Why Am I Struggling When I’m Doing Everything God's Way
I have to be honest the last three months have been not so easy for me. I have been struggling like never before. Some struggles in the last three months are ones I never thought that I would have to go through. Why, during times when I am doing exactly what the Word tells me to do, am I still having to face challenges? Why isn't God working all of these things out on my behalf? I mean, that's how it works right? Follow the law written in the Word and everything else just happens easily for me, right?I have been at Mayo hospital with my father for multiple rounds of testing due to his kidney disease. I have watched my husband struggle with severe back pain, but watch him work harder and push through the pain like no one I’ve ever seen before. My schedule has turned upside down with multiple commitments and expectations that I’ve put on myself with no breathing room. No space to schedule quiet time for myself. My own faith has been tested during these times and doubt and insecurities have risen higher than ever before. I have been struggling with anxiety to the point where I only want to stay locked in my house. Hidden away from the world hoping and praying for the these feelings to pass. Why am I going through these struggles when I'm doing everything in my power to live according to the good Word?
Related Post: Struggling is a landmark, not a roadblock.
Why me? Why am I going through this? Have you ever asked these questions? My faith is strong. I should be standing firm against all of these attacks of the enemy. I have friends who aren't living a good Christian life and they aren't struggling, so why am I? People in my workplace are being underhanded and are not team players, but they are advancing and seem have not a care in the world. Why am I playing by the book and still not being successful?
Why do I care so much, but get nothing in return? Where is this Bible getting me?
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” - Ephesians 6:12 NIV
It’s in times like these where I’ve come to realize that God is testing me in my struggles. He is putting me through multiple tests to ensure that I am strong in my faith. To ensure that I can resist temptation‘s and that I will be obedient to his word.God will test our obedience. Even when all of the wrong things are so easily at our disposal, how willing are we to go out of our way to do the right thing? When faced with situations that may not line up to Gods word, do we say no? Are we obedient even when we think no one is looking?He will test our patience. In the workplace when I see others getting away with being underhanded, what is my patience level? How am I reacting to this? Am I looking for every opportunity to call others out, or am I being patent and focusing on the mission I have in front of me?God will test the strength of our faith. When I see people around me getting blessings, does my faith falter? Am I strong enough to stand firm in my faith, while my favors are blowing in the wind waiting to land?He will test our resistance to temptation. When people in my life are getting away with things they shouldn't, am I quick to join in? Do I stand on the firm word of the bible and resist temptation?
Where do I get off thinking I should be absent of life struggles?
The bible doesn't say, when you follow God your life will be perfect. The good word doesn't promise us that our families and friends will be protected from trials and struggles. The bible doesn't say when you become a Christian, all of the pieces of the puzzle fall into place at the wave of a hand. No, life is harder. We know what standard our God holds us to. We know the difference between sin and grace. As Christians we know the difference between Godly behavior and what dances on the line of inappropriate.No one is saved from the struggles that come with living. The tests of life will never go away and they will be a constant and as Christians we have to be able to do a few things. Acknowledge them for what they are. Meet them with open arms and accept them as something to be conquered. Know that God has not left you to defeat it on your own.