Have you ever had one of those days when things just kept going wrong? Have you ever gotten home after a long day and said to yourself, “This is all too much, it’s too difficult, I can’t do this anymore”?

I’ve recently had a week just like this. Maybe it’s because I was working long hours or had a lot on my plate but whatever it was, I was not coping with what was happening in my life. Difficult phone calls, difficult meetings, difficult decisions and dealing with difficult people! As the tears ran down my face, I felt God whisper to my heart, “You were designed for difficult.”

You were designed to go through some stuff!

I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear today. But I believe it’s what God wants us to know. So many people run away from trials and try to avoid difficulty at all cost. But I’ve come with GOOD news today, don’t be afraid of trials or struggles, YOU WERE DESIGNED FOR DIFFICULT.

There’s this encouraging verse in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

I believe our lives are to be like tea bags. I know, weird right! You see, a tea bag on the shelf looks pretty and smells nice but it’s not fulfilling its purpose. It’s only when it is immersed in hot water, does the full flavour and benefit of the tea get released.

So it is with us. Without trials, sure our lives look pretty but it’s only when we go through difficult times, that the glory and power of God in us, gets released to those around us. So what do you need to know as you face difficult times, struggles, trials or hardships?

  1. You are His – God has rescued you, chosen you and called you by your name. So when the tough times come, when you find yourself in hot water, you do not have to be afraid! The tea bag doesn’t freak out when it’s immersed in hot water. Someone more intelligent, more powerful and far more loving than anyone we have ever known is in control of us and our situation.
  1. Walk THROUGH the trial – Sometimes the only way to get through something, is to GO THROUGH it.
  1. Stop running – Instead of running from the struggle, use it to release what’s in you. I love this verse in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, “In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation.”

There is something inside you that the world around you needs to experience. Only when you are put into hot water, into difficulties, can what’s in you be released for those around you.

So be encouraged, you were designed for difficult!

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