We should understand that many times the struggle, the fight, the warfare, the praying, the waiting patiently, and the enduring is as important as the blessing or reward. While we are focusing on the reward, God is looking at the development that is taking place through our struggle in our process.  God knows that faith is forged in the furnace of adversity.

 

 

There Must Be A Struggle/Fight

 

The first generation coming out of Egypt forfeited their inheritance because they would not fight.  It is better to say that they would not go into battle.  They didn’t have to fight.  The Lord was going to fight for them.

How many of God’s people have forfeited their destiny and their promises simply because they refused to fight for their promise?  When the heat was on they bailed out, backed down, laid down their swords, and conceded to the enemy.

As long as everything was going smooth, they were right there shouting with the rest of the army.  When the struggles arrived, they caved in and gave in to discouragement, fear, and doubt.

 

THE TRUTH

 

In reality – What has made you what you are in the Lord is the struggle itself.

• You are…What you have had to fight for,
• You are…What you have had to fight against, and
• You are…What you have had to overcome.

 

 

The caterpillar goes through a process of metamorphosis by which it changes from an earthbound worm into a beautiful butterfly.  It is a difficult process, but worth the effort…if it really wants to fly.   This process involves a life and death struggle.  If we interfere, cut the struggle short and make it easier, we will rob the butterfly of its destiny.

The baby chick in the egg goes through a process of growth inside of the egg until it begins to outgrow the egg.  In order to graduate out of the egg, it must peck its way free.   This struggle strengthens the baby chick and prepares it for life outside the egg.  Again, if we interfere and cut the struggle short, we would severely injure, if not kill the chick.  Through the struggle, it gains the strength it needs to survive and thrive in it’s new environment.

The Qualification Process

 

In addition, one of the best things about your struggle is that it qualifies you to help others. When you have been through something victoriously, you can help somebody else.   When you’ve stood your ground, fought your battles, and conquered your giants, you are qualified to encourage someone else through their battles.

 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, (that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God)  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

Through your struggles God is bringing you to a place of greater influence and blessing to your brothers and sisters in the Lord.

•  Are you going through some struggles right now?
• The better question is, “are you growing stronger in the Lord through your struggles?”
• Are you developing some spiritual muscles, greater compassion, patience, endurance, and long suffering?

Don’t be praying to get out of your struggles.  Pray for greater strength to overcome and to be victorious.

 

• Daniel needed the lions’ den (God delivered him through it).
• David needed Goliath. The children of Israel needed the giants.
• The three Hebrew children needed the fiery furnace.
• Sampson needed the Philistines.

 

We all need the struggles as well.  There is no testimony without a test and no victory without a battle.

 

Blessings,

Pastor