“One of the key tasks of our apprenticeship to Jesus is living into both our potential and our limitations,” said John Mark Comer.
“I have seen you struggle.” Those are words I heard recently. And it was that immediate thought of weakness and shame. And then it was as if Jesus said, “Angela, I have seen you struggle.”
Sometimes, suffering is how others will see Jesus. I haven’t struggled much, but when I do, it isn’t a fun place to be. A place I would rather duck out of or laugh out of, but instead I am learning to lean into it. I am learning to listen to that voice that says, “I am with you; do not be afraid.”
I don’t like to talk about MS for the fear of it becoming the focus instead of God’s glory. But sometimes, I know I need to talk about it. This school year has been different than any other. For some reason, I can’t understand why. I have been doing this for so many years, yet at times it just seems so hard. And I have asked myself and the Lord the question, “Why is this so different?”
I may be embracing the struggle (Romans 8:38-39). Maybe years one and two were different because I was in a different place. This may be the year I understand what living within my potential and limitations looks like. Perhaps this is exactly where I need to stay.
Because of my struggle, I am victorious. It is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ that I can know who my Victor is. Hardships may test me and trials may come, but I know that Jesus is with me.
Where do you need to embrace the struggle? Press into Jesus.
Angela McCoun is an encourager and writer. She is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. She is a mom, wife, retired preschool teacher, and devotional writer. She shares her journey of the faithfulness of God amid the unknown. She believes we are not meant to live life alone. Learning the power of God’s Word and how we can encourage one another through prayer is the reason she writes and shares. Her call to write came after a year of journaling with the Lord and after a diagnosis of MS. It was in that place of uncertainty that God met her with all her questions and concerns. You can follow her on Facebook at “Flourish in the Journey.” You can connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1NZjkDw6kp/?mibextid=wwXIfr.