We’ve all heard or used the phrase “the struggle is real”.
This term is commonly used when describing life situations that cause difficulty or a state of being overwhelmed.
We tend to view struggles and/or obstacles as nuisances that we could live without.
But can we? Should we?
Without the struggle, who would we run to? If we had everything under control, why would we need anyone else to intervene?
“And we also have joy with our troubles because we know that these troubles produce patience.”
Romans 5:3 ICB
The Bible says that our troubles produce patience! Don’t we all strive to be patient? I know I do.
With everything we go through, God is calling us to be more like Him, and He is a patient God.
“We point to you as an example of unwavering faith for all the churches of God. We boast about how you continue to demonstrate unflinching endurance through all the persecutions and painful trials you are experiencing. All of this proves that God’s judgment is always perfect and is intended to make you worthy of inheriting the kingdom of God, which is why you are going through these troubles.”
2 Thessalonians 1:5 ICB
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 TPT
As we go through these troubles our faith is put to the test. Who will we choose to put our faith in? Ourselves? Money? People? God? Success?
If we choose to put our faith in God, it will continue to grow and strengthen. For us to be part of His kingdom, we must have some level of faith.
Without faith, how can we truly believe that Jesus is Lord? Without faith, how can we accept that we are freed by the power of the cross? Without faith, how can we believe that Jesus is God and we will one day be judged by Him?
“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for. And faith means knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”
Hebrews 11:1 ICB
Faith is an important part of living for God! We NEED Him. We are NOTHING without Him.
We can take encouragement from struggling because we know God is doing work in us. He is trying to draw us closer to Him.
How wonderful it is that we have a God that WANTS us!
And don’t forget, He has promised that He will not give us more than we can handle and will not leave us.
“Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19 NKJV
I’m not trying to diminish the difficulties that you may be experiencing today. I understand that your struggles, pain, and heartache are real. I empathize with the frustration and heartache that come with tough times. Even though I may not fully comprehend your pain, I am also going through a season of struggle myself.
Let me be transparent about what I’m dealing with currently.
After years of pain and finally being freed from it, it has made its way back into my life. Doctors don’t know what is causing it and their options pose more possible complications, high risks, and loss of fertility. These options don’t promise a solution either.
So you can imagine, that after multiple surgeries and conception issues, my weariness. But I have been reminded that God is good and He is working. I have to put my faith and trust in Him through this struggle.
My firstborn’s name was given to me by God. I believe He also led me to the name of our second daughter. The first one means grace and the second one means victory.
I am reminded that God has given me grace to conceive the first time and the second time He’s given me victory by overcoming my struggles.
That is just one of my testimonies.
I share all of this to encourage you in your struggles today.
Struggles are real, there’s no denying that. May God be with you today and may His love encourage you during your hardships. Try and remember who is in control and His promise to give you hope and a future.
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 AMP
Graceful Warriors 
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