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Many people these days think that faith is a secret formula for escaping trials, suffering, and pain. But it’s simply not true. In fact, in some instances, it’s quite the opposite. What you and I see in today’s verses is a brief summary of what the martyrs experienced. And what we learn from these people is so important. These followers were tortured and beaten. They experienced emotional and physical anguish and mistreatment the likes of which most of us will never know. But even in the midst of such sacrifice and suffering they refused to deny their faith! They endured to the end! You may ask how they endured such suffering. So let me make this clear. They endured because they knew that faith is not immunity from pain! And more than that, they knew that their faith in God would sustain them and strengthen them through even the deepest, darkest times of their lives! I wonder, can you say that about your faith? Do you have a faith that endures through life’s harshest moments? Listen, you may never be called by God to endure what the martyrs endured, but it pleases God for you to endure, in faith, the trials that come your way. When hardship comes, trust God! Walk in obedience with him. He will see you through! … FAITH IS NOT IMMUNITY FROM PAIN!

Specific Prayers

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”
2 Kings 20:9–11

It is true that our prayers must be in subjection to God’s will, but that does not mean that they have to be general and vague. We have been given the right to be bold and confident in coming before the throne of God and present our petition to Him. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
Sometimes people do not offer specific prayers because they do not have confidence that they will receive an answer, and by generalizing their prayer, they make it so that it is not clear if an answer is received. This is the opposite of how we should pray. We should be clear and precise in what we ask so that we know when God answers. Again, we do not ask selfishly or presumptuously, but when we have a specific need, God cares. And if we ask in faith, we have every right to expect His help.
If you have a lost loved one or friend, do not pray just for God to save the lost—ask God for his or her salvation. If you have a financial burden, do not pray just for blessing, but for that specific need. Such definite prayer shows confidence in God’s promises, and makes it clear to everyone who hears about it that God still answers prayer.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Pray with confidence for specific things which you need, and rejoice when God answers.