The Upside of the Struggle

For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son

Romans 8:29a CSB

The disappointment, the losses, the failures, the fears, the betrayals, the waiting and waiting. Why? What good is this in the life of a believer??

I’ve asked these questions many times. If I do get an answer to one, it’s not usually the one I want. But one thing I have learned over the years, nothing is ever wasted. The Lord uses it all.

Scripture tells us: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:28-29).

Often it’s hard to see a good side in our struggles. But this passage says there is one. If God allows it into our life, He can use it to mature us as a disciple as He shapes us into Christ’s image. That’s sanctification. That’s what our lives on earth are all about.

Even if we understand this truth, there are many days that are so difficult we just cannot see how it could possibly be true in these circumstances. But the verse says the Lord works in all things, not a few things, for good.

This is true only for those who follow Christ and are walking according to His purpose. But, even if we aren’t being faithful, if we repent, He will also use that to shape us into His image.

We can rejoice in this! Even our failures are not useless when we place them before the Father in surrender.

That’s an upside to life’s struggles. Surrendered into His hands, He can use each hard situation for our good to mold us into His likeness.

We give it all to you, Jesus. Take and use it for your glory!

Chris Adams