The struggle is real.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NKJV‬

The struggle to discern the spirit and attack it not the person.
The struggle to not be offended by the person.
The struggle to love, to bless, to wish well those who hurt us.
The struggle to rest in knowing God accepts us when others reject us.
The struggle to forgive as we have been forgiven.
The struggle to trust no one can thwart God’s plans and purposes for us.
The struggle to see the others as God sees them.

The struggle is real. But the resurrecting power within is more real. The grace to say no to unrighteousness is more real and more powerful than the struggle.
Our belt of truth is real.
Our breastplate of righteousness is real.
Our shoes of peace are real.
Our shield of faith is real.
Our helmet of salvation is real.
Our sword of the spirit, the word of God is real.
Our availing prayers are real.

Yes, the struggle is real but we have been given very real weapons to combat a very real enemy who was defeated by a very real resurrected Savior.

Yes, the struggle is real but greater is the Jesus within me than the external struggle.

Yes, the struggle is real but we are overcomers, victors, slaves to righteousness, freedom fighters, sons and daughters.

If you find yourself on the struggle bus this morning trying to remember good always conquers evil, trying to love those who have disappointed or hurt you, trying to have peace in the middle of a storm, trying to trust God despite what you see, let me offer you some advice as one struggle bus rider to the next.

Stop striving. Take a deep breath and repeat after me:

God is good and I am loved.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper.
If God is for me, who can be against me.
I am conjoined with Christ and seated in heavenly places.
I am forgiven therefore I forgive.
I am loved therefore I love.
I am accepted therefore I accept.

Yes, the struggle is real but the grace of God in your life is more real, more powerful, and speaks louder than the struggle. Get off the struggle bus my friend and mount on wings as an eagle.