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Let not this difficulty pass from me

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Inspiration

By Charles Towne

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, writes:

“Genuine surrender says, “Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another’s, please don’t take it away.”

Wow! I personally have discovered that Pastor Warren’s prayer, simple as it may be, is the most difficult of all prayers. 'Why difficult?' you might ask. Because it calls for total commitment and I, if I am going to be completely honest must ask myself, am I ready for that? Am I really ready for total, 100% surrender to God’s will?

In my own experience, as I have been forced to face the challenges of life, and especially the challenges of being my wife’s caregiver. I have found this level of commitment difficult to achieve and if the truth be known, even more difficult to maintain.

I hate to admit it, but my humanity is constantly getting in my way.

There was a time that I prayed that my situation as my Nancy’s caregiver would be taken away from me. Now I pray that whatever situation befalls me, “please use it to draw me closer to you Father, and let it be a testimony of your love, grace, and mercy to your children.”

Have I arrived at the place in my struggle where I can honestly say that I have achieved that lofty pinnacle, that destination of premier achievement in the Christian walk that I claim to desire?

Anyone that knows me very well has been exposed to my failed character- my warts- those rough and moody personality quarks that at least to me, seem to be so very obvious. But, what isn’t always as obvious is my heartfelt prayer that declares: O Papa God, please, whatever comes into my life, whatever difficulty, whatever challenge, let my victory in it bring glory to you and be your victory and make your workings evident in my life that others may see the Christ man within me.

It is in the challenges, the rocky places, the swift rapids of life that genuine Christian character is formed; therefore let us not avoid the difficulties, the thorny places, but embrace that which calls for us to be better than we are or can ever expect to be without Jesus Christ in our lives.

EVERYDAY’S PRAYER

Father God, you are my strength, you are my strong right arm. You lift me up when otherwise I would stumble and fall. When I get in over my head, you buoy me up. You are my all in all, my keeper, my protector, my provider, my healer, and my friend. With you, I need not fear. I love you my God, in Jesus’ Holy and Blessed name I ask it, Amen.


Charles Towne is first and foremost a Christian. An octogenarian, author, journalist, wildlife photographer, naturalist, caregiver, and survivor, his life has been and continues to be, a never-ending adventure filled with possibilities never imagined. He has adopted the philosophy that to Live fully, laugh uproariously, love passionately, and learn like there is no tomorrow, is a formula for a long and joy-filled life.

Charles Towne, Inspiration

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