How to Respond to Struggle

How do you respond when you feel surrounded by darkness? When it feels like the world is against you?

There is evil in this world, and therefore, struggle is inevitable. You may experience spiritual attacks in the form of doubt, struggles, or pain—or maybe you’ll simply experience a season where the darkness feels heavy. In these moments, you may be tempted to respond in what feels like the “easy” way out. When you’re angry, you may want to snap back. When you’re at the end of your rope, you may want to act selfishly.

This struggle is the reality of a broken world. But Jesus teaches, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NLT). 

How to Respond to Struggle

In Matthew 6, He teaches His followers how to pray through these expected troubles, with the words, “Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

Another way to say this could be: “God, lead me and protect me. Don’t let me be overwhelmed by temptation. Align my desires with yours.”

This prayer requires us to get out of the driver’s seat of our own lives. Jesus invites us to lay down our human reactions (the temptation to sin) and choose His way instead. He invites us to respond with peace, with trust in the salvation He’s already offered, and with His Word.

This looks different from the rest of the world.

It’s like putting on armor to prepare for spiritual battle. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul teaches us all the pieces in this Armor of God:

  • The Belt of Truth — Hold everything together with the truth of the Gospel.

  • The Breastplate of Righteousness — Protect your heart by living with integrity.

  • The Shoes of Peace — Move with confidence and stability, leading with peace.

  • The Shield of Faith — Keep your faith in Jesus at the forefront of all things, as safety against spiritual attacks.

  • The Helmet of Salvation — Protect your mind from darkness with the reality that you are saved in Christ.

  • The Sword of the Spirit — Study and use the Word with discernment as your offense to the darkness.

Paul concludes by saying, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

The next time you’re experiencing struggle, pause and pray: “God, lead me and protect me.”

DIVE DEEPER

Consider where your armor feels strong and where it may need strengthening. Use the following questions to reflect:

  • Belt of Truth: How am I standing firm in the truth of Jesus daily?

  • Breastplate of Righteousness: How am I standing firm in my integrity daily?

  • Shoes of Peace: How am I standing firm in the peace of Christ daily?

  • Shield of Faith: How am I standing firm in my belief in Jesus daily?

  • Helmet of Salvation: How am I standing firm in Jesus’ rescue of me daily?

  • Sword of the Spirit: How am I standing firm in God’s Word daily?

Watch this weekend’s message for more.

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