Monthly Archives: March 2014

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What if the Struggle is the Blessing?

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What if the struggle is the gift? What if God gave you the struggle as a gift to you?
Entreprenuer

What if our greatest struggles are our greatest acheivements? We are looking for struggle free days. Moments of life where we have no worries are rare. I thought when I got saved I wouldn’t have to worry anymore. Maybe when I got married then I would have no stress. For sure when I have some children I will live a life free from struggle and strain. All of these wonderful milestones have enriched my life immensely but I am still in the struggle. Struggling is what got you where you are at now, the harder you try to succeed, the more God sees your struggle, which is you to make you better.

Courtesy of www.biblegateway.com
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
God immediately counts the person who perseveres under trail as blessed. He extends His grace further by bestowing the Crown of Life upon the person.

What a wonderful gift for staying in the struggle. Here is a quote from Twitter “@RealTalkWarrior: God has resolution for your pain, a reason for your struggle and a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t give up!”
How would you like to be strengthened with all might? This would boost your ego, I know I have often prayed for strength during an intense struggle. Sometimes the answer to the prayer is have “The Patience to Dominate”. The Bible says to have longsuffering with joyfulness. Once again the theme that the Struggle is the Blessing. On the other side of through is a blessing. is an old church song.

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:11 (KJV)

As soon as we began to think that we are the only ones that are going through this struggle called life God reminds us that there were many predecessor in the Struggle. In the book of James we are pointed towards the prophets. They had many afflictions in the Struggle. Patience toward the promise is part of the blessing. The peace of mind of knowing that you shall prevail is worth the Struggle. Once again the world altering mindset that Believers and God count you as a “Happy Person” if you endure. By mentioning Job I believe the Lord clarifies that no matter how hard the Struggle the faith of the believer in the Struggle causes God to have tender mercy and bestow an everlasting blessing.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.James 5:10-12(KJV)

Normally, I write a post to complete a thought but this idea that the Struggle is the blessing has me a little perplexed. Intellectually I get the theory but my human emotions need a bit more research. What beliefs and feelings do you have on “The Struggle is the Blessing”?

 

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Vision: A peaceful destination

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We have clear picture of what Nelson Mandela believed was his duty but what do the rest of us consider our duty to our people and our country.

When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace

Nelson Mandela

As a business owner I believe my duty is to provide quality products to customers and to cultivate a positive work space for all of the people who help provide these products and services. But even deeper I feel a responsibility to show a positive example to the greater community of what real role models and visionaries look like. This idea feels more like a calling than a desire.

As a leader for your family and in your community you have to define your goals and decide what is a satisfactory finish line.  When you are deciding goals and what drives you don’t take it lightly. Be serious and take some time. Be sure about your calling.

 

 

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall 2 Peter 1:10

 

One word that stands out in the original quote from Mandela is “considers” because it implies volumes of thought. To consider takes some time and patience. Patience that will guide you to a clear future. To “rest in peace” as a result of patience towards your duty is reward along the way. Think about your duty or calling and put it into visible words. Place your goals and duties before your eyes. Now you have a road map and a finish line.

There are a lot of instructions in 2 Peter, Chapter 1 but “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” highlights the seriousness of consideration in regards to your duty or calling. Be sure of yourself in this life and you will rest in peace and never fall.