What do you struggle with?
 

Sister’s in Christ Worldwide

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A big word that comes to my mind when I think of life is the word: struggle. Jesus said we would have trials and tribulations. I have noticed that the state of my mind has a lot to do with the degree of struggle or tribulation that I experience. I think that is a big reason why Jesus said that we need to renew our mind. Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” What stood out to me is that we can be transformed. How? Through the renewing of our mind. How do we renew our mind? We renew our mind through the study of God’s word.

What do you struggle with? Everyone struggles with something. My biggest struggles are distraction and self criticism. I must say, I don’t get anywhere trying to overcome this on my own. But through Roman’s 12:2 I realize that I can overcome it by being transformed through God’s Word. This means that I have to take the time to meditate on it and ask God what He is trying to say to me through His Word. We have the assurance that the Holy Spirit will guide us. We open the Bible and study the Word of God, the Holy Spirit does the rest, transforming us to be what God created us to be. We can rejoice in that. His work will be complete in us. Because he has overcome the world, we are overcomers!! The Great Overcomer lives inside of each one of us! No matter what, whatever our struggle is, His work will be complete in us. We can trust Him to do that as we find His good and perfect will through the renewing of our mind, to be transformed. How awesome is that?

- Celeste Harris

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37

Lord, help us to know and remember that whatever the struggle, whatever the tribulation, the purpose in it is to become more and more like You, and to accomplish Your will in our lives. Knowing that, may it bring us peace and joy. For the joy of You, Lord, is our strength!

They say that honesty is the principle of Step One. My sponsor and I came to the conclusion, in order to do Step One, 100% we need to be honest, surrender, and accept. When I surrender to the program and know that I can't and my God can, and accept what is in the moment, knowing it is subject to change, I don't have much to struggle with unless it is of my own making.