Faith in times of struggle

I often think of my parents’ sacrifices to provide for our large family. As a child, I never understood the weight they carried on their shoulders. For me, an evening macaroni and cheese meal with Mom’s fresh biscuits was a treat, even if it was more than once a week. And Dad always seemed excited to have a fried potato sandwich for lunch.
Hindsight, indeed, is 20/20. Macaroni and cheese was a perfect meal for a vegetable-resistant child. Still, looking back, I can see my parents’ burden in providing for a large family. However, their love for one another and faith in God strengthened as they worked through the difficulties. Times of need became opportunities to trust in God’s provision. It is through hindsight that I have learned difficult times strengthen our faith and give birth to wisdom. I have also learned that these struggles are not in vain; the struggles are the teachers of our faith.
C.S. Lewis once said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” Faith in God is the ultimate destiny a man can embark upon. Through faith, we can see God at work in life’s difficulties. Our Heavenly Father will cause all things to work out for those who love and trust Him (Romans 8:28). For example, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, causing him to endure great trials. When faced with the opportunity of faith and forgiveness, Joseph responded by saying what was intended for harm, God intended for good (Genesis 50:20). Our struggles are not meaningless. God uses our difficulties for a greater purpose.
Faith does not always remove the pain. Joseph suffered many trials during his captivity. Faith gave him the strength to endure the hardships of separation from family and imprisonment. His hope remained in the Lord, and the Lord renewed Joseph’s strength daily. God renews our strength when we hope in Him (Isaiah: 40:31). Through faith, Joseph learned to trust in God’s timing, and in time, he was restored to his family, and the nation of Israel was saved (Genesis 37:23-50:21).
Faith will restore us to community because two are better than one. When one person’s faith weakens, another’s faith can strengthen their belief (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). In the creation story, God proclaimed that being alone was not good for man. Therefore, Adam had Eve. And Moses had Joshua, Elijah had Elisha, David had Johnathon, Jesus had the Disciples, Paul had the early church, and you and I have each other. People of faith serving God. We are the Body of Christ praying, encouraging, and supporting one another through difficult times.
We have all experienced victories and defeats in our lives. Each of us has faced personal challenges. We have all consumed a healthy serving of macaroni and cheese (metaphorically speaking). In difficult times, we are not alone but part of a community of believers. Do not lose faith. Find a friend who will pray for you and remind you of the Father’s promises. Just as God was present for Joseph and others throughout their trials, He is also here for you and me.
If your struggle seems unending and your faith is wavering, find comfort in knowing that joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). The Lord will not abandon you. Be encouraged, knowing that faith produces perseverance. Perseverance will complete its spiritual purpose within us (James 1:2-4). And we will be called the Children of God (1 John 3:1).
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.