{Be Loved} Struggles

by: Jessica Lauren Smith

Why do we struggle? As believers it’s easy to become frustrated in the midst of temptations and struggles in our life because we feel like we should have everything together. We want to have these amazing lives and be the super-Christians that do everything perfectly. So why isn’t life working out? How come it’s so difficult to juggle everything? Why do these feelings of failure and self-doubt creep in? Are you failing God?

I’m just going to be honest here… I struggle! I struggle with relationships, I struggle with getting up early and having my quiet time, I struggle with loving others, I struggle with procrastination, and the list goes on. Sometimes I feel like I’m a complete failure and wonder why I can’t have everything together. I want to be the perfect photographer, friend, sister, mentor, and girlfriend, but for some reason it doesn’t seem to be working out! It seems like everyone else has it together… so what’s wrong with me?

Well, according to Romans, nothing! In fact, even the apostle Paul struggled. Romans 7:15 says, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
We still live on a broken planet. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are “new creations in Christ” yet we aren’t fully glorified in Christ until we get to Heaven. We still have our flesh, and with it comes sinful desires and struggles. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how close you are to the Lord, how often you read your Bible, or how diligently you pray, you will ALWAYS struggle. So what do we do now? Do we give up? Is there any hope of overcoming?
Yes! Though we struggle and we always face trials and temptations, there is hope! God, in all His goodness, has told us how we can be victorious!

First of all, stop beating yourself up. Stop listening to the lies that scream that there is no point in trying. Stop accepting the fears that Satan places in your mind. Do you know what Jesus says about you?

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1

Read that verse again. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ! You are worth it to God. His love for you does not depend on you. That’s such an important truth to understand! God does not love you for what you’ve done. That’s why His love is so perfect and selfless. He loves you unconditionally! You are going to struggle, and it’s okay. In fact, it’s a sign that you are a Child of the King! If you didn’t face temptations and hardships, you would have to seriously evaluate your relationship with Christ, because that is part of life here on this earth. Since we are believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. As long as we are living on this earth, our flesh and the Spirit are going to wage war against each other. That doesn’t mean you succumb to temptations or stop trying to do the right thing.

Romans 8:5-6: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For the set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

You have the Spirit of God living inside of you. The same Spirit who conquered death, raised people from the death, parted the Red Sea, rescued men from fiery flames, pierces through the darkness, and overcomes death! You have power in Christ Jesus! You are no longer a slave to sin, but a slave to righteousness. You are an overcomer! Just because you struggle doesn’t mean you can’t overcome. Set your mind on the Spirit! There is life and peace in that decision. Your struggle may seem impossible to face, and it is on your own. But with Christ, you can conquer anything. There is nothing He can’t handle or help you overcome. Can you do it on your own? Absolutely not. But He has given you the strength. It’s there. God is always there, ready and willing, you just have to trust Him and ask Him for help!

1 John 5:4-5, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Believe that in Christ, you can overcome! Trust that He is powerful and living inside of you. Ask specifically for help. Seek out strong Christian women in your life who will diligently pray for you and love on you. In Christ, we have a new passion to obey the Lord. Yes, we all struggle, we all sin. But don’t allow Satan to discourage you and constantly tell you that you aren’t good enough. Jesus gave His life for YOU! You are redeemed by the blood of Jesus! You are worth it. He is enough. You are victorious in Christ because HE is our source of life and power. Rely on His strength, and you can overcome anything that comes your way.