Prayer when you hit a wall
Written by Vivian Bricker
Bible reading:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For this reason I rejoice for Christ’s sake in weaknesses, insults, afflictions, persecutions, and difficulties; for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Listen or read below:
After a long period of rejection from potential employers, I gave up on writing. I chose dog sitting and walking because I knew that dogs offer nothing but unconditional love. I was talking to one of the dog owners and he said he loves being around his dog because he’s always happy to see me, he sits next to me when he’s sick, he runs up to say hello after a long day at work and brightens up his day.
Ever since my dog passed away, I have missed the delicate and unconditional love of a dog. Humans are endowed with unconditional love, but sometimes it can feel conditional. If someone is angry with us, they don’t talk to us. If we don’t show up on time to the event, they develop bitter feelings towards us. When we forget their birthday, they act like we don’t even exist. When we encounter hurt and hatred from people, we can sometimes feel defeated, especially when we are doing our best.
I think this is what ultimately caused me to hit a wall. Despite bending over backwards and trying to do what others asked of me, I finally relented. As I sat in my doctor’s office, he told me that I was suffering from anhedonia. Anhedonia is a condition in which a person feels unmotivated, uninterested in the world, and has a hard time building any kind of happiness in life. All you feel is emptiness. I stared at my shoes as he broke the news to me and sent me on my way with yet another new prescription.
When I got home, I received multiple emails from readers telling me how much my work had positively impacted their lives. Their encouragement brought hope to my weary heart. Some of the emails detailed how they related to my experience, while others offered words of encouragement, book recommendations, and prayers for heavy souls. I was overwhelmed by the response and decided to start writing again. I know I’m not the best writer, but God can still use the weak things of the world for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
The apostle Paul said: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” Therefore let me boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. That is why I rejoice in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
When we hit a wall, we must remember that our weakness brings out God’s strength in our lives. His grace is sufficient for us. There is nothing we need to strive for or achieve. God has a great plan for our lives and we will accomplish it. So, instead of giving up just because you hit a wall, remind yourself that you are strong when you are weak. God strengthens our weary feet and sets us on level ground (Psalm 40:2).
Think about why you hit the wall. Maybe you are experiencing depression just like me. Or maybe you’ve recently lost a loved one, been fired from your job, or been kicked out by your spouse. Bring these difficulties to the Lord and rest in His peace. You may have hit a wall today, but you will rise again (Micah 7:8). Jesus will give you the strength to overcome the obstacles in your life and emerge victorious on the other side.
Let’s pray:
Dear Jesus, I have hit a wall in my life. I don’t want to do anything, everything seems pointless, and I feel empty inside. It’s a bad season, but please grow. I am weak and broken, but I rely on you. When I am weak, I am strong. Thank You, Lord, for Your wonderful power at work in my life.
I can no longer be held back by this wall. Rather, your love allows me to run through it and emerge on the other side. Jesus, your grace is sufficient for me. I will always turn to you and find hope in your mighty name. Encourage my weary soul and grant me success today.
In your name we pray, amen.
Discuss today’s devotion with others in the “Daily Prayer” thread in the Crosswalk Forums.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Christian Lue
Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. Check out more of her content on Cultivate.
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In this episode of the Unhurried Living podcast, Alan Fadling sits down with theologian and spiritual formation professor Kyle Strobel to discuss his new book, When God Seems Distant, co-written with John Coe. If this episode helps you focus your work and life on God, follow Unhurried Living on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
