Struggle and growth travel together throughout the journey of life. We see this portrayed in various facets of our world. As have been noted in a recent post, darkness is where growth begins. On the other hand, without struggle our strength would be stunted.
Struggling From Darkness to Light
The seed in the darkened plot of ground, struggles to push it’s way to the light. To remove itself out of the darkness of its present reality, a conflict must ensue. We marvel at that small plant pushing it’s way through the crack in a cement jungle. It blooms as a testimony of how beauty can come from darkness and struggle.
Inside the darkened chrysalis, the caterpillar must exert effort if change is ever to be accomplished. The butterfly emerges after much conflict. This struggle develops the wings and stamina it needs to live out the purpose God created it for. If we as humans step in, and “help” it emerge, it in fact, does the butterfly a disservice. Consequently, it would soon die.
Furthermore, the chick when ready to hatch from it’s darkened shell, must peck its way out. The process is a hard one for the young chick as it breaks its way through the membrane and shell. Yet, we know that if a healthy chick is desired, we must not help it along. Certainly, the struggle of hatching prepares it for life in the outside world.
Throughout the natural world we see example after example of how battles begat strength and growth. However, when we are faced with struggles in our own life, we find ourselves begging God to remove the strife.
If we would be doing a disservice in helping a butterfly out of the chrysalis or breaking the egg open to keep the chick from struggling, why would God in His infinite knowledge stop our struggle?
The Struggle Will Bring Growth
It is not that God delights to see us struggling or suffering in some way. On the other hand, He knows that the battle will refine us and conform us into His image. God has a plan that He is working out in our life. Therefore if it takes a struggle, than He will allow that into our life. Though we may wrestle, God doesn’t leave us to face it alone. He walks with us, imparting His strength, as we learn the art of reliance upon Him through whatever we may face.
If you desire spiritual growth, it will require a struggle of some kind. In other words, it is in the struggle you face today that develops the spiritual growth and strength you will need tomorrow.
This life is our training ground. God is molding us and making us into the person He wants us to be. He has a purpose and knows the stamina and strength we will gain through opposition. We must trust Him even as we face struggles and pain. He knows what it will take to reveal the glory of the Father in us.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
I get it. Life hurts. Its painful. The struggle is real. Grief is overwhelming. On the other hand, know that we have a Savior that walks this path with us. He is acquainted with grief and suffering. The Man of Sorrows shares in our heartache and gives us new strength and courage to carry on.
Digory’s Struggle
I am reminded of the story, The Magician’s Nephew, written by C. S. Lewis. The boy Digory is carrying with him a great sorrow. His mother is sick and is expected to die. Digory longs to do something to help her. However, there is nothing he can do. Through a series of mishaps, Digory lands in Narnia. After many adventures, he meets Aslan. He still carries the heartbreak and grief of his mother ‘s sickness and proceeds to share his pain with Aslan.
“But please, please–won’t you–can’t you give me something that will cure Mother? Up till then he had been looking at the Lion’s great feet and huge claws on them. Now, in his despair, he looked up at it’s face. What he saw surprised him as much as anything in his whole life. For the tawny face was bent down near his own and (wonder of wonders) great shining tears stood in the Lion’s eyes. They were such big, bright tears compared with Digory’s own that for a moment he felt as if the Lion must really be sorrier about his Mother than he was himself.
The Magicians Nephew by C.S. Lewis
My son, my son,” said Aslan. “I know. Grief is great…..”The Lion drew a deep breath, stooped its head even lower and gave him a Lion’s kiss. And at once Digory felt that new strength and courage had gone into him.
Our Sorrow Shared
Similarly, just as Aslan shared in Digory’s sorrow, so Jesus shares in our struggles. His heart is grieved when his children suffer. He stoops and gathers us in His arms. His Presence surrounds us and He imparts strength for the hard journey. Seek to learn the lesson from your pain that the Father longs for you to know.
Certainly, He could remove the suffering. But in doing so, our soul would be stunted and His plan of redemption would be thwarted. We would never be able to attain to the plan He has sat down for us. Consequently, we face struggles on this earth. Struggles, pain and sorrow that will bring for us an eternal weight of glory.
“Courage, dear heart.” With Jesus, you can make it through the struggles. Don’t give up. During the battle you will find strength to carry on. Remember that it is in the darkness and the struggle beauty is born. When the anguish of heart closes in, draw up close to Jesus and learn from Him.
To sum it up, growth will always require some kind of struggle. The struggles of this life will bring forth spiritual growth as we let God carry out His plan and purpose in our lives. Choose to learn and grow.
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