You’ve probably heard people say, “I’m really struggling with . . .” whatever life is taking them through at the moment. I hear it a lot. I’ve even said it a lot. Then I started thinking about it.
What is a struggle?
The dictionary defines it this way: to contend with an adversary or opposing force.
Sense the resistance involved?
We would naturally view a struggle as opposition from an outside force – which it sometimes is. But consider this. How often are the struggles in our lives actually with our own will and emotions? We know what we should be doing, but we don’t want to, or feel like doing it. The inner turmoil begins.
This reminded me of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, which says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
I’ve heard a lot of sermons preached on this particular scripture, but today the phrase “casting down arguments” jumped out at me.
When I am indulging in a battle of the wills (mine and God’s), I am not casting down arguments. I am struggling, and allowing my own way to exalt itself against the knowledge of God. I am definitely not bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Quite the opposite.
Catch yourself the next time you get the urge to voice the “I am really struggling” thing. Is the struggle real, or are you having one those inner arguments because you just plain don’t want to do what you know God wants you to do?
Your choice determines who wins.
Inside the Writer 