Pain, Suffering and Ridicule is what we will face for God

John 9:13-41
The Blind Man and Spiritual Blindness
When the blind man was no longer blind, he shared this miracle with everyone.  The Pharisees questioned him, asking how could a prophet or the Messiah heal someone on the Sabbath.  The once blind man said," God does not listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Never since hte world began has anyone been able to open the eyes of someone born blind.  If thise man were not from God, he couldn't do it." (31-33)
In a conversation between the blind man, Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus says, " I have come to judge the world.  I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind... for you remain guilty if you claim you can see" (39-41)

In the commentary on this passage, I am told that I don't need special training to share the gospel or my love for Christ and God.  Once we accept Jesus in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will lead us.  Our eyes will be open to things we did not see or feel before.  This world we live in is bound by greed, power and sin - this is Satan's evil world, not God's. 

So Father, I pray for your spirit of protection and I thank you for opening my eyes.  My husband has left on a trip to Vietnam for 2 weeks. We both agreed that all our future vacations must be done together.  It's heartbreaking to be apart even for a few days, let alone 2 weeks... and for this particular summer it will be us being apart for 4 weeks. However, I know that this opportunity arose so that we could both grow closer to you independently.  I thank you wholeheartedly for always letting us seek you out.  All we ever need to do is ask.  Father, continue to pray for his safety abroad and for your shield of protection around him.  I know the evil that lurks where he goes and I pray that you will give him wisdom and strength and will power to not give in to the temptations of gambling and overindulgence.  Please give him a time a inner peace and rest through you.

2 Timothy 1: 8-14
Encouragement to be Faithful
Today's passage starts off with a bold statement: So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. (8) This is what I need to live by. The next statement in this passage that is screaming out to me is this: And that is why I am suffering here in prison. I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Remember to live in the faith and love that  you have in Christ Jesus (12,13).

I am reminded that I am not suffering in vain and by comparison, my suffering is no where near that of Paul's.  Father, I trust you know best. Whatever pain and suffering I endure here on earth, is temporary, and it is done in your name to bring you glory.  There will be lessons learned, but I know you will be there to support me and guide me and use me as your living testimony. I pray that you continue to stir in my heart the courage to fight your fight and not fall into the traps of Satan's world.