Struggles of life – accept from the hands of Jesus

Struggle is part and parcel of human life. Infact from the womb to the tomb there are struggles,but the quantum of struggle each one goes through varies.  What really makes the difference is the understanding by which we accept and face the struggles of life.

We struggle to understand why we have to struggle in life or why we are into situations where we have to face so many struggles. The word of God gives us an insight in (Ephesians 6:12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  One of the key reasons why we fail to understand and overcome our struggles is that, our struggles has a lot to do with spiritual realm.

The word of God assures us in (Romans 8:37) “We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus” and in John 16:33, Jesus says “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.” It is very important in our struggles that we have to be clothed in Christ.

In our understanding of struggles of life, it is important to know from where our struggles come from and this will help us in a big way to successfully face our struggles

Joyful struggle to glorify God:

• We see in the life of apostles they were ready to undertake any struggle to proclaim the Goodnews. Therefore St. Paul would say “woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Corn 9:16).

Their experience of God brought in them, an  irresistible desire  to proclaim Jesus, St John says “….that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing this that our[a] joy may be complete” (1 John 1: 3-4)

• They suffered beating and imprisonment “The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. ²³ And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. ²⁴ Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks……..(Acts 16:22-26)

They rejoiced in every struggle they faced to share their faith, Colossians 1:24 ^“Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Ver 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

At times, we must also cooperate with God to mould and to makes us, therefore the word of God encourages us in (Hebrews 12:5b-6) “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,⁶ because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Our struggle of life when received from the hand of our Lord, gives us immense joy that we are the sons and daughters of God. Co-heirs with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17).

Painful struggle made by man

The struggle that doesn’t lead us or others to God can do great harm to our spiritual life.

• We read in the book of (Daniel 6:6-28), Daniel became the victim of jealousy and how the other officials of King wanted to eliminate him. They made the King issue an edict asking all the citizens to worship only the King, if anyone failed do so, they would be thrown into lions’ den. Daniel refused to worship the king and so he was thrown into lions’ den.  God victoriously led Daniel in his struggle and the other officials who schemed against Daniel were put to death.

• We read in the Gospel of (Luke 20:9-15), the parable of the wicked tenants, we clearly see the greed of the tenants leading them to harm every person sent to them, even to the extent of killing the only son of the owner in order to inherit their property. Sometimes, we too struggle with pain for the good done for others.

Conclusion: 

Let us prayerfully gain the strength with the promise of (2 Corinthians 12:9) “but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

When  we  understand and accept the struggles of life through Christ, it  makes us more Sensitive to the needs of others; Sensible to handle any situations; Strong to stand up against the storms; and makes us Successful in life.

God bless you all.