I was thinking about the challenging times I have at work, in life, in love, in faith, in hope, in self discovery… 

My default response to these struggles has normally been to say something like, “it will get better soon” or “this too shall pass.”. Sometimes that is sound encouragement but sometimes the lesson or the growth is in the struggle.

If that is true, then to wish the struggle away is to wish away -and potentially miss- the opportunity to grow, to expand my personal development, and to become transformed.

Even as I write this, I struggle, because I know it’s true, but hypocritically still want to not struggle. I don’t want to experience emotional turmoil and overwhelming uncertainty. I don’t want to experience financial stress or vocational heartache. I think that’s human nature though… To avoid discomfort.

Interestingly, in my life, growth seems to be more frequently birthed from times of struggle, than from times without struggle. So maybe it’s time I change the way I view the struggle, see it more as a personal trainer for my faith, skills, love, and abilities, rather than as something which seeks to destroy me. Moving forward may I learn and grow in the seasons I’m in no matter how difficult the experience. And may you remind me, as needed, that when I’m struggling I’m growing and being refined.