If we pray only for protection from trials, then we rob ourselves of our future maturity. “Lord, keep me free from pain” feels like the right thing to pray—and often is. But if that’s our only desire, our biggest priority, then we may miss the perseverance that our trials produce. “God, protect me from harm” seems wise to pray—and can be. But it’s the challenges in life that help us mature and draw us closer to Christ.
IG
