Struggle Well
“The way to maturity is often difficult and ugly, forcing us to embrace our poverty before God. In helping others grow we must teach them to struggle well, not avoid the fight while building a shining exterior. Sometimes the struggle is exactly what they need. By trying to make things easy for people, we may actually cripple them.” Jeff Jernigan*
As a new believer, I knew I had some real sin problems: pride, impatience, anger, and self-pity. I attended one Bible study where the women never talked about anything but improving their quiet times. I wondered: Did they ever lose their tempers with their children? Did they never act selfishly?
Then I found a Bible study where women shared honestly and taught me to “struggle well,” fighting the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
Whether helping others or working through our own problems, we need to quit wearing masks. Instead of covering our problems, we need to encourage each other to deal with them biblically (Ephesians 4).
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
*Discipleship Journal, No.67, "Not According to Plan"
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Great message Gail. We can all learn from this.
ReplyDeleteMarta
AMEN!!! One of the most freeing things was when I learned that everyone else in my church wasn't perfect. They were real, fallen human beings, just like me. We are all in need of grace. Authenticity is so important. It's not good for you or others around you to put up a facade.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this! I am blessed by you everyday!
Well said, thank you Gail.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail; visiting from Rich Faith Rising...
ReplyDeleteYou nailed this one! Honesty and authenticity is so important, and the right way to interact with others is to be aware of one another; aware and considerate of their flaws and mistakes. Because even when people make mistakes, we can still see the best in them, love them, and care for them. It is not in our Christian "job description" to pass judgment on others, that's God's territory!
Blessings and love,
Denise
love love love this!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Have you read "Grace for the good girl" by Emily P freeman? It's an entire book about this very issue, and it is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post today!
I enjoy the timeliness of these love notes. I subscribed some time back but unable to find the free ebooklet. I would love to receive one aa soon as available. Thanks again for being here.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoy the devotions.
DeleteI can't send the e-booklet based on your Google name (i.e. Money$58), but all you have to do to receive the booklet is to hit reply on one of the devotions in your inbox and say "Please send the free e-booklet" and that email will come to me.
God bless you.
Gail