What if the struggle is actually the blessing?

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

By Christie G.

Jesus never promised we would live a care-free, struggle-free existence in this lifetime. He tells us, “In this life you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). What exactly is tribulation? How do we respond to it? What prayers do we pray?

One definition of tribulation is defined as a trying experience. A few synonyms are hurt, agony, pain, misery, torment. Basically, what I hear Jesus saying, is that we will face times in our lives that will hurt. Times that will cause pain and misery and moments we may feel tormented. 

Encouraging, right? 

Just wait…there’s more.

In this chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus is telling the disciples “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22) A couple verses down He then says “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)

So, what is tribulation? Pain.

What if the trial you are facing, God can use to mold you? I am not saying God causes the trial just to mold you, but since we know we will face trials in this lifetime, what would happen if we had a perspective change on how we feel about such trials?

Praying for miracles, and healings, are a good thing. We can and should pray for these. I do not believe we should stay there though. There is no end to the depth of God. At times He may allow us to experience things to either get our attention or draw us closer to Himself. Not for what He can do for us but to reveal more of Who He truly is. The restaurant will serve you what you want. The chef will reveal how it’s made. 

How do we respond to tribulation? Ask and receive.

Remember, this isn’t our final destination. We are in a waiting period until Jesus returns. When He does all wrongs will be made right, all tears will be wiped away, there will be no more pain. We will no longer be fighting against sin and our flesh. Jesus paid for it all on the cross. He is our defense attorney against Satan, the accuser. Satan brings the accusation to God, the Judge, and Jesus steps in and reminds The Judge that He already paid for that sin. Therefore, what the person is asking for shall be given to them. 

This does not mean all our troubles will be resolved overnight. It does not mean God will remove us from situations. He loves us too much to do that. I believe at times He allows us to walk through the storm in order to learn how to lean on Him, how to trust Him, how to rest so He can work. There is so much more God wants to do in you before pulling you out. 

The fun part, if you allow Him, He will use that very same thing that tried to take you down, turn it all around and use it for something really, really GOOD. 

Ask for what you need. Receive it because Jesus already paid for it. In response live a life submitted to Him. When God has our entire heart, He is able to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Maybe the storm was caused by straying off the path, giving Him your heart allows Him to direct you differently to avoid it next time. Maybe the storm was caused by something out of your control. Give Him your heart, and He will carry you through it. Flooding you with peace and joy. 

What prayers do we pray? 

“God, what are you inviting me into?”

As a child I was taught traditional prayers. As a new Christian in my late twenties, I was taught to pray bold prayers. As a believer that has been through quite a few storms, I now ask God what He is inviting me into.

Traditional prayers hold a reverence in my heart for The Lord. I love them dearly. Bold prayers are wonderful to get me out of my head and test the waters of where God wants to take me. There is no harm in asking for something completely out of reach. God doesn’t mind, He will still answer you! Even if he chuckles a little and gently says “no, child you’re going the wrong way.” Kind of the same thing I do with my children when we approach the toy sections of the store we are in. 

Asking Him what He wants to invite us into, that’s lifechanging. It is so easy to get lost in this fast-paced world full of demands. To quiet the noise and sit with Him can take our hearts to depths of places we never knew existed. God did not create us to visit Him for Sunday dinners and holiday parties. He created us to walk intimately with Him every single day. Even when we mature in Him, He still goes with us. Like a proud parent watching their child accomplish great things, He is in the room with a smile from ear-to-ear, so proud of the person you are becoming. 

He invites us into the sweet places of His heart. When we are stopped dead in our tracks over news we never thought we would hear, He invites us into the stillness of the trees. The sweet sound of the birds chirping and the cool breeze that soothes our soul. 

When faced with a financial crisis, He invites us into the level of trust and understanding of Him being the ultimate provider. He may use the crisis to move us to a new place in our careers, our homes, somewhere better than what we could have ever imagined. In the deep waters knowing God for Who He truly is, makes every bit of pain seem like a new adventure. 

Friend, I leave you with three questions.

What pain are you facing today? 

Have you given Him your whole heart? 

Are you seeking the place He is inviting you into today? 

I pray you seek Him in a new way today. Seek His heart and find Him. Receive His joy and admire Him. Lean into Him, even in the hardest of times. He’s here, He’s waiting, He loves you.