Struggles

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” (Philippians 1:29-30 NLT)

The greatest battlefield for a believer is between our ears. Our mind will lead us places that will test our faith in ways nothing else will. Why does it seem the harder we seek to be close to the Lord, the more we struggle with other dimensions of our life?

It comforts me to know that the Apostle Paul faced many struggles on very practical levels – being hungry, cold, homeless, alienated, mistreated, scourged, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and in other ways, but his conclusion was essentially – it’s part of the deal, it’s what we signed up for! How so? Many of the issues we face aren’t necessarily because we’re believers, but because we’re part of the human family.

The upside is, we never face any of them alone. As a Jesus follower He is with us every step, but additionally, He knows how what we’re experiencing is equipping us to be effective for Him. Suffering isn’t our enemy. On many levels it’s our friend, our “instructor” if you will.

Because I have the “gift” of Alzheimer’s I’ve been blessed with insight into the heart of God that I never dreamed I would have. He’s given me more boldness in speaking out for Him, more courage to face the future with hope and expectation. Whatever the future brings, it will ultimately bring me face to face with my Savior.

To know the Lord Jesus is with me and for me; that every step of my journey has been mapped out by the Master Strategist and only includes those things that will in some specific way contribute to the success of my life’s journey, means everything to me.

Max Lucado wrote: “Don’t see your struggle as an interruption to life but as preparation for life.” What you’re experiencing right now, in this season of your life, is not by accident, it’s not an interruption, it’s an instruction. What you’re learning through this struggle will prepare and equip you for the next chapter of your life.

It can frighten you, as it does me, when I think about what “might” be, but it comforts and brings me peace to know that whatever that looks like, there’s Someone who is walking beside me, holding my hand and leading me through.

Think of the three young Israelites who knew they were headed to the furnace, but rather than panic, they walked right in like they were going out for coffee. Why? Because they knew no matter how hot the fire, they had a Friend who would walk with them and protect them from anything that wasn’t in line with His eternal purposes.

That’s true for you as well, my friend. What you’re facing may be terrifying, but one of two things is guaranteed: 1. It will kill you, which will make you eternally whole. 2. Or it will open avenues of opportunity you don’t have the capacity to understand in this moment. Either way, God’s purposes will be accomplished in and through your life in ways you don’t have the means of even imagining.

So, don’t dread your present struggles, embrace them to the glory of your Savior.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊