The average person that you come in contact with is in the midst of, just came through, or is in the beginning of a struggle. You may not even be aware of it, but the signs are there. A definition of the word struggle is violent opposition or contention. Whatever you are doing takes a great effort to proceed because of the assignment of opposing forces. Remember the job description of the enemy is to “steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10).

Many of us can handle the initial stages of a struggle, provided that it does not last a long time. We can even maneuver to handle multiple struggles for a season, only if it is a light affliction. But what do you do when you have been in the same struggle for a long time? Not just a week or two. The health, the financial, the drug and alcohol, the wayward children, the husband, and the wife struggle. Time in the struggle could be defined as years or even decades. It is in that period of time in which it would appear that there is no end to this situation. The light at the end of the tunnel appears dim as your hope begins to fail. You question, “Lord is there no end to this?” “Is it just a test?” “How long?”

Even though the light appears dim, that is your perception of your position. Know that God is still in control. He has not lost any power! Think for a minute about what it took for your ancestors to survive. They did not have any of the luxuries that you have and they made it. If they had given up, you would not be where you are today. “Fight the good fight of faith.” (I Timothy 6:12).

In II Timothy 1:5, Paul reminds Timothy of the “unfeigned faith” of his grandmother and mother. Timothy is reminded of his heritage of genuine absolute trust and confidence in God. He had been exposed not to the wisdom of men, but the power of God as it manifested in his family. Take time to reflect and meditate on the many things that God has brought you through, especially those that you are not even aware of. Your ancestors did not give up. They pressed no matter what. Check out your faith inheritance. They are at the finish line expecting you to cross. Oh, by the way, Jesus is too.  “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily, beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:10).

There are many mysteries concerning you in the mind of God that have yet to be revealed and manifest in the natural. You are not buried in the struggle, just planted for a season. As the water of the Word of God refreshes and empowers you, your expectation, your hope, and your faith, shall spring up and you shall come forth as pure gold.

Every test is a testimony of God’s goodness, glory and power in your life. Every struggle informs the enemy that you belong to God, and that the blood of Jesus Christ has redeemed you. You are marked for His purpose. Begin to speak your victory before you see it. “Call those things which be not as though they were.” (Romans 4:20). Worship God in “spirit and in the truth” until the victory manifests. (John 4:23). Your faith will increase to make you strong to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:3). Look up, look forward, your destiny awaits you.

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”

(Psalm 3:3)

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                   Copyright September 2005