The joy of the struggle

Shane’s current blog really got me thinking – thanks Shane! If you haven't read it yet, make sure you stop by. (http://shanecoffman.blogspot.com/) The struggle is part of life. After all, life begins with a struggle; it’s not easy being born! Why are we so ashamed and embarrassed by our struggles? Why do we try so desperately to hide them from others? For Jesus to be fully man, He had to experience the struggle – in the desert with Satan, in the garden with God, His Father, and all those moments in between. Jesus warned us there would be a struggle, “In this world you will have trouble…” (Jn. 16:33a), but He also told us He had armed us for the fight, “the Father will give you the Counselor, ... the Spirit of truth …” (Jn. 14:16-17), and how the battle would end, “Take heart, I have overcome the world!” (Jn. 16:33b) and, “I’m getting home ready for you and I will be back to take you there with me.”(Jn. 14:3). I think we misunderstand the point of the struggle. We should be comforted by the struggle (Jm. 1:2-3) because if we aren’t struggling then one of two things has happened. Either we’ve already been won over by Satan because we just gave up and quit fighting, or we’ve ceased to live this earthly life and the struggle is won! So, here’s to the struggle, may we share our struggles openly, carry each others’ burdens lovingly and willingly, and celebrate each other’s victory when the struggle is won!