Struggle

I have struggled. I do struggle. I will struggle.

The reality is that we all struggle, we just don't like to admit it. Some of us don't like to even hint at something being amiss in our lives at all. We think that if we allow others to think that our lives are perfect it will somehow glorify God. That perfect lives glorify Him more than our imperfections. This thinking is flawed.

How many times have you heard someone tell you about the hardships that they have had to face or are currently facing, and how God has worked through those? While I can't say I've heard it often I can without a doubt tell you that every time I have heard someone share their struggles, I have been encouraged. You do not know what those around you are going through or have gone through and maybe by sharing your story they will be encouraged too. Maybe they will have that moment of realizing they aren't alone in their struggle, someone else has been there too.

We are not called to a life of solidarity, but of fellowship. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
We are called to share both our joys and our sorrows. I encourage you all to remember this the next time someone asks you how you are or how your week was. Don't just mutter the usual "fine," really think about what has happened and what God has shown you. Maybe that truth is just what they need to hear.

This past Sunday I sprained my ankle pretty severely (I'm actually going to see a specialist tomorrow because they are concerned I have a hairline fracture), so severely that four days later, I still can't put weight on it. I am struggling. I'm not struggling with the physical pain of it, but with the inability to work or be productive. I am frustrated because I want to be of use but every time I try to be useful, I have to sit back down. I am struggling with allowing people to help me. I have two wonderful roommates who have been willing to help with more than I ever would have imagined, plus people volunteering to bring me food and take me to doctor appointments, etc. but it's the little things like prepping my own food or clearing my plate or pouring my own glass of water that bring the most frustration. Not being able to do the most basic self sustaining things without help is hard. It takes an amount of humility, that I apparently lack, to be able to admit that I need help with just about everything. Thankfully God likes to teach us how to be humble since pride comes easier to everyone I know, including myself.

I am blessed by those willing to help me, and I am thankful for God putting them in my life, but most of all I am thankful that He has given me this opportunity to humbly admit I need help. Perhaps if I keep it all in perspective I can also see how it reflects the greater picture of life, just as I need help to do everything while I am injured, it takes help from Him for me to be able to do everything on a regular basis. Perhaps if I turned to Him before trying to take that step, both physically and spiritually, I would prevent further injury and trust that He wants to help me and see me get better.

I spent some time today in 2 Peter and while it may not seem exactly relevant, I hope you will let these words resonate within you:
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
2 Peter 3:8-9

The Lord fulfills his promises. Nothing can thwart His plans. Do not be afraid. Do not worry. God is almighty, all seeing, and all powerful.

These were taken at sunrise about a month ago in Trinity Pines, Texas.