One of the most effective ways of giving a “response of faith” is to give thanks when the unpleasant appears. This is how we lift the shield of faith, which can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And in the last three days I’ve had several opportunities to apply this, seeing God’s grace flow as a result, setting me free from anger, resentment and negative thinking.
I’m not speaking of blind, rote mouthing of praise words, but of responding with our will to the great Truths we know of God. That He is our loving Father. He will give grace in each situation. He will protect us from true evil. He allows difficulty and disappointment to point us away from the chaff of life here to the rich way of living for eternity. The question every day is, “How will I respond, in faith or in folly?”
Our Lord is good at bringing beauty out of negatives, like roses out of a thorny plant.
Prayer: “Lord, I need your help to give a response of faith to difficult, distressing or disappointing situations today. Help me to remember that you are my fortress and that whatever comes is with your permission and love. May praise be the keynote of my life today. Amen.”