Struggle

struggle - Why is my relationship with God full of struggle whereas everyone else’s seems so easy?

A man came and wrestled with [Jacob] until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.” “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” . . . Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”

Genesis 32:24-28, 30

God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

Hebrews 12:10

DOES IT EVER seem like everyone else is walking peacefully with God while you continually wrestle with him? Our spiritual lives can feel like losing battles. Yet it is often right after the struggles that we experience the blessings. God is using these struggles to teach us something important. In what areas of your life are you wrestling with God? In what areas do you rarely ask him for help? Pray about them. God doesn’t desire to defeat you with these problems; he wants you to surrender your agendas to him. When you let him take the lead, you will experience abundant life. Your Creator’s heart for you is to live the most joyful, fulfilling life possible.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, I’m tired of wrestling over . . .

When I stop fighting you, your Word says . . .