BY SHILA ANDERSON
Everyone struggles with something at some point in their life. I’ve been there, and I’m sure you have been there too. We can’t expect that just because we are Christians, we won’t go through any hard times. The Bible does not say that life will be all roses and cupcakes. In fact, it says that “in this world you will have trouble.”
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
We all are going to deal with some troubles at some point in life. And that’s ok. Knowing that we are not perfect should not make us feel any less of a Christian. There shouldn’t be shame in the struggle.
Have you ever been asked how you are doing and you respond with the standard, “I’m good,” even when you really aren’t? Why is that? Why are we trying to hide the pain? Are we afraid of being judged for going through struggles as a Christian? Will people wonder if we don’t have faith? Will they think we have some secret sin that brought about our hardship? Why is it that we feel we have to keep it to ourselves and feel shame about what we are going through?
During this time of quarantine, it has been easy to hide away and keep our struggles to ourselves. However, the step to getting freedom may require asking for help.
But first, bring your troubles to God, He will walk alongside you and help you.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. - Isaiah 43:2
Then, talk to someone you can trust that will pray for you, which may require finding a Christian Counselor to speak with. Do not be ashamed to ask for help! There is power when you come in agreement with a fellow prayer warrior and pray together.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them. - Matthew 18:20
So, yes, in this world we will have troubles. All of us will. It’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to ask for help. There is no shame in the struggle. We will get through this. Let’s show each other grace and help each other get through these times of trouble together.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. - 1 Peter 4:16