There’ll be times when we struggle spiritually. We might feel like we’re not getting anywhere, or wonder why a prayer is going unanswered, or even have doubts about God. It’s hard to go through these times unequipped, so here are three thoughts to help: 1) Realise that doing God’s will isn’t promised to be easy. The enemy doesn’t give up without a fight, and doubt and worry are two of his weapons. The Bible says: ‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up’ (Galatians 6:9 NLT). People who experience breakthrough aren’t necessarily the cleverest or the most talented people, but what they do have is persistence. They reach the point where many would give up, and then push beyond it. 2) Believe that God is for your total wellbeing. We’re children of a perfect God, and His promises are with us forever. He’s got our welfare at heart, and His desire is to see us full of joy and thriving. ‘The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you’ (Zephaniah 3:17 NCV). 3) Reach for what God has promised you. The prophet Isaiah said, ‘Surely he took our pain and bore our suffering…and by his wounds we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV). At the cross, Jesus paid the price for our salvation and bought us everything we need. So we can rise up in faith and claim it, because ‘the Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.’

What Now?

Do you know someone who’s struggling spiritually at the moment? Have a chat with them about how they’re feeling, and if it’s appropriate, share some of the thoughts in today’s reading with them.