The Word of God informs us in Job 14:1-2 (KJV), “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.”
Therefore, it is nothing new to us that struggles will come. If we were to look in the New Testament, we would find there as well that struggles are going to come: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings…” (I Peter 4:12-13 KJV).
The issue here is not just the struggles but more about what to do when struggles come. Struggles are not meant to take us down to rock bottom; they have a purpose. Struggles come to make us stronger. If we do not grow during our struggles, then we are not learning the lesson or fulfilling the purpose.
No one is exempt from struggles, and that is clearly illustrated in Job 14:1-2. When struggles come for some, they will pout, cry, and angrily say, “Why is God doing this to me?” God is not doing it to us. He may allow it, but He is not dishing out the struggles. If Jesus Christ, who never harmed man but came and died on an old rugged cross for us to have a right to salvation, then who are we to complain when hardships “throw us for a loop”?
When a struggle comes, go into your secret closet and pray to God, asking Him to give you the strength to go through and to come out unscathed. Further, ask Him to lead, guide, and direct you through this maze because you are depending on Him and Him alone.
Just this past Sunday in church, I heard a powerful thought-provoking sermon, “It’s Not Over,” (John 11:22-26) preached by a pastor named Dr. Robert Jemerson of San Antonio, Texas. One thought he shared that resonated with me is this: “When you cannot see God’s face, trust God’s grace!” Therefore, know that struggles are going to come, they are real, but don’t give in to them; trust God and the process.
Struggles do not come in our lives to make us weaker, but stronger in our faith and witness for Jesus Christ.
On a more personal note, my family and I have gone through an arduous test for quite some time now, but guess what, we are still here. Through it all, we have seen “God show up and show out”! Blessings have come to us in so many ways that we never expected. Prayers have been lifted in abundance. Further, I have grown in ways unimaginable. Why? I never gave up on God, and He never gave up on my family and me. Lastly, my testimony has been an inspiration to many. HALLELUJAH!
Whenever you face a struggle or a test in your life again, think on this poem by an unnamed author, “Struggles are Exactly What We Need in Our Lives” (Inspire 21):
I asked for Strength… and God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom… and God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity… and God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage… and God gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love… and God gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors… and God gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted … I received everything I needed!
Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
