Have you ever wondered why life sometimes feels like one giant obstacle course? Like every time you think you’ve got things under control, another challenge comes crashing down? If you’ve been there (and let’s be real, most of us have), you might have also wondered why God would allow you to struggle like that. Here’s a thought: maybe He’s not just letting you struggle for no reason. Maybe He’s doing it to build you back better.
Think about military basic training. When you sign up for the army, you don’t just stroll into battle the next day. No, they put you through weeks of grueling training—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The goal is to break down your old habits and mindset so they can rebuild you into someone stronger, more disciplined, and ready to face anything. God’s process with us isn’t so different. Sometimes, He lets us hit rock bottom so He can transform us into something greater than we ever imagined.
Biblical Examples of Struggle and Growth
The Bible is full of stories of people who endured intense struggles before God brought them into their purpose. Take Joseph, for example. This guy went through it. His brothers hated him so much they sold him into slavery. Then, just when things seemed to be looking up, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. But God wasn’t done with Joseph. Those years of struggle prepared him to become second-in-command over Egypt, saving countless lives during a famine (Genesis 37-50).
Or consider Moses. He went from being a prince of Egypt to a fugitive shepherd in the wilderness for 40 years. Talk about a humbling experience! But it was during that time of struggle and solitude that God prepared him to lead an entire nation out of slavery (Exodus 2-3).
Even Jesus Himself faced struggles. Before He began His ministry, He spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). And, of course, His ultimate sacrifice on the cross was the greatest struggle of all. Yet, through His suffering, we were given the gift of salvation.
Why God Allows the Struggle
God isn’t some cosmic bully who enjoys watching us squirm. He sees the bigger picture. When we’re in the middle of a tough season, it’s easy to focus on the pain and forget that growth is often uncomfortable. Struggles force us to rely on God, stripping away our pride and self-reliance. They refine our character, just like fire refines gold (1 Peter 1:7).
Think about the story of Job. God allowed Satan to test Job, and boy, did Job’s life fall apart. He lost his family, his wealth, and his health. But through it all, Job’s faith never wavered. In the end, God restored everything Job had lost—and then some (Job 42:10-17). Job’s story reminds us that our struggles are not the end of the story. They’re just a chapter in God’s greater plan.
Trusting the Process
So what does this mean for us? It means we shouldn’t fear the struggles or view them as punishment. Instead, we should lean into them, trusting that God is using them to shape us into the people He’s called us to be. It’s not easy, and it won’t always make sense in the moment. But when you look back, you’ll see how God used those hard times to prepare you for something greater.
Just like a soldier comes out of basic training stronger and more prepared, we come out of our struggles with a deeper faith, a stronger character, and a clearer sense of purpose. So if you’re in the middle of a tough season right now, take heart. God isn’t done with you yet. The struggle is part of the process, and He’s building you back better.
Blessings for strength,
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 