Blessing in the Struggle

How often do you think about what God has done for you? I know it’s something I think about often. I also think about what He’s doing in me and what He’s calling me to do. I hate to admit it, but I sometimes take what He’s done and Him for granted. Then, I’ll do something or not do something and I’ll need Him. It’s in those times I’m reminded of who He is. It’s in those times when I struggle and lean on Him that I learn who I am. It’s on the other side of many of those situations that I realize how blessed I am……how He kept me. 

But have you ever been in the struggle and you’ve thanked Him because you realized you get to go through it with Him? I know it sounds crazy, but for every struggle we have and go through with Him, we come out stronger. Have you ever thought to thank Him for the struggle because it draws you closer to Him? I find that I have been remiss in this area, too. When we’re in the midst of the struggle it’s sometimes hard to see the good in it, but God uses all things to work together for our good (Rom 8:28). We’re also instructed to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all things (1 Thes 5:16-18). Regardless of the outcome of our situation, God is still God. He is still worthy.

In the times that I’ve surrendered situations to Him, He has never let me down. It’s not what He does. Situations have certainly not always turned out the way I would have chosen, but he knows better than I do. They have not always been comfortable or easy, but who has ever grown in comfort? Comfort is not where growth happens. Growth happens in struggle (Rom 5:3-5). Even children as they grow experience growing pains. If we are growing in faith and understanding, why would we expect it to be easy? As we follow Jesus, we are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him (Matt 16:24) – that indicates sacrifice, self-discipline, honesty, reflection, and so many other traits. 

I recognize I’m a work in progress. While my outward appearance may look like I’ve arrived, I haven’t. No one has. We all have areas of our lives that need work. But, it is good to remember that the Master of all is on our side and holds us close. He will finish the work He began in us (Phil 1:6). Let us be obedient and do what he said. Let’s take a step back and seek Him in the middle of the struggle and ask Him to show us the benefit of it, not just to get us out of it. He’s never not working and we can be assured He’s blessing us in the middle of the struggle.  

God bless you!