No Strength Without Struggle and No Progress Without Pain

download

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve heard God in my spirit remind me of this very title. There’s no strength without the struggle and no progress in life without pain at times. I mean, it makes sense. How can you grow or even become strengthened without struggle or pain? Can a physically fit person grow muscle overnight? Do they just train and never feel pain along the process? The answer is clear, NO! There’s NO strength without struggle and NO progress without some pain. As a matter of fact, the trials, the struggles, the tribulation, is an opportunity for growth, increased stamina, endurance, and strength in your faith walk!!

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. -James 1:2-4

About a month ago, my mom was hospitalized. I went from thinking my mother was just a bit sick, to finding out she in fact, was terminally ill. I’ve had moments that I’ve cried and have felt extremely sad, naturally. I mean, its my mom! For the most part, however, I have been incredibly strong spiritually and have been trusting God beyond comprehension. I’ve had many people comment about how strong I seem to be during this process, and I always turn it back to HIM, for only HE gets the glory. God showed me, the sickness journey I faced with my husband during the previous years were my training ground for this very moment! I have spiritual muscle! I’m no baby in this faith walk! See, my struggle in the past has strengthened me for this! I know WHO got me out of THAT situation and that HE can and WILL do it again! For,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. -Hebrews 13:8

and I’m confident in the fact that HIS word reminds me that,

..God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished …-Philippians 1:6

In closing, I challenge you to look at YOUR current struggle, tribulation, storm, or pain through a different set of lens. Maybe this is a perfect chance for you to ask God, “What are you trying to teach me?” Maybe it’s a perfect opportunity for you to pray and ask for increased faith! Maybe, just maybe, GOD is GROWING you for where HE is taking you! Go before HIM today! For whatever we ask in prayer, believing, we shall receive (Matthew 21:22).

Special Dedication Prayer For My Momma-(Feel free to join me in reciting this prayer for my mother, Elsie Maldonado, for the Word reminds us in Matthew 18:19, If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.)

Lord God, I know you can do ALL things but fail! So I go before You this morning with all humility and ask you to do what only You can do! I pray Your healing hand touches my mother in her body right now by the power of the blood of Jesus! I speak to her physical body and I command all her organs, cells, and all aspects of her body to function the way it was intended and created to function and at optimal capacity in the name of Jesus. I speak to her spirit man right now and command it to arise out of slumber in the name of Jesus! I declare wisdom, empathy, understanding, and blessings upon all doctors, nurses, and medical staff that are assigned to her care. Most of all, I declare strength for her journey and Your peace over her mind and heart, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Lord I thank You in advance for what you will do in her life for your name’s sake and the glory will once again, belong only to YOU!

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!