God Brings Us Through The Struggle

Twenty first century American believers seem hardwired to see a struggle and then strategize to overcome it. We have unlimited resources in churches today to fix what ails us. Scripture highlights that when God brings us to a struggle, he also brings us through the struggle. He may call for our cooperation, but He certainly doesn’t need our help.

Consider Paul on his way to Rome. Take some time today and read Acts 24-28. What observations surface that highlight God bringing Paul and the others through the struggle? Please make some notes in your journal or even on a napkin so that you can work through what God is doing in your life. Paul was not a sailor. He relied on others to transport him. Yet, in this storm Paul was confident that he would be delivered. What made him so confident?

Once the ship wrecks in Malta many would consider the victory and say that Paul should leave good enough alone. Malta, though, was not the mission. Rome was the target, and God had promised to get him there. Paul was determined that no matter what difficulty he experienced, reaching Rome to deliver the message of Christ was worth it. Paul knew that his purpose was to reflect Christ for worldwide impact. He saw this purpose as the reason for his continued existence. What significance do you see in the last verses of Acts 28? How does Paul’s story make sense with what we read in Philippians 1:19-21?

What struggle are your facing? What crisis are you hiding from or avoiding? Are you waiting until you can figure it out on your own? Will you lay aside the 21st century American believer mindset that says “you can do it,” and instead get on your knees and honestly cry out to God, “God, only You can do it,”? He will bring you through the struggle. Something amazing waits on the other side.