The Struggle is Real
By Jeannine Sawall
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong...
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)
Our family is affected with a smorgasbord of afflictions including anxiety, attention deficient disorder, fear, eating disorder and social phobias. While no one suffers to the point of debilitation and oftentimes we can joke about our "quirks," the struggle is real.
So why doesn't God just reach down and heal our family? Why does He allow us to continue in our sufferings and struggles? It would be so much easier for all of us if we didn't agonize about talking on the phone, an upcoming test, being home alone, having to keep several sizes of clothes depending on if I'm losing or finding weight, or trying to be/feel relevant in a crowd of people. Why won't God just "fix" us?
It is because through our struggles we come to know the character of God. Through our weakness, the power of Christ rests upon us. It is through our anxieties we learn He is our peace. It is through our fears we learn He is our reassurance. It is through weight struggles we learn He alone satisfies. It is when we feel alone in the middle of a crowd, we learn He is always with us.
By taking up our cross each day, in spite of the struggle, we learn to be faithful because He is faithful. We learn dependence on our God rather than independence, or just trying to muscle through. Because the struggle is real, we have credibility and our witness becomes real. The lessons and treasures we learn through our sufferings and struggles give us opportunities to share our stories with other people, offering them hope, comfort and understanding in their own struggles.
Maybe you are struggling today. Beloved, we understand the struggle is real. But believe that the God who made you IS beside you and gives you His strength to get through. It's not easy and oftentimes we have to go back again and again...ask Him to help you in your weakness. He will not forsake you!! Call out to Him in the midst of your struggle and allow His grace and power to be made perfect in your weakness. He will meet you in your struggle!
GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you think knowing Christ and trusting in Him can help you through your struggle?
2. In what areas in your life could you partner with God to share your story with others?
FURTHER READING:
Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.
