When life is a struggle, everything is difficult. You might be experiencing this now and not sure which way to turn. Sin or something out of our control may cause problems. It can be heart-wrenching to see those around us struggle, especially family members and friends.
Struggles often bring us to our knees to seek the Lord for ourselves or a struggling loved one. During these times, we must remember that the Lord is always with us, and we can always trust Him. Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. [1] When I turn to the Lord during the struggles of life, it lifts me and reminds me how much the Lord loves and cares for me.
Struggles Can be the Consequences of Sin
Adam and Eve lived in a perfect place called the Garden of Eden until they disobeyed God and fell into sin. The Lord loved Adam and Eve, but there were consequences to their sin that was the beginning of hardships for them and their descendants.
Genesis 3:17 And to the man God said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life, you will struggle to scratch a living from it. 18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. 19 By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” [2]
The Lord is Always There to Help Me
The Lord is good and merciful because He can take my struggles and bring good out of them. No matter what situation you are walking through, the Lord is at work in your life and calling you to look up to Him. Psalm 121:1 I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! [3]
The Lord is always there to help me. Spiritual growth is never comfortable, especially when the Lord teaches me through my struggles as He molds and shapes me. No matter old we are, we have opportunities to grow in wisdom, patience, and understanding. When I struggle and get discouraged, I remember the process is beautiful because I am learning to be more like my heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 4:16That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.[4]
What do you do when life is a struggle? Listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/beginnings-fall
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.