by Ward W. Bond, PhD
In our lives the word ‘struggle’ seems to be a part of our everyday vocabulary. Most of us believe that the meaning to struggle is to make one’s way difficult. We need to stop looking at the negative meaning of the word and look at the positives. The word ‘struggle’ means to make great effort, strive, and labor. "A laborer's appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work" (Proverbs 16:26).
We need to look at taking the stumbling blocks in our lives and turning them into stepping stones. When we do that, we will see that 'struggle' in a whole new way. The Bible tells us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). One thing about the word ‘struggle’, it only happens in our life when we are trying to do something positive. An alcoholic maybe struggling with alcohol could be a good thing because he could be trying to quit (so don't judge). Have you ever struggled trying to tread water in a lake or pool? The positive is you were trying to swim and stay alive. The negative would have been if you didn't try at all! We all labor, but not everyone strives or desires to make a great effort. We are living in a society that doesn’t want to struggle, but wants to live on a flowery bed of ease.
How many of you are working so hard to achieve a higher position or because you have a desire of your heart or goal you want to reach? That's great! Have you noticed all your work isn't easy? If you haven't noticed you're learning wisdom, knowledge, understanding, character and so much more.
I desire for you to struggle in the most positive way. Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, because God blesses hard work. The struggle is real, but so is God.
In our lives the word ‘struggle’ seems to be a part of our everyday vocabulary. Most of us believe that the meaning to struggle is to make one’s way difficult. We need to stop looking at the negative meaning of the word and look at the positives. The word ‘struggle’ means to make great effort, strive, and labor. "A laborer's appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work" (Proverbs 16:26).
We need to look at taking the stumbling blocks in our lives and turning them into stepping stones. When we do that, we will see that 'struggle' in a whole new way. The Bible tells us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). One thing about the word ‘struggle’, it only happens in our life when we are trying to do something positive. An alcoholic maybe struggling with alcohol could be a good thing because he could be trying to quit (so don't judge). Have you ever struggled trying to tread water in a lake or pool? The positive is you were trying to swim and stay alive. The negative would have been if you didn't try at all! We all labor, but not everyone strives or desires to make a great effort. We are living in a society that doesn’t want to struggle, but wants to live on a flowery bed of ease.
How many of you are working so hard to achieve a higher position or because you have a desire of your heart or goal you want to reach? That's great! Have you noticed all your work isn't easy? If you haven't noticed you're learning wisdom, knowledge, understanding, character and so much more.
I desire for you to struggle in the most positive way. Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, because God blesses hard work. The struggle is real, but so is God.