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prayers in the midst of discouragement

Slowly digesting these verses as of late:  Ephesians 6:18-19

With some prayers, the Lord tarries for His purposes, with others, he responds in a short amount of time, speaking from a human perspective Regardless, I am overwhelmed and thankful that He does answer them at all. Lately I have been praying for encouragement and strength as I strive to read and apply His word.

The part about Mission Raleigh that people like to hear is the impact on the community, the lives of kids, youth, or adults changed, the joy of having little children run up to you because they know you are their key to unconditional love and snacks, holding a little child in kids club and watching their little minds and hearts soke in God's Word, the new and exciting challenges of working with a fast paced ministry, being in the so called "frontlines" type of ministry etc, etc.

The flip side is rarely spoken of - the part where you see people hurting so badly from circumstances and consequences whether it be of their own decisions or not, the part where people abuse and misuse you because they are lost and easily take people and things overall for granted, the spiritual warfare evident that causes great rifts and ripples in relationships whether it be those in our own or in the lives of those whom we seek to minister to, the pain of watching a child get beaten or neglected because the father and mother figures are no where to be seen, though gently pleading the part where we watching addictions take over the lives of youth and adults ...  overall the reality of how dark and demented sin truly is. This is not to mention the inability of fellow believers at times to sympathize with this cause in Christ thereby many times unknowingly comment and react in such  way to bring doubt and destructive criticism to the minds of those who already see the lostness of the world outside the church building and feel compelled to reach it. These and the myriad of other discouragements that can so easily  drown out the voice of the Almighty God who called us to such a great task, promises anyone that serves in such a ministry the opportunity to take up our cross and follow him daily, hourly, and instantly - or die trying.

With that said, prayers are not only vital or the life blood but our Lord tends to use them as the main source of renewal, healing,  and encouragement.  It is true, others will fail us even discourage us, but Christ will never leave nor forsake us. How sweet it is to cry out to the Lord and for Him to hear the prayers of those who truly belong to Him. I speak for myself if not also for my wife and those who serve in such a God sized ministry, do not give up praying and crying out on behalf of the lost and dying, do not give up hope, do not stop communicating with Him for any reason.