And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:43-44
Father God, today my soul finds peace in knowing that though You send Your messengers to strengthen me, it does not mean that the burden that I am carrying will be lifted. How many times have I asked You to help me navigate through some trial or challenge, and You have sent me a word of encouragement. And though my heart was lifted up, the load still weighed heavy on my shoulders, and I have asked You why won’t You remove it? How many times have I walked away and thought, because of this, that You did not answer my prayers? In moments like that I completely miss the fact that You sent an angel to strengthen me so that I could continue to carry the burden, calling me to come to You more earnestly, and to seek Your face more diligently. Oh, that I would realize that the focus of my prayers should be a request to either remove the load or give me the strength to carry it! That I would remember that the power of prayer is not just in the answers but in the fellowship with You! I thank You today for not abandoning me, but instead sending a reminder to me that You see me, You hear me and You strengthen me. Thank You for standing me up in prayer, and keeping me though the winds of life beat hard against me. I lean on You today. Even if I must carry this load, I carry it to Your glory! Let Christ be magnified in my suffering today that others might see Him and worship You!