Father, I struggle sometimes to recognize Your presence

As I go through life's struggles..

Yet, I know You have Your purpose for all things.

I am so short-sighted when it comes to this life thing.

But I know that You can see the future

And that You have a plan for my life,

A reason for all things I've endured in my life,

And that You can use it all for good.

It would be easy to become self-absorbed,

To be bitter toward You and all who've hurt me in my life.

Or I could use those struggles for Your good--

To live my life in service to You

By walking with the downtrodden,

Reaching out to those who are hurting

And offering them care and understanding

That can only come from one who has also struggled,

Endured hurts, and found hope beyond challenging circumstances.

And I know that this life is but a moment in relation to eternity.

So, please heal all present and past hurts

And enable me to have a forgiving heart

So that when I stand before You in judgment,

You truly will in mercy forgive my imperfections--

Made possible through confession, repentance

And believing in the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ--

And You will say "Innocent," as I have dreamed that You would.

And that having devoted my life to uplifting others

Will have been worth it all

Just to hear the words,

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Then I will truly know that all I've endured in my life

Has served a purpose.

That You can work all things for good.

And there is peace and deep-seated joy

That can only come from the hope

That my struggles need not be in vain.

And that my ultimate future

Can be incredibly wonderful beyond words.

In this is my hope.

For this I devote my life.

And with You I entrust my future.

Amen.