I had to look up the definition for clarity. As I was praying for several people around me, I realized the common denominator was struggle– they were all struggling in some form or fashion.
The dictionary defines struggle as “to contend with an adversary or an opposing force.” This is the first definition and was honestly what I expected. But the next definition caught my attention: “to advance with effort.”
These two meanings clarified my prayers. I knew enough about each situation to know they were struggling with an adversary. Jesus was clear. He told us about the thief– the one who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In fact, 2 Corinthians 2:11 warns us all “lest Satan should take advantage of us; [we shouldn’t be] ignorant of his devices.”
The Bible is such a help to us in difficult times. It helps shift our focus off the natural and on to the power of God in our lives. Paul said, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). At first glance, this might not feel like an encouragement but it’s important to know our struggles are NEVER with flesh and blood.
Don’t get me wrong, I know it can look like your enemy has skin and lives next door, but the Bible is God’s truth. And it is clear– “our combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion [to God]…” (TPT). In other words, the struggle is real but the culprit is actually in the unseen realm.
This truth simply reminds us our fight isn’t natural.
And we should also be reminded the fight isn’t ours alone.
The God of the Universe is on our side. In Christ, He has given us every weapon we need. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
I like to picture this like a scene from the Matrix movie. No matter what the enemy throws at us, we’ve been given the unique ability to see it coming, dodge gracefully out of the way, blocking every bullet and weapon formed against us– all in the name of Jesus!
To struggle means to advance with effort. It’s not a cake walk (I know we can all agree on that). But our focus should be more on advancing than the effort it takes. This is why we can “glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). In other words, through the struggle we are actually developed.
Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings [struggles] of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). And James adds: “So let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).
Yep, the struggle is real. There are real reasons why we struggle sometimes. But the power of God is real too.
The Bible reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). No wonder James said, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2-4, MSG).
Notice the Bible doesn’t tell us to just live with it. No, it’s the opposite– “contend” with it. The struggle is real but you have an anointing to challenge the challenger. Jesus said, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you” (Luke 10:19, AMPC).
You are not struggling alone. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). In fact, if the enemy could see how strong and empowered we become on the other side of believing God and standing strong in the midst of adversity, he’d back off quick! But he can’t see what God is doing.
God isn’t the author of our struggles. He’s not the thief. God is on our side, turning every adversity into a victory! So stay the course. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Know your real enemy and wield your weapons wisely. And give thanks to God “who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14)!
