The below is from a daily devotional I receive from www.crown.org. I found the message powerful, and thought I'd share. Enjoy.

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 NIV)


Struggling Well
by Larry Burkett


Because of sin’s impact on the world, you will face diffi culties, pain, and challenges. Th e
way you handle these struggles is a testimony to non-Christians that there is something
diff erent about you.


Th e end product of struggling well will not be the complete elimination of hardships in
your life. Quite the contrary, hardships will come, but your mindset will play a major role in
your success.


One key to success is to know God’s purpose for your life. Th is is important, because
you will be willing to struggle more, harder, and longer for a purpose that will make a
diff erence.


You also need to contextualize your struggle according to your purpose. Paul went
through unbelievable struggles, but he viewed his problems within the context of his
purpose and found the strength to keep going.


Finally, you need to understand that God uses all things for good and never wastes
anything. He may be using your suff ering to make an eternal diff erence in the life of
someone else.


No matter what we face, we have the assurance that in the end, God’s Kingdom will be
victorious. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world” ( John 16:33 NIV).