If we surrender our suffering to God, it can act as a refining fire, purifying our hearts and minds. When I am suffering physically or emotionally I pray, “God, don’t let me waste this experience. Let suffering do its holy work in my life, rooting out self and conforming me to the image of Christ.”
“Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.”
— 1 Peter 4:1–2 (MSG)
Father God, dethrone the unholy trinity—me, myself, and I—that tyrannizes my life. Let Your kingdom come in me. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.