength and our Provider in all things is already with us.  When a situation seems hopeless, it is difficult to not grow weary and lose strength.  But we are told in Scripture to keep trusting and believing in all of our trials even when we don’t see the answer.  We read in Romans 8:24, “Now hope that is seen is not hope.  For who hopes for what he sees?”  Our faith must transcend the boundaries of what we hear, see and feel.  We must trust that the God we serve is working out his plan in our lives through every battle we face.  Faith doesn’t see the future – it trusts the One who holds the future!

Everything that God allows in the life of a believer has been divinely designed.  There are no mistakes in the plan that was made for you long before the foundation of the earth.  Whatever is happening in your life that  doesn’t seem right or fair has been allowed for a distinct purpose.  It is never easy to suffer through our painful trials, but it is the working of our faith that gives us endurance to stay in the race and not give up.

We read the account of David in the book of  I Samuel.  Young David had the job of watching his family’s herd of sheep.  It was a tedious task, but David was being trained by God for greatness as he worked alone protecting the flock.  It was there that David  single-handedly killed both a lion and a bear who were attacking his sheep. During the battle with those dangerous animals, David knew that it was God’s power that was with him protecting him and his sheep from being killed.   Day after day, working in the hot sun to watch over the sheep, God was preparing David for a royal position.  He was never without hope in that field for the God of the universe had declared that he would one day be king!

 Alone in the field, David practiced with his sling. This young teen had no idea at the time that  all that he was enduring was actually equipping him to defeat the enemy and save the Jewish people. He was being prepared for battle.   When the time came,  his older brothers and the other Jewish men cowered in fear at the taunting Philistine giant named Goliath, but David ran toward this oppressor armed with the power of God, his sling and five stones and killed the giant!  He had no doubt that he would be victorious because he believed in the power of his God.  His trust was unwavering. He was a man after God’s own heart.

It doesn’t matter what your position in life is now.  Your problems and trials may be heavy but they cannot hold you back from the calling God has made on your life.  If your trust is in Christ, you are being called to a regal position in the army of the living God.  Your path is set and your future is guaranteed. There is nothing that can steal your inheritance or kill the dream he gave you.   In every struggle you face, Jesus remembers you and he has a way to help you through it.  In all things, you have been declared a victor.  Not even the powers of hell can ever take that from you!

Dear Jesus,

I am praying for all those who come to this site.  We are facing problems of every kind and many of us are growing weary.  We take you at your word, dear Lord.  We trust that you have the power to change our circumstance and to cause all things to be used for our good.  I pray for marriages to be mended.  I pray for peace to fill those who have been hurt. I pray for your protection and provision for single mothers trying to make it in life.   I lift up those who are facing a serious illness.  May they know that you are with them and that they have nothing to fear when their trust is in you.  I pray for those dealing with financial difficulties and those who may be losing their homes.  Please provide for them the help they need.  I pray for you to give your strength to those who are weary in a battle.  May you be the power to those who are in bondage to drugs, alcohol and pornography.   I pray for you to comfort those in painful circumstance and who feel there is no way out. I plead that you rescue those who are considering suicide and let them know that you can work out their struggle.  Let them know they have a reason to live.   I pray for your help for those who are being persecuted for their faith.  Give them the joy of their salvation and protect their families during this time.

I intercede for all who do not know you personally as Lord and Savior.  I pray, dear Jesus, that you will unveil their eyes to the truth.  Let them know how much you love them.  Help them to see that they could never fall so far that you cannot bring them back to where you are. 

I pray for the peace and protection of Israel.   

I present these requests to you, dear Jesus, and know that you will hear and answer.   Amen

Note:  For those of you struggling, Debra Aiken has a wonderful site called, Tell The Lord Thank You, that you should check out. She gives uplifting messages and reminders of the truth that we are conquerors no matter what we go through because Christ always intercedes for us. Check her out at:  http://tellgodthankyou.wordpress.com     She will bless your day.