“In our struggles we find our strength”

I heard that statement on the radio yesterday. I’m sure I’ve heard it before, but yesterday it caused me to pause and reflect on my list of past struggles. My past is filled with many struggles of various degrees. These struggles have produced strength in me that could not have been achieved without the hands on experience. I learned how to fight and how to hang on for dear life during many of these times. I found out what I was really made of and if my faith was real or filled with unbelief. 

I don’t like to struggle. It is uncomfortable, but without it I can’t grow or move forward. I desire to grow continually and change for the better, but that doesn’t happen without the struggle. Therefore, I will struggle at different times in my life for the rest of my life. I can choose to go through it, trusting I will come out stronger in the end. Or I can resist the process and end up struggling in a way that keeps me stuck a lot longer than the intent of the struggle. Either way, I will have to face the struggle. We will all have to face the struggles meant for our life. These times can make or break you depending on how you decide to go through it. Embrace the struggle, it is the very key to unlocking your strength. It is the means in which you will grow and find out what you are made of. Scripture says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James‬ ‭1:2-4‬)

Do you want perseverance? Do you want to mature? Do you want to have all the tools you need to get through this life? Then you must struggle!! Choose to go through these struggles with joy! It’s not the kind of joy that says, “yay, I love all these hard times.” This type of joy comes from knowing and trusting God will produce good things in you through these struggles. It’s believing you will come out stronger on the other side. It’s believing God will add the tools you’re lacking in order that you have everything you need to make it through your life. 
I still don’t like to struggle, but I will choose to go through it willingly and expectant. Because I know the Lord will add the things I’m lacking in order to equip me for my future. 
CAT