I am happy to serve our Lord through the ministry in Brazil for more than five years. During this time, we have faced and overcome many challenges and obstacles.
I have had the opportunity to witness God’s action in each situation faced. I confess there were times when the adversity seemed that it would stop me, or it would make me give up.
One of the most recent experiences we had was in April 2011. We faced a situation so adverse that we didn’t know what to do.
The preoccupation and fear were real, and they occupied our emotions. We joined in prayer — not only in our daily devotional, but also in our department — crying out to the Lord for a solution. The more we prayed, the more we were challenged to keep praying and persevering. We didn’t give up.
Even before contrary circumstances and with our human limitations, there was deeply inside of us the hope that the Lord would give us victory. How faithful is our God! He heard our prayers, our cries, and He gave us the solution. Once again His name was glorified among us. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
So never give up! Persist, presenting your causes to the Lord through prayer, even if they seem impossible for you. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and not on circumstances, people, or yourself. God always listens to and answers all your prayers, but in His time and in His way. He has reserved the best for each one of us.
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. —Luke 18:1, NIV
Prayer: Dear Lord, in Jesus’ name we ask You to strengthen us each day and help us to be persistent in our prayers, that we’ll never give up the fight for the Lord’s cause. We trust that You will act in due time and according to Your will. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Regina Silva is an accountant in our Brazilian office.
Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.