A Prayer When You Have Hit the Wall
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

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After a long stint of constant rejections from potential employers, I gave up writing. I opted for dog sitting and walking, as I knew dogs would only ever extend unconditional love. As I was talking with one of the dog owners, she said she preferred being around dogs because they are always happy to see you, they sit beside you when you are sick, and they brighten your day by running up to greet you after a long day at work.

Ever since my own dog passed away, I have missed the subtle, unconditional love of a dog. Humans are capable of unconditional love, but sometimes it feels conditional. If someone gets upset with us, they won't talk to us; if we don't show up on time to an event, they harbor bitter feelings toward us; if we forget their birthday, they act as though we don't even exist. Encountering hurt and hatred from people can make us feel defeated at times, especially when we are only trying our best.

I believe this is what led me to ultimately hitting my wall. Despite bending backward and trying to conform to what others wanted of me, I finally broke. As I was sitting in my primary care doctor’s office, he told me I was struggling with anhedonia, which is where you lack motivation, become indifferent to the world, and struggle to cultivate any sort of happiness in your life; all you feel is emptiness. I stared at my shoes as he relayed this news to me and sent me away with yet another new prescription.

Once I returned home, I received multiple emails from readers telling me how much my pieces have positively affected their lives. Their encouragement brought hope to my weary heart. Some of the emails detailed how they related to my experiences, while others offered words of encouragement, book suggestions, and prayers for a heavy soul. I was overwhelmed by the response, and I chose to start writing again. I know I'm not the best writer, but God can still use the weak things of the world for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

The Apostle Paul tells us, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

When we have hit the wall, we must remember that our weakness brings out God’s power in our lives. His grace is sufficient for us; there is nothing we need to try to work toward or achieve. He has wonderful plans for our lives, and we will achieve them. Therefore, rather than giving up when you have hit the wall, remind yourself that when you are weak, then you are strong. God will strengthen our weary legs and set our feet upon level ground (Psalm 40:2).

Think about why you have hit the wall. Perhaps you are walking through depression like me, or you have recently lost a loved one, your job was terminated, or your spouse walked out on you. Bring these troubles to the Lord and rest in His peace. You may have hit the wall today, but you will rise again (Micah 7:8). Jesus will equip you with strength to overcome the walls in your life and emerge victorious on the other side.

Let's Pray:

Dear Jesus, I have hit a wall in my life; I don't want to do anything, I feel like everything is pointless, and I feel empty inside. Please help me to grow despite this unpleasant season. Although I am weak and broken down, I will look to You. When I am weak, then I am strong. Thank You for Your wonderful power at work in my life, Lord.

I will not allow this wall to deter me anymore; instead, I can run through it and emerge on the other side because of Your love. Your grace is sufficient for me, Jesus; I will always turn to You and find hope in Your powerful Name. Encourage my weary soul and give me success today.

In Your Name, I pray, Amen.

Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Christian Lue

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

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