A Prayer to Overcome Hardships
By Kelly Balarie
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Bible Reading: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…” – Ephesians 1:18 NIV
Sitting in the dark, I couldn’t see anything. I couldn’t see the lake I knew was in front of me. I couldn’t see the trees that stood on the left side of the horizon. I couldn’t see the grass that is normally there.
I closed my eyes to consider how darkness is nothingness. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume nothing was there.
The same goes for hard times. When we assume everything is just hopelessness and darkness, we assume nothing is there. We assume that, because of the darkness of the season – God has nothing for us, that He will do nothing with us, and that it must be because He is angry at us.
In the darkness of a hard season, what is before us cannot be seen. It’s black. It’s grim. It’s foreboding even.
I believe this is why Paul prayed, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…” (Eph. 1:18 NIV)
Only when the eyes of our hearts are enlightened do we see hope. Light brings hope. Light lets us see what’s ahead, “the hope to which He has called” us, “the riches of his glorious inheritance.” When we see these things, we see life come back into us. Light that allows us to see the lay of God’s land brings needed life back into our hearts, even if we are struggling through the darkest days.
This is a key to overcoming. If we only see what is bad, what is hard, what is dim, what is hopeless, what is worthless – we will travel like sojourners on a dark road, bumping into everything.
But, when God enlightens the eyes of our heart, we will then say things like, “Wow, God is using the hard times to make me wiser and stronger…”, “This test is the making of a great testimony…”, “Powerful ministry comes from broken places, healed”, “Whoa, God is building something that endures through eternity.”
God is always up to something more; light gives us eyes to see it.
Then, when purpose arises out of what was once a deathly problem, the light of hope comes rushing right into what was once a dark room
Let’s Pray:
Father, like Paul prayed, I ask that you enlighten the eyes of my heart, in order that I may know the hope to which you have called me. I ask that you help me to see the hope of my glorious inheritance in Christ Jesus. May I see and understand what you are doing. Father, turn my dark days into light, by the power of your ever-working grace. Give me eyes to see and a heart to understand, spiritually. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Photo Credit: GettyImages/fizkes
Related Resource: I Watched My Son’s Life Change in 3 Months — Here’s Why
Today, I sat down with my son to talk about his testimony. We talk about how p*rn shows up today (not just “hardcore,” but the stuff that finds you through social media) and how it impacts relationships, faith, and the way you see people. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and you’re not beyond help. My hope is this episode gives you clarity, courage, and a next step. Want more answers to your biggest questions about God, morality, and contemporary culture? Be sure to follow The Sean McDowell Show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Sunday, 02 February 2025.
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