Struggle to Strength: The Journey of Powerful Renewal
Discover the transformation of turning your struggle to strength in Christ. Explore how faith, renewal, and hope lead to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Jesus.
Find out the transformative power of turning your struggle to strength on your faith journey to a powerful renewal in Christ.
A few years ago, my life felt anything but easy. As a mom of growing teenagers, I faced challenges with them that no parent could ever truly prepare for.
Is anyone ever truly prepared for the ups and downs of raising teenagers?! Even the easiest teens face challenges.
After all, they certainly don’t come with an owner’s manual!
I know the Bible offers us countless nuggets of wisdom, but I’m no theologian, and I certainly wasn’t prepared for what I was facing.
When my kids hit their teen years, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. Peri-menopause was wreaking havoc on my emotions, and every day felt like a wild roller coaster ride I couldn’t escape.
Life was far from what I’d call normal.
But God!
He is so incredibly good!
In His infinite wisdom, He used that chaotic season to awaken a deep need in my heart for Him. During those moments of struggle, I found myself drawn to Jesus like never before.
I’ve been reflecting on the verses from the Renew Me Bible Reading Plan, and today, I want to draw strength from Lamentations 3:22-24. These powerful words of hope and renewal inspire me, and I hope they will you as well.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
1. From Struggle to Strength
When I was crumpled on the floor filled with the anxiety of the struggle I was experiencing, I had no idea that anyone else in the entire world went through trials as bad as me.
The reality of our struggles is that we feel totally alone even though God is a breath away.
I had no idea that struggles were an inevitable part of life.
Whether you are experiencing emotional heartbreak, physical pain, or spiritual dryness, you might need the reminder that someone else is going through a tough time too.
Something is encouraging about that knowledge so long as another person doesn’t drag you down into their pit.
No one in the world is immune to hardship, and yet, in the middle of our suffering, it’s easy to feel isolated . . . like no one could possibly understand the depth of our pain.
But the truth is, someone out there is going through something as hard, if not harder than what you’re experiencing right now.
If you are facing a season of difficulty that is beyond challenging, stretching you to the ultimate limit, and leaving you searching for answers, know that God searched you out first.
He wants to lead and comfort you.
I was experiencing melancholy (or maybe it was depression) during this tough season of my life. The one thing that kept me steady was being faithful in spending time with Jesus even when life was beyond hard.
Even the Bible reminds us that trials are not just a possibility, but a certainty.
In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
These words remind us that, though struggles may be painful, they are not purposeless. They shape us, refine us, and ultimately strengthen our faith.
Similarly, Romans 5:3-5 points to the hope that springs from hardship: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
These verses reveal a beautiful truth: God can use our struggle to deepen our dependence on Him, build our character, and remind us of the UNSHAKEABLE HOPE we have in Christ.
When we face hardships, we’re not alone.
God walks with us through every valley, using even our darkest moments for His greater purpose.
2. Turn Your Struggle to Strength by Renewal in Christ
If you’ve been following me in Grace-Filled Living (on Facebook), you know I share about the Bible Reading Plan I’m currently working through.
I’ve been sharing from the Renew Me Bible Reading Plan in a simple way that you can try too.
I’ve been Scripture Writing this month. I copy out the verse and then copy some of the cross-reference verses I find on BibleHub.com for that day’s verse.
Easy peasy!
This is an amazing way to allow the Holy Spirit to transform my mind and heart as I copy Bible verses onto the Scripture Writing Page.
Copying Scripture slows me down and helps me to internalize God’s truths into my mind and heart.
What better way of transformation in my life?
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
When you turn to Jesus, He gives you a new perspective on your struggle.
At the moment, you might not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I can assure you in time, you’ll look back and see God’s faithfulness in hard times.
For me, those years demonstrate a precious walk with the Lord.
3. From Struggle to Strength
During those years, my faith was the cornerstone of my strength.
During life’s most challenging seasons, God gives us the most strength.
Faith is a cornerstone of strength, especially during life’s most challenging seasons.
When everything feels overwhelming, faith acts as an anchor, grounding us in the truth that we are not alone and that God is always with us.
It gives us the courage to face the storm, knowing that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Role of Prayer
Prayer is a lifeline in times of struggle.
It’s an intimate conversation with God where we can pour out our hearts, express our fears, and seek His guidance.
Through prayer, we invite God’s presence into our circumstances, and as Philippians 4:6-7 promises, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guards our hearts and minds.
Even when we don’t have the words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26), assuring us that God hears and understands our deepest needs.
The Power of Scripture
Scripture is a source of encouragement and renewal, reminding us of God’s promises.
Passages like Isaiah 40:31—”But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…”—remind us that God’s strength is available to us when we feel weak.
By meditating on verses like Psalm 46:1—”God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”—we can find the courage to persevere.
Scripture helps us reframe our struggles, not as evidence of God’s absence, but as opportunities to experience His faithfulness.
Steps to Turn Your Struggle to Strength
- Surrender Your Struggle:
Begin by acknowledging that you can’t face your struggles alone. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus, trusting Him to carry what you cannot. As Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. - Practice Gratitude:
Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Even in the darkest times, finding things to thank God for—big or small—can transform our perspective and renew our spirit. - Stay Rooted in Scripture:
Make reading the Bible a daily habit. Whether it’s through a structured reading plan, devotionals, or simply opening to a favorite passage, immerse yourself in God’s Word to draw strength and clarity. - Cultivate a Consistent Prayer Life:
Set aside intentional time for prayer each day. This doesn’t have to be elaborate—simple, heartfelt prayers connect us to God’s presence and help us stay aligned with His will. - Seek Encouragement from Others:
Don’t hesitate to lean on your community. Share your struggles, ask for prayer, and accept help when it’s offered. Let others’ testimonies remind you of God’s power and faithfulness.
By anchoring ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship, and by taking intentional steps to surrender our burdens to Christ, we can experience His strength in both our struggles and our victories.
God doesn’t promise a life free of challenges, but He does promise to be with us every step of the way, renewing us with His love and grace.
Are you struggling to find strength? I’d love to pray for you. Drop a comment!
Watch this video to learn more about turning your struggle into strength in the journey to powerful renewal. I’d love it if you’d hit the ‘Like’ button and subscribe!!
You will love the Renew Your Mind & Time Journaling Workbook
It’s designed to transform your life into a new creation in Christ. As you read the Bible verse you will experience intimacy with Jesus as you write out Scripture and journal how the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.
