We often hear “Life is not fair,” and it isn’t, but God will bring justice if we patiently trust and wait on Him. In reading Paul’s letters, I have noticed that he never prayed for people not to have problems or for their problems to go away. He prayed that they would have “the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper” (Colossians 3:12 AMPC). I am always amazed when I read, think about, or teach on this scripture. Our prayers are quite different than Paul’s. We simply want our discomfort to go away, but Paul wanted something much more valuable. He wanted the people to be able to adapt and remain peaceful in the midst of their trouble. He knew this would make them stronger to handle future difficulties.

Do we always pray for the easy way out? I think we usually do, but we can learn from Paul’s teachings and begin praying to be able to endure whatever comes with patience and good temper. Paul states in Philippians 4:12–13 that we can be content whether we are in need or have plenty, and that we can do all things through Christ who is our strength, whatever condition we are in. Let each of us ask ourselves if we are able to do this and answer truthfully.