The Struggle is Real

When situations get the best of us, we often say with a sigh of relief, The Struggle is Real. This statement alone seems to hamper our ability to think critically about the situation while hindering our growth toward God's intention. Have you ever considered the possibility that the phase, The Struggle is Real, should perpetuate a culture of promoting resilience instead of a victimhood mentality? I say this because of a conversation between the disciples and Jesus after His resurrection.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke 24:44-45)
This dialogue revealed a lack of understanding regarding the reasoning of Jesus’ suffering even after His resurrection. Similarly, we often lack the same understanding in situations that challenge us.
Recently, the University of South Carolina Women's Basketball Coach, Dawn Staley, received negative comments when she thanked God and stated that if you don’t believe in God, something is wrong with you. Despite the negative press, she refused to apologize but instead justified her comment based on her life's situation. In other words, Coach Staley understands that when struggles become challenging, she becomes resilient instead of a victim. Coach Staley identifies the lessons God wants to teach after an undefeated season in 2023, her team lost in the NCAA Final Four. Again, she finds her team undefeated, playing in the NCAA 2024 Final Four against the same team in the championship. What lessons did she learn that put her in the same situation a year later? Interesting!
Likewise, Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that all Scriptures from the Law of Moses, Prophets, and Psalms point to Him. Likewise, the New Testament Scriptures direct us toward Jesus and His Resurrection. Even today, while facing horrific situations, we must grasp and understand that the same struggles will ultimately reveal God’s glory. So, think critically about your situation while admitting that The Struggle is Real, but the Glory of God will follow. By embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, we can discover the lessons God is trying to teach us and ultimately experience His glory amid our struggles. With resilience and a newfound understanding, we can experience God's glory while saying: The Struggle is Real.