“Struggling”

Last night I had a call from an old friend who is “struggling” with life right now.  Listening to him and hearing his heart really inspired me to think about my own struggles and shortcomings.  We all struggle, right?  You have things that you need to deal with, and I have things that I need to deal with.  It is a natural part of life.  A constant battle.  Just when we think we have won this battle-another area of weakness surfaces.  It seems like a never ending-cycle of battles.  Day after day.  Maybe Paul had in mind when he penned the following words:

 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.       -Galatians 5:17

There is this internal battle that is constantly happening.  A breeding ground for struggle.  I have often thought that if I could have no struggles in my life-then, and only then,  I would be where God wants me.  If I could overcome everything-then I would be a spiritual giant, one worthy of God…Did you catch that?  Worthy.  Struggles are a constant reminder of my inadequacy, a constant reminder that I am NOT worthy.  They force me to look at grace for what it really is…FREE and undeserved.

I find a lot of comfort knowing that I am struggling to be like Christ in my everyday life.  I am not satisifed and I know this batle will continue.  But…with every failure I can choose to embrace grace.  The struggle in itself is a testimony to the fact that Christ is in ME…in YOU!  As each day passes and as we struggle through this life, I hope that the battle reminds you of the depths of grace that God freely gives.