THE CONVERSATION

Me: Did you see that Facebook post that had the quote…”strength is the product of struggle.” ?

Bro: hmmm… maybe. Not sure

‪Me: Well, I couldn’t get it outta my mind…then God began to reveal some heavy stuff.

I always feel a negative connotation to saying “I’m struggling this week” or whatever…like when we say we’re “being accountable”.

God said the reason I feel that way is because I’m not truly struggling….I’m just sinning-no bones about it”

‪Bro: Hmmm… Dang, powerful.

So what do you do with that info?

‪Me: If I were truly “struggling” I would be stronger, building up strength that sharpens my ability to recognize the temptation, progressing over the sin and stronger in resisting and overcoming the sin.

‪Bro: Right on. I get it.

‪Me: If I am not stronger, I am not struggling…I’m just sinning (giving into sin)

‪Bro‬ And that is SO easy… I know that

‪Me: It’s a lie for me to say I’m “struggling” if I’ve already given into, or fallen, to the sin. Struggling is a positive thing…when I truly do it.

strug·gle  /ˈstrəgəl/

Verb

Make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction.

Noun

A forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack.

Synonyms

verb. fight – wrestle – strive – combat – contend – battle

noun. fight – battle – combat – conflict – contest – wrestle

Bro: Wow… never looked that up. Makes so much sense what was spoken to you. This is awesome… God spoke to you and you listened. Proud of you!

Me: I am struggling

‪Bro: You’re putting up a fight though?

‪Me: It’s a fight today, but I AM STRUGGLING! Not sinning!

1 Timothy 4:10

This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.