Joy & Struggle

 Joy and struggle can exist in the same story. It’s true. It’s real life. It’s why I sometimes post the bad right along with the good. Because the truth is, only posting the good makes people who know Jesus and still struggle feel like something is wrong with them. There’s nothing wrong with you. Or with me. Jesus never promised us a life free of struggle. He promised us His presence. He promised us His peace.

And if I’m being transparent? I’m struggling. Like in a major way. I’ve been dealing with some pretty heavy things. Things completely out of my control. Things that have shattered my heart. Things I don’t know how to process. My health? Not great. My depression? Also not great. And Christmas? It was awful. Not everything is picture perfect over here. Far from it. And there are days I feel like I’m drowning. I need help. There’s no shame in that. Hear me again... There. Is. NO. Shame. In. Needing. Help. 

But you want to know something else? None of that changes who Jesus is. None of it has Him struggling and wondering what to do next. And just because I’m struggling doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten who He is and and who He says I am. I am His daughter. His beloved. His bride. He chose me. He forgives me. He redeemed me. He has never left me... even when the darkeness and loneliness feel like they are suffocating me. Even when I don’t feel like I can take another step... He is right there with me and it is His strength that carries me to the next thing. 

He is El Roi... the God who sees me. He sees me in the good and in the bad. 

I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. I have good days where I’m so overcome with His presence that I can barely contain it. And I have bad days where I feel like I’m drowning in despair. 

My life have been heavily marked with suffering...it still is. Daily.  But it’s also been heavily marked with His strength in my weakness. Trust me... there is no doubt He is the One who sustains me. It’s because of Him and Him alone that I am here. When you see me putting one foot in front of the other... you can know 100% that it is all because of Him. I’m not being fake. I’m leaning in to Him. It’s the only way I can face my days. I don’t have it all together... but I do have Jesus. 

So yes, Joy and struggle can exist in the same story. It’s does in my story. 

I want to live in a way that helps others see this truth in their own lives. I want them to know that there’s nothing wrong with them. And I want my joy and struggle to be the thing that points them to Jesus... the only One who can sustain them. May He get the glory for it all. #mystoryHisstory #shareyourstory

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~ Isaiah‬ ‭40:29-31‬ ‭