Are you struggling? Well of course you are! Who isn't? But is that really such a bad thing? There is a struggling that is mentioned in the scriptures, but there it is called "wrestling". Let's talk about wrestling:
When my sons were very young, my husband and I would wrestle with them. It was great fun in those early years, but as the boys grew in strength and stature, we had to give up wrestling because, well, we would get hurt! We left the boys to wrestle with one another! And yes, sometimes (often) they would get hurt, too.
Just what is wrestling anyway? Simply put, wrestling is a vigorous, tiring, struggle with an opponent. The object of the activity is to force your opponent to the ground and keep him pinned there. It's a struggle! It's not like taking a leisurely walk or even a jog. It’s a strenuous activity, and it isn't easy!
Eph. 6:12 says, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places“.
Now, whether this wrestling is the same type I’m acquainted with or not, I’m not sure but it does sound like some sort of exertion.
2 Cor.10: 45 Mentions weapons and war.
Eph. 6:11 Lists some armour.
1 Pt. 4:12 Speaks about a fiery trial.
That all sounds a bit... uncomfortable!
Wrestling, weapons, battles, and trials;
the scriptures mention all these and more for the Christian.
That sounds rough and painful- like someone could get hurt!
Friends, sometimes in a wrestling match, it appears as if you're winning,
then it seems your opponent is winning, then it's you, then it's your opponent again. But if it seems you're too often on the bottom, don't GIVE UP in defeat!
I Pt. 5:8 reads, “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”.
That “whom” is referring to US!
So comrades, be strong IN THE LORD and in the power of His might! (Eph. 6:10)
Now, as I suggested earlier, are we maybe looking at struggling in the wrong light? Wrestling is not a sign of defeat but an active part of the Christian's life. Wrestling is a struggle; but we win! Through Christ Jesus, we've already won! Yes, there’s fire, there's tests, and there's war, but the other side of the story is that we can do all things through Christ, which strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13)
We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (Rom. 8:37)
He does give us the victory! (1 Cor. 15:57)
I wrestle... I'm not going to hang my head and confess that I'm "just struggling" anymore, because I do wrestle, and not I, but Christ WINS!
