The Struggle IS Real

Life is hard…

We know the reality that nobody ever promised smooth sailing.  In fact, I think it’s beneficial to the human condition that struggles are present.  Without struggle apathy and lethargy take its place.  This is not healthy.  I’ve read the trees that make the best violins are the ones that are most battered by winds.  They are also the most difficult to harvest.

What purpose does struggle serve?

For the Christian, its design is to turn us to Christ.  To cause us to see our weaknesses and turn to the One that promises to never leave nor forsake.  This is a great assurance.  It forces us to hope in something that is outside of ourselves.

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Thessalonians 1:3-4

The unbelieving world does not recognize a hope in Christ that the Christian so faithfully relies upon.  It’s a great privilege to place your hope in someone else.  The object of our hope is what is in view here.  One that conquered sin and death.

The struggle is also real for the unbeliever and so they turn to other remedies and more often than not turn to self and self-reliance.  The Christian is to be pitied for his weak and feeble mind, for his belief in “fairy tales” and the like.  Without any real analysis of the truth claims they make and the truth claims the Bible makes.

So today, when you think on your troubles, know they are for your benefit and the Glory of God if you are in Christ.  If not today is the day to turn to Christ.  He is “THE” great hope.

Kevin