Struggle Well

I need to issue an apology.  I need to issue an apology for all those people, all those churchy folk, all those clergy men and women that put the lie in peoples heads that being a Christian/follower of Jesus is easy.  Yes, the steps of it is "easy," repent, accept BUT the hard part is living the life.  Now, I'm not going to get into all the semmantics of what makes the perfect Christian because when it comes down to it:

1. I am NO WHERE near the perfect Christian.

2. I am not quaified to even describe what the perfect Christian is.

3. We aren't expected to be the perfect Christian.

Besides, this blog isn't about being a perfect Christian.  This blog is about the myth.  The myth that has some christians (yup little 'c') believe that oh since I have Jesus everything is just gonna be flowers and daisys.  For anyone that believes that, you are in for a rudddeeee awakening.  If there is anyone out there that is willing to take their Halos off (like Rev. Waller would say), you would acknowledge that being a Christian is ridiculously hard.  In fact I will venture off to say that it hurts.  It can suck.  It's a rough rough non-ending-feeling journey.

There are times that I am so angry at God that I have temper tantrums in my bed (which happened a couple weeks ago).  There are times when I get in such big funks that I seem to snap at everyone for absolutely no reason.  There are times when I get so annoyed with everything and I need to a moment to "get away from God."  I have all these moments.  We all have these moments.

But I'm here to tell you that it's ok.  It is perfectly normal, rational, and understandable to get frustrated or dare I say angry at God.  There is not ONE person in the Bible (NT or OT) that questioned/was frustrated with God at least at some point.  What does that tell us?  It's part of or Christian growth.  It's part of life.  But most importantly, what happens after you have your moment with God?  A couple of things I realize is that:

• I realize that I was wrong and have to repent.
• I realize that it was nothing but the devil trying to get to me.
• I realize that God isn't angry at me for my mistake.
• I become closer to God even more because I didn't hold anything back.
• And most importantly, I fall even more crazy about God.

It's crazy.  We have to get to the point where we need to realize and believe that "all things work together for the good of those that love God, and are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 KJV) We HAVE to believe that.  We NEED to recognize that.  I know this phrase is overused, but: Everything happens for a reason. Can the church say, "For a Reason."  You may not see the reason right away.  But I will promise you that for a Christian, that reason is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS for your good.

So, I going to tell you to embrace your struggling; I'm going to tell you to struggle well.  Embrace your situation.  Dare I say love your situation.  I don't know what you are going through.  I know a bunch of my people still in college are dealing with the stress of Finals Week.  But I can tell you that if you struggle well by studying and listening, the fruit of your hard work will work out.

I know some people are going through financial situations.  But, I can tell you to keep trying in God.  Keep relying on God.  I'm not going to make one of those Name It. Claim It. Obtain It. people because it's more than that.  But know...remember Romans 8:28.  Make that a verse that you commit to your memory.  You may not know why, but you know that it's for your good.

As a matter of fact, let's make that everyone's memory verse.  Romans 8:28,  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)  Just go.  Keep on trusting God.  Don't give up on him.  

Struggle Well my brethren!

--MJA