Prayers for those who have lost freedoms � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

The Dwindles

It started with a tickle in my throat. Uh oh, I thought. That tickle turned out to be influenza. And that was just the beginning of bronchial affliction. Influenza morphed into whooping cough—yes, that whooping cough—and that turned into pneumonia�

Eight weeks of torso-wracking coughing—it’s not called whooping cough for nothing—has left me humbled. I don’t think of myself as old. But I’m old enough to start thinking about heading in that direction. A member of my small group at church has a funny name for the health issues that assail us as we age: “the dwindles.” But there’s nothing funny about dwindling’s work in action. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul too wrote—in his own way—about “the dwindles”. That chapter chronicles the persecution he and his team endured. Fulfilling his mission had taken a heavy toll: “Outwardly we are wasting away,” he admitted. But even as his body failed—from age, persecution and harsh conditions—Paul held tightly to his sustaining hope: “Inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (v. 16). These “light and momentary troubles,” he insisted, can’t compare to what awaits: “an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (v. 17). Even as I write tonight, “the dwindles” claw insistently at my chest. But I know that in my life and that of anyone who clings to Christ, they’ll not have the last word.

Adam R. Holz

A Prayer for Strength in Weakness Lord Jesus, be my strength for all the things I must endure. My strength is failing, but Yours never will. Please use me, even within my limits. I know nothing limits You. Even in my losses, I know Your plans for me are never derailed. Help me to keep going, to keep loving, to keep hoping. May Your grace be sufficient for today. Amen

A Prayer of Thankfulness Heavenly Father, I come before You in thankfulness, as Your Word directs me. I am thankful that even in my weaknesses You are with me. I rejoice that Your love for me never falters. I praise You that my destination is Your home, where there is no fragility, sin or restriction. And, Father, I thank You that because of Your Spirit within me, today I can do Your work and know a meaningful, purposeful life. Lead me along the path You have prepared for me. All the glory and honour are Yours! Amen

A Prayer to Experience Real Freedom Dear Jesus, You promised that the truth will set me free. I long to experience that freedom You described, even within the walls of my limits. May I thrive in Your abundant love and forgiveness, knowing the freedom of being forgiven, blessed and cherished by my heavenly Father. Let Your light break through where my mental wellbeing and anxieties cover me with darkness. Let me accomplish Your work, even when my body and mind are failing. In all things, make me a witness of the joy that is found in Your presence. Thank You that I am always free to sit in Your throne room with You, Lord. Amen

5 Things to Do if You Feel Limited in Some Way

1Entrust your weaknesses to God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). When we entrust our weaknesses and worries to the Lord, He promises to fill us with His indescribable peace. We don’t know how things will work out, but we walk with the One who does.

2Seek His purposes: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). The limits we feel are another reminder that so much of life is out of our control; yet nothing is out of the Lord’s hands. His purposes cannot be thwarted by our weaknesses. When we set our hearts on His plans, He will achieve just what He intends in our lives�

3Lean on Jesus’ strength: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). Our strength runs out quickly; Jesus’ never does. In fact, His strength is made perfect in our weakness, because that’s when we discover that He is really all we need. When we stop striving and start relying on Him, He will sustain us through even the darkest valley—ensuring we emerge from it with a stronger faith in the One who will never let us go.

4Pray in thankfulness: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Thankfulness may not come naturally when we feel low. Yet thankfulness is a wonderful tonic for weariness. It puts our focus back on the goodness of God, rather than on the difficulty of our circumstances. We have so much to be thankful for in our relationship with Christ and our salvation. Thankfulness can shine through any restrictions we face.

5Look to the needs of others: “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Our weaknesses can make us inward looking. But when we look to the needs of others, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He knew what it was to live with restrictions: he constantly met disbelief and rejection, stopping Him from transforming lives as He desired. Yet His was also a joyful life; rather than seeking to be served, He came “to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

IT IS THE Lord’s purpose that prevails

PROVERBS 19:21