Day 15 Devotion
Day 15
WHY DO WE STRUGGLE?
By Sara Cotton
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Many of us have our struggles and face our challenges. But why do we as humans face these challenges? If our God is so just and loving, why does He put His people through the pain they face? The Bible offers many explanations as to why man faces these everyday struggles.
Suffering can come as a form of punishment from God. Galatians 6:7 Says: Do not be fooled, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. In other words, whatever actions a person takes, he will face the consequences. Granted, we do not know what the result will be from every decision we make, but the Bible tells us, if we make bad decisions, bad results are to follow. God is in full control of what goes on in each of our lives and knows how the results of our decisions will play out. Each and every one of us is different and God knows how we will respond to different situations.
Suffering can be a revelation from God. In John 9:1-3, Jesus and the disciples passed by a man that had been blind from birth. Jesus said that it was not because of sin that this man was blind, but so that he could be healed experience the power of God. Sometimes suffering can make us realize that God is what is missing from our lives and while we are at our lowest point, He can be revealed to us.
Because of suffering many feel abandoned by God. Many have felt that God has left them behind because of the pain they have faced throughout their lifetime, but this is far from the case. God says “I WILL NOT FAIL YOU OR FORSAKE YOU.” This message is emphasized multiple times in the Bible because it is the absolute truth. Even though we can’t see or touch Him, God is with us always.
The Promise. Some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples are a promise. And they’re our promise, too. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Are you struggling with an addiction? “I have overcome the world.”
Do you have a terminal disease? “I have overcome the world.”
Does life have too many temptations that cause you to stumble and fall every day? “I have overcome the world.”
As you go throughout your day, remember this promise. Are you facing an obstacle? Remember, Jesus has overcome, ALL. If we are true to Him and His word and seek the Lord in our time of despair, He is with us, and the challenge can be overcome. He makes that possible, not us! When we blindly think we overcome anything on our own without Him, we are sadly deceived. It’s all because of JESUS!
