Erin's Essentials: Who Is God In Your Struggle?

God calls us to go deeper in Him. The deep is where we are going to learn who He truly is. This is also a place of struggle. Take a deep breath. You are going to make it!

Did you know that you are not alone in your struggle? God desires to help you..no matter what you are going through. And all you need to do is understand how great He is in the midst of it all!

So who exactly is God in your struggle? My friend, He is everything that you need. Let me share just a few characteristics...

Essential #1 - God Is Your Peace

Oh, don't we need peace? Amen and amen! How can He possibly be your peace in the midst of this struggle? Philippians 4:6-7 instructs: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Do you want to experience God's supernatural peace in your struggle? Just follow the pattern given. I know it is difficult to not be anxious, but this Scripture says not to...and to be anxious for nothing. Here's the power! This Scripture also offers a replacement for anxiousness: prayer and thanksgiving. If you want to know Him as your peace and have your heart and mind guarded by that peace...pray, pray, pray...and give thanks! In all things! God is your peace!

Essential #2 - God Is Your Comfort

God promised that He would not leave us comfortless. And this includes moments of struggle. He poured out the Comforter...His Spirit. You need His Spirit dwelling inside. Those nights when you are crying and those moments when you feel so alone...this is when He comes to you, wraps His loving arms around you and comforts in a way that the world cannot.

Psalm 23:4 says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil. For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." The staff of the Good Shepherd pulls you closer to Him. God is your comfort!

"God calls us to go deeper. There are things that we are going to learn in the deep that we cannot learn in the shallows." – Pastor Erin Canter

Essential #3 - God Is Your Strength

The weaker you are, the stronger you are. I know...this does not make sense. But in this upside down spiritual kingdom, this is how it works. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in needs, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Can you learn to take pleasure in the midst of struggle? Yes! Why? Because He is there. It is His strength that lifts you and sustains you. That it might be known...it is only by His strength that you make it! God is your strength!

Essential #4 - God Is Your Rock

God is solid and immovable! Your life should be placed upon that Rock. When you struggle, run to that Rock! If the earth is shaking and everything around you is crumbling, the Rock still stands! When the waves rise up, that Rock is right there for you to cling to...to smack right into! Speak to it: "That's okay, waves and wind. You will only throw me against that Rock!"

Psalm 61:2 says, "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." It is that place of unchanging love, grace, and mercy. He is dependable. He is faithful. God is your rock!

Essential #5 - God Is Your Joy

Last...but certainly not least,...you find joy. John 16:24 says, "Ask, and you will receive that you joy may be full." In the midst of that struggle you can find joy that is difficult for the world to understand. It is supernatural. How do you have a smile on your face when there is struggle? You trust that God has you right in the palm of His hand. Things might not look good...but you serve a God of the impossible! You find joy in Him..no matter your state, God is your joy!

In Closing...

God has so many characteristics and the great news is that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 says that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." He is your peace. He is your comfort. He is your strength. He is your rock. He is your joy. Right in the midst of struggle!!

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