What Is The Purpose Of Your Struggle?

"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." ~ William Arthur Ward

When I read that quote from William Arthur Ward, I see two messages. The first message speaks to overcoming adversity in order to achieve great things. However, the second message reveals itself in the exploration of adversity and its effect on the broken individual. In the context of this passage, being broken is a sign of weakness or a lack of perseverance. However, I would argue that being broken can actually be good for us.

As I think about real situations in my life, I have gone back and forth on the purpose of adversity. Yes, difficulty has the power to challenge us, inspire us, and push us to new heights, but it also has the ability to deter further action. We most certainly see this realized in the experience of physical, emotional, or mental pain and discomfort.

Here's the question, "What is the reason for our hardship?" Is it meant to break us or to propel us? Should we stop what we're doing because it's the wrong thing or should we push through the suffering until we get a reward from it?

The answer lies within the outcome. Does this struggle make us better or worse? Are we trying to increase our strength, stop a bad habit, or are we just being abused? Are we being encouraged or discouraged? Is it removing the extra baggage from our life or adding to it? Is it uplifting and positive or destructive and hurtful?

If you look at your present situation, how would you describe it? Are the trials you're experiencing forcing you to improve? While painful, scary, and terribly uncomfortable, is the experience causing you to reflect on your life and ultimately grow? If so, then I would encourage you to push through the pain and go get what you deserve. However, if the opposite is true, then it's time to consider getting away from those toxic people and destructive situations as quickly as possible.

I honestly believe that God allows adversity in our lives to either correct us, because we're doing something wrong and something has to change, or to improve us, because we have a lofty purpose ahead and we need to get ready. Come to think of it, he may allow trials in our lives for both reasons at the same time. In the end, we shouldn't run away from adversity, but embrace it for we will be better in one way or another.

When challenges arrive in our lives, and they will come, remember to keep your head up, trust in the plan for your life, and follow the guidance written in Philippians 4:8 (KJV):

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

You are a Champion!

Until next time...