Struggling Because of Others

Colossians 1:23-2:5

We have been dealing with some pretty heavey stuff on Sunday mornings in regard to how we fit into and live our lives for Christ in the world around us today. Specifically, this week brought a lot of pain when we focused on living and dealing with the struggles we have today. One of the things we did not have time to discuss in our services is how do we deal with struggles that involve other people. For example you may be going through a struggle with someone, or your struggle directly effects the life of another.

Struggles are not fun, especially when they involve another. Let's first look at how God wants us to deal with those who harm us. In the book of Matthew Jesus asks Peter how many times he thinks we should forgive others. He responds that we should forgive 7 times, Jesus counters, saying, no, 7 times 7. Are you kidding me? Truthfully I pray none of us put ourselves in position to have to forgive someone that many times. We should be smart about who we choose to be around. Yet, in the same breath, when someone brings a struggle in your life, or they are a struggle in your life, God desires for you to forgive.

Often, to avoid in sort of confrontation, we choose to ignore. Hope it goes away. I believe that God wants something more from us. He wants us to take those challenges head on. Remember in Col. 1:29 Paul says that we struggle with all of GOD's energy, he will give us the strength to forgive, to face the struggle.

You cannot hide or avoid a struggle, you cannot make it disappear. Face up to your struggles, trust God for his strength and never ever give up.

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