Discovering the Power of Agape Love

Chapter 21: Struggles of Life

Chapter 21:Struggles of Life
Music: Oceans by Hillsong United

Main Verse: Romans 5:3-5 ESV
[3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Life is full of struggles, whether it is small or big, all of us have no excuses to experience hardship in life. Not all fights are fair, as punishment is often all that is experienced. Why is it hard to live? Why is crying or sadness always the opposite of joy? What is the true meaning of life? There are many questions that cannot be answered right away. But all I know is that life is like a clock, it has its own speed, yet, everyone can learn through experience.

Even if it's hard, if you have Christ in your life you can continue and breathe every day.

There have been many battles in our lives. Storms that strengthen our humanity, disasters that always strengthen our will. Above all, bitter events that strengthened our faith.

As a believer, the struggle is extended. It causes a lot to anyone who continues serving God but it makes sense, because it defines the greatness of God. He is working in our lives, even though our problems are like the valley of the mountain. We can still fight and believe we can continue our journey until the last step that we have.

Every day our challenges in life are different. But as a Christian, I have become stronger, even though I will admit that sometimes I think negative things. Somehow, I never stop there. My best solution whenever difficulties arise, I come to the Lord-pray to Him

As Scripture says, Romans 8:18 (ESV)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

This is true. When I was diagnosed with tuberculosis and being diabetic, I became closer to the Lord and think that my health is a big reason why I experienced it. Imagine, at my young age, I got it. It was hard, stressful and I got a problem with financial needs.Yet, God is big to my problems. I almost take my medicines within 3-4 months, I can't work properly. Still, the goodness of the Lord is there. He provides all of my needs- money for my check-ups and medicines, full support of my family with love and care and hope.

Honestly, there are times when I think about it. Everything that happens to me is my fault. I stopped serving Him and neglected myself, to the point I ended up stress eating. I am no longer always present at church. I don't know what I should do.

But as time goes on, there are people who make me stronger. My boyfriend didn't leave me at that time when I was completely alone. My family is always there, especially my Mom who always gives healthy foods and accompanies me outside, to get some fresh air and heat from the sun.

One day, she said. "Get well, my daughter.Even if the money runs out, it's okay as long as you're okay and become stronger, again."

No words wanted to escape in my mouth. I realized, God is really good. He never forsakes me. He always does something, even though I always forget Him, still His promise is alive.

From that problem in my health, I choose to spend time with Him. I slowly came back to Him. I'm going to church and I'm trying to do what I used to do-pray and spend quality time with Him.

Because I believe that I will be okay again, I will recover soon. Even if I lose my job, I know He will provide and He will use someone so that I can somehow have extra income.

Later on, for having to go and back from the clinic, taking 2-3 tablets a day. Miracle comes.

I am now healed. I am healed because of Jesus.

All of these things happen, I believe and trust in Him.In all Christians, the most powerful weapon is prayer. Prayer gives power to all worries and pain that we have. Even though sometimes the answer is wait, God's answer to us is always sure for all good and bad times.

When I am already recovered, I found out myself that I almost forgot the things that I always did- meditating His words.

It's also really hard when you're busy, and you let the world have you. Because you can really forget. That's why you often experience serious problems that you thought you fought alone, but God is always with us. He is with us, to protect and fight us.

So it's really good to choose to always stay with God. Give Him time and time, and let's learn to be thankful. Because even if the problem is gone, He will not let us fall. Instead, He will lift us up and remind us "I am here, I will accompany you and I will not leave you." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

I also found out, the more we become far from Him, we become unstable and weak. Remember that God already makes us strong and we need Him.

Scripture says, Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Everything is possible as long as God is always with us. Nothing is difficult, when you immediately approach Him. Even if life is like a storm with strong drops of water, we will not get wet and get sick, because our shield is God who will take care of us every day. Keep our faith and submit our lives to Him

Now, let's come to Him together. Surrender all the worries, struggles and pain and understand His words. Don't allow negativity to pressure us, never accept the words of the world.

Remember and keep this scripture.
Proverbs 12:25 (ESV) Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

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