In the Midst of Struggles

God recently helped me figure something out. And by recently, I mean earlier today. A few days ago I read a passage in a book that got stuck in my head. I unexpectedly got something revolutionary out of the passage. Just a fiction book I’ve been reading, and it was two characters essentially lecturing one another, but somehow in the midst of their arguments I found a gem of truth, I’ve been angry and resentful lately. Sadly, I must report that I have not handled this well and taken out my issues on other people. My issues have stemmed from my frustrations with my job. What I'm beginning to realize is that I can’t blame my job or my employer. I am the one that made the choice, with God‘s guidance, to take the position. I can’t blame my employer for my financial issues, those are choices I made.

Today God asked me to consider: if I am so devoted to Him, as I claim, then I should have joy in His service, have joy in carrying out His wishes. Perhaps He has valid reasons for putting me in this situation and leaving me here. He always has my best interest at heart, so why do I struggle so in living that out? Do I believe there is a next chapter coming for me? Yes. Do I believe that the struggles will come to an end? Yes. God wants to set me free from all of my struggles, but as long as I am here in the midst of these stressful circumstances, I just need to be focused on Him and the joy He brings into my life. Right now I am where God wants me and I am doing what God wants me to do.  
 
When faced with a time of struggle, how do you react? Do you let it change your behavior? If you are struggling with something, how can you take your eyes off of the problem and point your attention and your heart at God? What will it take to stand in the middle of your den of lions and fully trust the Lord to see you through? What songs of praise will you sing while chained to your prison walls? Take your struggles to God and ask Him to help you see past them and to only see Jesus. ​