Sometimes I grow so weary of struggling.
Struggling with self-control. Struggling against temptation.
Struggling to prefer others. Struggling with the limitations of my body.
Struggling with fatigue. Struggling against obstacles.
Struggling against culture. Struggling in ministry. Struggling in relationships.
More often than not, life seems to be one long struggle, and I can get so exhausted and discouraged. Sometimes all the struggle makes me feel like there’s not any progress.
But lately, God has been showing me that instead of growing weary of the struggle, I should thank Him for it. And I should even embrace it.
Because struggles signify God’s hand at work.
God’s Work In Our Struggles
If there was none of that wearisome struggle against this world, against my flesh, against my sin nature, against sin and its effects, then all those enemies of God would have free rein.
If acquiescing to the default was the norm–if it came easily–I’m afraid that would be a pretty good indication that I haven’t been made a new creation in Christ in the first place.
I’m also realizing that rather than being a sign of lack of progress, struggling is actually a sign of growth. This world is a messed-up place. My body is a messed-up tent. And even though I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ and have put my sin nature to death, it still tries to resurrect itself countless times every single day.
The struggle is an indicator that my spirit is wrestling my flesh; if I persevere and stand the test, God’s reward is certain (James 1:12).
Will you take a moment today and thank Him for His work in your life, even when it’s uncomfortable? Will you praise Him for His grace that enables you to grow, even though it requires struggling?
After all, what young seedling doesn’t have to struggle in the dark through several inches of soil before having its first glimpse of blue skies?
Prayer for Seasons of Struggle
Dear Heavenly Father,
You say in the Bible that I should count it all joy when I face trials of various kinds, because when my faith is tested, I become stronger. More steadfast. And the end result is that I’ll be complete, lacking in nothing. Even though I don’t like the struggle, help me choose joy in the midst of it, because You are faithful to Your Word and nothing can interfere with Your fulfillment of Your purpose for me.
Lord, I’m looking to You for daily, sufficient grace. I’m expecting You to be with me, strengthening me, helping me, and upholding me with Your hand. I’m waiting on You, trusting that as I do, You will renew my strength moment by moment.
Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. Even in the struggle.
In the name of my Savior, Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
(This prayer is based on James 1:2-4; Psalm 138:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 63:7)
A Challenge For You
Seasons of struggle are an excellent time to draw closer to God. Click here to get started with this FREE 5-day prayer challenge.
Thank you for this reminder today, Jennifer! I have been struggling with feelings of weariness this past week too, but this post reminded me of Paul’s words (I can’t think of the reference off the top of my head) where he says let us rejoice when we are persecuted and face troubles of all kinds. This post helped me see some of the specific reasons to rejoice. Struggling can strengthen our character and endurance and relationship with God. Thank you again!
Hi, Jane! Paul’s frequent admonitions to rejoice in times of trial astound me, particularly considering the intensely difficult experiences he encountered. Shipwrecks? Beatings? Imprisonment? Starving? It makes my hardest days look like a walk in the park!
I also love the passage in James referencing endurance: “My brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” (1:2-4) If we will choose to look UP to God with eyes of faith, instead of looking AROUND at our circumstances, we will see His hand and His work much more clearly. Thank you for reading, and for sharing your heart!
What about those of us that experience struggle after struggle with no break? Just when I think things are going to be okay, and I can take a deep breath, the rug is pulled out from under me again. When people tell me that God will never give you more than you can handle, I get angry. Why does He keep trying me? When will it be my turn to be able to kick back and enjoy life? Why is there always more and more piled on me? At what point will I be done being tested, and why does it seem like it will never end?? I’m at my breaking point. I don’t know how much more I can take. I don’t understand why it is always me who suffers? What have I ever done that was so bad? I was a good child, a great teenager and have been a kind and giving adult. Actually, it’s been at my expense that I have bent over backwards trying to make others happy, and in return, I was horribly abused for 12 years. I’m not even sure that it’s over, I’ve just been given a break while he’s been incarcerated on unrelated charges. My children have been through enough too. And now, when this time away could’ve been used to heal, my health has taken a drastic turn for the worst, causing horrible pain, and receiving diagnosis that nothing can be done, but instead, everything will continue to progress. I have absolutely no quality of life. Just when I thought I had found my purpose, more problems were added, when I was finally supposed to be done fighting and waiting, and instead, be more comfortable and able to deal with life much easier. I was crushed by yet another setback, but I should’ve known better. Nothing ever is smooth for me. I must have been a horrible person in a previous life,because it’s the only explanation I can come up with for why it continue to be punished.
Oh, Lesli. I can sense the pain and frustration in your words, and I’m so very sorry that you’ve experienced so much pain throughout your life. Life is not supposed to be this way. I think the phrase that “God will never give you more than you can handle” is problematic for a couple of reasons. People have free will to choose their actions, and much suffering is caused by abuse of various kinds. God never wanted you to be abused, and He grieves for you and with you about this pain and its aftereffects. God also desires that we not try to handle life on our own, but that we turn to Him for grace, help, and strength. Please feel free to reach out via email if you’d like to discuss this further.
If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to seek out a licensed therapist who can help you work through some of these very hard experiences you’ve endured. I have also heard positive things about the book The Body Keeps the Score, which talks about the effects of trauma on our physical health. Perhaps this book will be helpful to you. Thank you for sharing your heart with me, and please know of my prayers for you.
I wrote a blog post about this very subject. I find a lot God gets teachers, those who instruct others in his word, on the same page about the same time. Life is all about struggles and our perspective is vital to our relationship with Christ. My post won’t be published for a little while but by the end I said “all of our struggles are not worth comparing to the joy we will experience upon entering into heaven”. You are right on about being thankful. Though we are in pain, suffering, and in torment, our gratitude signifies trust and hope in God. Struggling is not a sign of weakness or failure but a sign of growth as you pointed out. Great post.
Welcome, John! I’m so glad you stopped by, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. I agree about the importance of a proper perspective; it’s so easy to keep our eyes on the things we can see. It requires a heart of faith to live according to the truth that what is seen is temporal, whether we’re talking about our possessions, our fleshly ambitions, and yes, our struggles. We’re enduring these times of struggle for a brief season in comparison with the delights awaiting us in eternity! Hallelujah!