The Struggle

There have been many times where we as humans struggle with something in our hearts and in our minds. In our own way we try to deal with it or we run from it because we don’t know how to deal with it. If we stuff it deep down, nobody will ever know about it, it won’t be a problem…the truth is, it is a problem. Even if it doesn’t “bother” someone else, it’s hurting you. And though nobody may know about it, there is one that does…Jesus.

I’m reminded of scripture from Genesis 32. At the beginning of chapter 32 we are reminded of the fear that Jacob has for his brother Esau. Jacob had stolen his birth right and his blessing and in turn Esau had sworn to kill his brother. Now he was going back to the land of his kindred. In the previous chapter, we see that Jacob is fleeing from his father-in-law, Laban, due to the fact that his favor had changed towards Jacob. The Lord saw what was happening to Jacob. In Genesis 31:3, ESV it says, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

If the Lord is with Jacob, why would He not be with us. Jesus promised us in Matthew 28:20, NKJV, “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. The Lord sees us in our struggles. His word also tells us: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV). We are to humble ourselves before God. We are to share our struggles with Him. We are to surrender our struggles and anxieties to Him.

Everyday this is something we all struggle with. Often times we say “You can have it Lord.” In the end we end up taking it back from His hands because we “know better.” I am just as guilty in doing and need the Lord’s help with. Let me share a scripture with you from Isaiah that should bring us comfort and peace in our Lord.

Isaiah 55:8-12, NKJV

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Sometimes letting go of our struggle is not easy. If we can do this, if we can surrender it to the Lord, His purpose for our lives will go forth and will accomplish all that He sets it out to do. Let us go back to Jacob. After wrestling with God, He said to Jacob, Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Gen. 32:28, ESV) Even further down Jacob (Israel-The father of nations) says, “…For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” (Gen. 32:30, ESV)

My brothers and sisters, if you are struggling, I encourage you to seek the Lord for wisdom. He will direct your steps if you trust Him and surrender to Him. He has a future and a hope for you that is far more than you can even imagine! Will it be easy? No. Jesus assured us in John 16:33, NKJV, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” People unfortunately will let us down. They may not have that intention, but it happens. Our God, our Father…He will never let you down. The same heart He has for Jesus He has for you! If you listen closely, He is calling your name and saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30, NKJV)

My prayer is that if you don’t know or haven’t experienced the love that our Lord Jesus Christ has for you, that you will have an encounter with Him. I pray that you encounter Him in such a way, that you are forever transformed into the person He created you to be and that you are delivered from your fears and anxieties because of His love for you!

© 2022 Leslie Wittenmyer—All rights reserved