Biblical Answer

The Struggle is Real

We often struggle with life, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. However, it's essential to understand that struggle is not the enemy; it's an opportunity for growth and deepening our faith. The Bible teaches us that struggle makes us stronger, and it's through facing our challenges head-on that we can build resilience and trust in God's sovereignty. As Gary and Betsy Ricucci note, "Struggle keeps us interested and engaged" (Ricucci, 124). But, for struggle to be profitable and productive, it must have purpose and lead to positive change.

The Futility of Blame

One of the primary reasons we struggle is due to our tendency to blame others or ourselves for our circumstances. We often try to shift the responsibility, thinking that if only the other person or situation were different, we would be happy. However, this mindset only leads to further conflict and stagnation. The Bible encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and attitudes, recognizing that our struggles are often a result of our own thinking and choices. By acknowledging our role in the struggle, we can begin to address the root causes and work towards positive change.

Choosing to Engage

Ultimately, the choice to engage with our struggles lies within us. We can choose to see our difficulties as opportunities for growth, or we can become passive and give up. The Bible teaches us that God uses our troubles to make us stronger and better people (Job 38:42). By taking small steps to engage with our struggles, we can begin to see the roadblocks of life as opportunities for spiritual growth and development. As we focus on God's perspective and trust in His sovereignty, we can overcome our fears and doubts, and find peace and purpose in the midst of our struggles. We can choose to see our difficulties as a faith issue, and trust that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). By making this choice, we can begin to walk in the freedom and peace that comes from knowing God is with us, even in the midst of struggle.