Enduring the Struggle

Job 2:10...Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?

How do you react when life deals you an ugly hand? Do you pout? Do you blame others? How about God?...Do you find yourself asking God how could you do this TO ME?

How many times have we thought to ourselves...why do "I" have to go through this? Or why couldn't "I" do such and such? When we focus on ourselves in the midst of our struggles we lose site of the bigger picture. Focusing on "I" can mean the difference in us becoming bitter as a result of our circumstances instead of better.

We believe that we know what's best for us. We forget that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways are ways (Isaiah 55:8).

So how should we respond to struggle in a way that brings Glory to the Lord. Let us look at Luke 22:41-43

"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."

Jesus was drawn away from where he was and from who he was with- There will be some situations in which spouse, family, friends and neighbors won't be able to help.

Jesus kneeled down- Kneeling is an indication of humility and submission. Certain situations undeniable bring into perspective our limitations. Jesus demonstrated His respect and reverence for God's authority over His life by kneeling before Him.

Jesus prayed-Jesus wanted God to consider a Plan B of sorts. Jesus asked God to reconsider His plan, however Christ was confident that God had his best interest at heart. Jesus knew what God had told Jeremiah "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." When we rely on God's word we can pray knowing that He will answer. We can rest assured that God has a good plan for our lives even if it does not appear to be so during our struggle.

Knowing how God felt about him and what God desired for his future allowed Jesus to resign himself to God's plan even if He may not have completely wanted to endure it. Have you resigned yourself to God's plan for your life? Have you said to God in the midst of your struggle "Nevertheless, not my will but thy will be done"

Once Jesus surrendered to God's will concerning his fate, He received a supernatural strength. Supernatural strength can be described as "being enabled , endowed or equipped to achieve, endure or accomplish something that one would not have under any other circumstances be able to achieve, endure or accomplish." God gives us the power to overcome our situations and emerge victoriously.

This is the glory and power of God that is upon our lives. We don't have to be prisoners of circumstance. God has already made a way for us to escape. (I Cor. 101-13)