“ The Struggle ”

We have been created with a great purpose to grow in relationship with God and impact the world around us to enhance it and bring glory to God. Our objective is powerful, noble, and beautiful, but it doesn’t make it easy. As believers, we must embrace the struggle, stand our ground in God, and persevere in the face of all the circumstances that try to hinder us from being fruitful and walking in abundant life.

The struggle doesn’t change our purpose.

The introduction of sin nature into our beings and this world naturally opposes God’s will, purpose, and character. Yet, God did not modify or change why He created us. He stuck with His original plan for us. He made us for a relationship with Him and to steward the rest of creation through our authority, enhancing, managing, and multiplying it. Sin makes our purpose more challenging but not impossible with God.

Everyone struggles. We struggle triumphantly through our relationship with Christ.

Jesus lets us know, we are going to face hard times, but he also invites us to put down the way of struggle that our culture has taught. He wants to teach us how to struggle well and be successful in honoring the relationship and fulfilling purpose (Matthew 11:28-30). Our culture and the enemy will give us tools to manage the trials, opposition, and pains of life, but God gave us other tools. His Spirit empowers us with love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The struggle refines us.

Fredrick Douglas is noted for say “Without struggle, there is no progress.” The struggle has a purpose. It strengthens, teaches, and prepares us for the task of life at hand (James 1:2-4). It challenges us and calls us to reach beyond ourselves to a loving God who wants to teach us how to grow through the struggle and maintain peace, joy, and hope for the present and future.

Scriptural Review:

Purpose:

Genesis 1:28 (stewardship), Genesis 3:8 (Relationship), John 15:5 (Source of Success)

Technique:

Matthew 11:28-30 (Learn and grow in Christ) 2 Timothy 1:7 (Use the tools God gives)

Refinement and Strength:

James 1:2-4 (produces perseverance and leads to maturity and being fully equipped

Thank you for joining us as we talked about “The Struggle.” This topic and others from the “Healing” Series come from the book Healing the Body of Christ: Embracing Abundant Life written by Avis Sparks. Get your copy by visiting Asparkministries.com/store or Amazon

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