“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Have you ever felt your life is one struggle after another? Do you wonder if others are going through similar trials in their lives? Their lives look so perfect on social media! I’m pretty sure that no one is exempt from struggles. We all have them.
- Even the homecoming queen from high school that is still beautiful and seems to have the perfect husband, the perfect house, and the perfect kids
- Even the celebrity who is admired by many and who has more money than she knows what to do with
- Even the female executive who seems to be able to perfectly balance career success, a family and everything else in her life
When struggles come (and they will), we have two options. We can let them define or refine us. When we allow our struggles to define us, we expend a lot of energy feeling sorry for ourselves and wallowing in victim mentality. We try to figure out who is to blame and/or beat ourselves up. We stay mired in adversity and we can’t move forward in a positive way.
The other (and much preferred) choice is to let the struggle refine us and become better and stronger as a result. We can learn and grow from our struggles. We might even be able to help others as a result, using our pain as our platform.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as through something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13
When we experience struggles:
- We can rely on God to comfort us. Have you ever noticed that we tend to turn away from God when things are going well? Struggles help us get closer to Him, depend on Him, and even help us learn to be more like Him!
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flame will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
- Instead of asking “Why, God?”, we can ask the question, “What do you want to accomplish in and through me with this situation?”.
- We can use our trials to help others going through similar things in their lives. I can think of countless examples where people have become involved with a particular cause or group to help others going through similar difficulties. The reason that I feel compelled to write this blog is to share my crazy and struggles with others in hopes that it will help somehow.
Consider these Scriptures for inspiration:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3
“Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.” 1 Peter 5:10
In conclusion, as you go through trials, take the stance that they will REFINE and not DEFINE you. Garner strength from your struggles – and maybe even help others in the process!
REFLECT
How have you used struggles in the past to refine you?
Where have your struggles defined you?
What
struggles are you experiencing now? How can you use them for good?
