“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12, Amplified Bible).
The challenges, disappointments, and hardships, we experience are allowed for the purpose of strengthening our faith, trust, obedience, and dependency on God.
“Be holy for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). We can come to Jesus just like we are, but we cannot stay that way.
The Holy Spirit can only sanctify those who willingly live a life of daily surrender and faithful obedience to follow and obey Jesus Christ, our Shepherd.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity that we have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, Who gradually [day by day] changes our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Jesus’ Righteous Character.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV).
Lord God, Creator of this universe and every living thing, we humbly bow in Your Holy Presence on the Holy Sabbath asking for the forgiveness of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Lord, we have faced a week filled with many challenges, including spiritual warfare that has left us depleted. We are in need of the blessings of spiritual renewal, restoration, and healing of our mind, body, and soul. We pray for a Christ-like spirit to love others, including our enemies. Jesus, we thank You for loving us unconditionally; we praise You for the blessings we received, including angelic protection from all harm. Thank You for giving us the Sabbath, a time to rest, and redirect our focus to reflect deeply on Your Love, Grace, Mercies, and Faithfulness. We also ask You to strengthen the global Christian Community, especially those who are being persecuted for accepting and following Jesus. In faith and with gratitude, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Savior and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.
© 2026 STEPS 2 Success With Spiritual Solutions Ministry
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