What is God's Plan for Your Struggle?

It began as a simple phone call.

The moment she answered, my friend sensed something was wrong. And without asking for details about my situation, she offered to pray for me. Somehow she understood. She prayed for God to bring comfort and thanked Him for providing whatever I needed to walk through the trial. What she prayed for next, I will never forget.

“Father, thank you that when Kristine comes through this, you will allow her to encourage someone else going through the same struggle.”

What? Encourage someone else in their struggle? In the middle of my mess, the idea seemed impossible.

What does God say about struggles?

Is it God's plan for us to suffer? Am I the only one hurting like this? When we face life’s toughest battles, it’s easy to feel alone - like no one understands. That lie can keep us from experiencing the good work God has planned for us through the struggle. That’s why it is so important to not only thank Him for His goodness but also share about all He has done.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” Psalm 107:2-3

When circumstances seem at their absolute worst, encouraging someone else is far from my mind. If I’m searching for strength to get through my day, how can I possibly offer help to another person?

What does God say about his plans for us?

It’s in those uncertain times that we find hope in God’s promise in Romans 8:28. He works all things together for good for those who love Him. All things, even the yucky stuff. Even in the struggle. And although I might not feel like it at that moment. There will be a day when God will open the door for me to share my victory and encourage a friend with His faithfulness.

“Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” Psalm 107:22

I hesitated before calling my friend that day because I thought I had to face my challenge alone. Her response changed that. We praised. We thanked Him. She told me how God had provided for her, broken chains, healed sickness, and brought peace to her storms. What an encouragement!

Are you needing God’s provision today? Do you need to know there is a plan beyond the struggle? That simple phone call with my friend taught me a valuable truth.

When you find yourself asking “What is God's Plan for My Struggle?” remember not to struggle alone. Yesterday’s victory for someone else can bring hope to your struggle today. And one day, you will be able to offer the same encouragement to another.

The Fascinating Truth About Being a Busy Woman

The women’s ministry at your church is planning a trip to a women’s conference. It’s going to be epic! Everyone’s excited. Everyone, that is, except you. 

With small kids at home and a husband who travels, an out-of-town trip just isn’t possible right now—not to mention the grandparents can’t help out. They live miles away.

Maybe that event you’re missing isn’t a women’s conference. Perhaps it involves your co-workers, other mom-friends, or an open door you’ve been praying for. 

I’ve been there too, fellow go-getter. 

We like to stay busy. Keep our schedule filled with good things. But the reality is, if we try to do ALL the things, we’ll end up burned out and joyless. That’s why we need to be aware of one fascinating truth about being busy.

Our busy schedules can often make us feel like we’re missing out on important things.

One Thing Busy Women Fear Most

As busy go-getter girls, we cringe at the idea of missing out on an opportunity. That’s especially true for those of us who love to set goals and work to get things done. 

Missed opportunities can leave us feeling like we’ve lost a chance that may never come again. To break free from the battle with this persistent fear, we can guard against it with a little inspiration from God’s Word. 

What to Do When We Feel Like We’ve Missed Out

When we are afraid of missing an opportunity, let’s remember that this is a season. We may not be able to go everywhere or do all the things, but we can embrace contentment by discovering the joy in the specific season God has for us today.

Philippians 4:11-12 says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Contentment. That’s the answer in Paul’s words. But if we know we should feel content, why do we still battle this fear of missed opportunities?

Because being busy can overshadow the peace God longs to give us.

The Power of Contentment Over the Fear of Missing Out

Contentment holds power. Paul knew this, which is why he encouraged the church with his own experience. He’d been through it all— times of plenty and times of want. Yet he learned the power of choosing to be content. 

Like Paul, we will have times of more and times of less.

Choosing contentment over fearing what we’re missing means discovering joy in our everyday lives. The busy days, the lazy days, and everything in between. 

Are you battling the fear of missed opportunities today? Let’s find our inspiration in Paul’s life lesson. Let’s replace the one thing we fear most with renewed contentment.

A portion of this devotion is an excerpt from an article by Kristine Brown, “What Is Scripture’s Answer to the Fear of Missing Out?” originally published on iBelieve.com.