One of my favorite sayings is The struggle is real. I sorta smirk every time I hear it or see it as a hashtag. I just want to say, Duh, did you think it was fake, phony, or fictional? Of course it’s real. Everyone struggles from time to time, and that’s to be expected. Take a look at what scripture tells us.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ~Romans 8:18
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ~James 1:12
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. ~ Psalm 119:71
When you look at all three of these verses, you see that suffering ends well. It begins and ends with hope and promises that you will benefit in some way. I know it’s hard to focus on anything positive coming out of your suffering as you’re going through it, but trust and believe that suffering will end, and it ends well.
Growing up with Crohn’s Disease and not really knowing how to deal with it was my struggle for decades. It’s a wicked illness that leaves you worn out and even depressed. I remember praying to God to help me withstand the pain associated with this disease and asking to just be normal (whatever that means). Well, the first prayer was clear, and he completely removed the pain. I can almost remember the moment it happened in the summer of 2001.
I think God is still smirking at my other prayer. I can almost hear him say, Normal? I don’t do normal. You are my masterpiece. You might be feeling the same way I felt all those years ago, but take a minute to think about what makes you who you are. What are those special talents, abilities, and gifts that you have? How are you using them to glorify the Gift Giver? God doesn’t want you to be ordinary; he wants you to be extraordinary. As always, remember who you’re representing. Even in times of struggle, he wants you to be extraordinary because he’s right there with you in the midst of it all. May blessings abound! <3
This is lovely. I love your post, they inspire me always. I am not Christian but i do love the snippets you share.
God doesnt want us to be ordinary.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ~James 1:12
This is excellence from a caring heart. We are not ordinary we are a child of God. Great reminder on a Sunday evening here. I think I will say the struggle is real on Monday morning with a smile now. 😃
Thanks, my friend. You’re in Ireland, right?
Yeah I’m from Ireland, so when your sleeping I’ll be saying ‘the struggle is real’ getting ready for work
Aaahhh…got it.
Yeah I’m from Ireland, so while your sleeping I’ll be saying ‘the struggle is real ‘ getting ready for work
Beautiful post!
Thanks so much, Sis. 🙂
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
I love this! Yes, the struggle is REAL. I have noticed quite often that some people tend to believe THEIR struggle alone is real and tend to dismiss the wrestlings of others. My spouse has PTSD and there are moments and days when he just does things that don’t make sense. I’ve learned to recognize the signs and I do what I can to help, but if I were to try to explain it to someone (because I have) they’d look at me like, “whatever, that’s a lame excuse. He just needs to get over it.” They don’t grasp that the struggle is REAL. I love this post because you point out that God can make something extraordinary out of our struggle. Thanks for the words of encouragement today!
You have encouraged me as well. My husband has the same struggle, and it is indeed real. I’m thankful that he has you.
May the Lord strengthen and encourage you both. I will add you to my prayer list!
That is my prayer for you as well. Thank you for your prayers.
Great word! It seems like too many Christians pretend the struggle is NOT real and, if we think we have a struggle, then we just don’t have enough faith.
Thanks for the reminder that, even though the struggle is real, our God’s plan is to do something extraordinary in our lives.