The struggle is real!
Perhaps you are like me and you have read, heard, or said this phrase so many times you have lost count. Well this thought went through my head this morning. This particular instance, is was in relation to watching my kids get older, wiser, stronger, and more capable. Sometimes, even after a lot of coaching, they still do not get that as their dad, I have a little bit more experience, their safety in mind, and then my personal issues that I am still working out from my childhood (LOL).
What it really boils down to is, I’m the dad and that settles it!
Super spiritual on my part – right! Or right?
As I pause to watch the struggle in my kids mind as to learning the boundaries of life, of their personal walk with Jesus, of relationships with people, or money, sports, talents and abilities – I am beginning to see that my job as a parent is not to focus on the arena of the struggle, but on the growth and development of my kids as they manage the struggle.
That is hard…
As the parent, I don’t want them to hurt.
As a coach, I don’t mind if they hurt a little – but I want them to get it quicker, while they hurt.
As Pastor, I don’t want them to hurt and remind them that God has a particular timing and plan for the process of hurt they are going through – as they “get it”.
As a human, I stand back and realize that often their struggle reminds me of my own struggle. The struggle to, as Micah 6:8 says, “To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your (their) God.”
Ah, yes – there is the real struggle for me…I want them to get it like I get it. I want my God to be their God in my context, not theirs. Because my context is easier – I have it all figured out. My context makes more sense – to me. My context is safer – I already have the land mines and trap doors mapped out. My context is not about them, it is about me.
The painful truth that I want everybody’s context to be about ME. It is safer, for them – they will not learn and grow. It is easier, they don’t have to rely on God. It does make more sense – wait who am I kidding – I am a broken web of my own pain, rejection, frustrations, desire, and inklings that are bound by vain conceits and selfish ambitions.
Now the other struggle presents itself… The struggle is that I truly desire to have freedom from my struggle! Then I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul as he spoke to young Timothy in a letter 1 Tim. 1:15-19,
“Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time— One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes! I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in.”
The struggle is real, my freedom and your freedom will come – it is called Heaven! But before we get there, let’s be fearless in the struggle. Let’s acknowledge the struggle, let’s fight the struggle, let’s encourage others on in their struggle, and let’s be in the struggle with each other. But no matter what…
Let’s All Be FEARLESS In Our Struggle!