The Hardest Time of My Life
Over the past two years, my wife and I have faced the most challenging period of our lives. This time has been filled with various hardships, testing us in ways we never anticipated. I want to share some insights from this experience, what the Lord has spoken to me, and how we plan to move forward. My hope is that these reflections will help us understand discipleship, wise counsel, and maintaining faith amidst great opposition.
Misconceptions About Faith
One prevalent issue in today’s church is the misconception that coming to Jesus makes life easier. While our faith does provide a sense of peace and fearlessness, it doesn’t mean we won’t face hardships. The belief that faith is the spiritual equivalent of easy is something we need to challenge.
Facing Struggles with Faith
When we encounter struggles, we often question God, blame external forces, or try to pray the struggle away. However, what if the struggle is from God, or even if it’s from the devil, God has something good in it? Relationships, marriage, success, and deepening our faith are not easy, but they are essential aspects of our walk with God. Jesus himself said in John 16:33, “In me you may have peace.”
The Easy Path vs. The Hard Path
Choosing the easy path may lead us further from God. The temptation to give up on foundational beliefs during tough times is strong. We’ve all seen friends questioning their faith during struggles. Wise counsel is crucial during these times. Wise counsel helps friends through struggles; discipleship prepares them for future challenges.
Jesus and Struggle
Jesus faced immense distress knowing the challenges ahead, yet he persevered for the joy set before him. His life was not easy, and neither will ours be. His teachings, like turning the other cheek and giving more than asked, emphasize doing the hard thing, not the easy thing.
Mental Toughness in Faith
Philippians 2:5 tells us to have the mind of Christ. Jesus faced betrayal, physical suffering, and emotional pain, yet he remained steadfast. Embracing the mindset that we were made for challenges is essential. Everything worth doing, whether developing talents, growing in character, or forming relationships, will be hard.
Growing Through Struggles
Our struggles are meant to shape us into the image of Christ. They are not just obstacles to overcome but opportunities for growth and maturity. As Ronald Rollheiser suggests, our souls mature through the crucible of struggle.
Practical Steps for Discipleship
- Shift Perspective: Help people think differently about their struggles. Remind them that challenges are a part of faith and are meant to build them up.
- Stay in the Word: Encourage friends to stay in the Bible. If they can’t, read it to them.
- Promote Community: Encourage engagement with church community. Isolation is not an option in Christianity.
- Practice Gratitude and Patience: Focus on positives and gratitude. Help them see God’s presence in their situation.
- Model Mental Toughness: Talk about mental toughness and encourage a Christ-like perspective on struggles.
- Know Your Limits: Understand that sometimes professional counseling is needed. Be ready to recommend it.
- Remind of Worth: Constantly affirm their worth in God’s eyes, not based on others’ approval.
- Set Realistic Goals: Help them set achievable goals to move forward.
Conclusion
Our goal in discipleship is not to prevent struggles but to help others navigate through them. This mirrors the life of Jesus, who experienced and overcame immense hardships. By helping others embrace their struggles with faith, we aid them in becoming who God has called them to be.