By I once sat across from a lady who quietly admitted, “I didn’t choose this. It just happened to me. But I’m a Christian!”
And the moment she said it, I felt something in me soften, because I knew exactly what she meant.
There are battles that make no sense. Sickness, disabilities or “imperfections” that don’t match your theology, your prayers or the way you live. You search your heart for hidden sin. You rebuke the devil. You wonder if you just need more faith. But deep down, none of it fits.
Thinking of her—and myself—the truth is: Many struggles aren’t chosen; they’re handed to you by a world that’s imperfect.
Like the person who wakes up depressed and can’t explain why. Or the kid born with a condition no one asked for. Or the adult who suddenly develops a fear or an illness they never invited.
For so long, I thought I had to explain everything. But life doesn’t always offer explanations. It just forces things on you sometimes.
That’s why, when it comes to my own stuff, I stopped blaming myself. And I stopped blaming God. I started listening to my own story the way I listened to the lady’s: with compassion instead of judgment, curiosity instead of shame, grace instead of guilt.
Today, are you holding something you never chose? Trying to make sense of something that makes no sense?
If so, hear this: The struggle didn’t come because you failed. And God hasn’t distanced Himself because you’re fighting it.
No, God is here to help you through what life put on you.
In fact, He’s right here whispering, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
P.S. Going through something right now? I put together my Strong in the Struggle series to help. It’s simply the encouragement and wisdom I wish someone had handed me in my own hard seasons. Get all 5 messages today for your donation of any amount.