Have you ever been in a situation in which you feel that you are just treading water and still finding it hard to survive?  Everything seems to be a struggle – a force to be reckoned with and yet, no matter what you do, it is unavoidable, and you must deal with it at some point.  Everyone goes through this.  Some seem to hide their emotions well and appear as if all is fine, but most are hit hard and cannot thinly veil their response to it.

How are we, as Christians, supposed to act when it happens to us?  Many times, throughout the bible we are told to endure and persevere.  For example, in Romans 12:12 we are told to:

            “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

We see examples of this throughout the bible; such as when Job endured a huge loss, yet never turned against God, Jeremiah faced threats and prison, but still persevered and preached God’s word, and Paul faced many trials once he came to Christ.  Paul zealously killed Christians, was confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus, and faced many trials once he gave his life over to Jesus.  He faced imprisonment, was flogged, pelted with stones and shipwrecked.  He embodies perseverance.  Another example is the persistent widow who goes before the judge to right a wrong done to her.  She kept on persisting until she wore the judge down.  The greatest example of this is Jesus.  He persevered and did the will of God despite the many persecutions he suffered.  He endured the cross so that we may be reconciled with God and become heirs to His kingdom.

Knowing what to do holds no weight unless you are willing to apply it.  When your trial draws near and the storm feels like it will never end, that is when you need to hold on to God’s promises and remember what He taught us.  He is our refuge in times of adversity, as pointed out in Psalm 46:1 and Proverbs 18:10.  His strength brings you much joy as Nehemiah 8:12 states.  In Isaiah 31:13 we are comforted by His promise to be there and help us in our time of need.

            “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.”

            “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe.”

            “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

            “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

We are not alone during the struggle as confirmed in James 1:2-4 and Joshua 1:9. We can walk with assurance and without fear as we learn in Psalm 23:4.

            “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.”

            “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

            “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Storms can ravage us and last a long time, but when we are connected and have a strong personal relationship with God, then we can overcome whatever the storm brings.  We are His as 1 John 4:4 tells us.  The solution is evident when we read 1 Peter 5:7 and joy, as well as, contentment, can be found in Proverbs 12:25 if we are faithful. 

            “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

            “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

            “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

Lastly, when we have assurance in His promises, and stay connected, we can face the struggle head on.  Only then can peace come, but we must stay on the path and walk with God.  However, we are to walk with hope as John 16:33 shows us.

            “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

We all struggle, but if we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we can endure the struggle and continue to do His will for us.  As a Christian this is important advice, but also there is much wisdom behind this as well.  It is instruction that can be applied to our own struggle and to someone else who is struggling.  We all have an opportunity and an obligation to be there for one another.  It all boils down to a matter of choice.  Do you want to be swallowed up by the struggle or find a way to get through and come out stronger on the other side?

Currently I am facing a huge struggle and I made mistakes during this time, many of which I have learned greatly from, and I have made some wiser choices.  I cannot do this on my own and with my own understanding.  I need His strength to hold me up.  I need His hand to hold mine and help me walk without fear.  I do not know the outcome of all of this.  I do know that without Him, I would fail and fall again and again.  Trust that He has you in His hand and that He loves you very much.  Do not look for the “why me” scenarios because we all will have our time of struggle.  Rather look for the lesson or the golden nugget He is revealing.  Maybe you need to make a change and be refined.  Maybe this struggle will become the very tool needed to equip you to do His will.  Please stay connected with Him, continue to pray, and surrender it to Him fully.  He is in control and will never lead you astray.  My heart though heavy because of this struggle is lightened by His word and His promises. I ask any of you who do not know our Lord to seek Him.  He will be found and will draw near to you if you draw near to Him.  We all need a Savior.  Today is a good day to start by seeking Him.  Take care and God bless.