Life is filled with ups and downs, good news and bad news. 
The bad news, for example—life can be hard. Really hard. At times, just before we get out of one battle, we find ourselves thrown into another.
Years ago, if you asked me who I was, I would’ve said a wife, mother, and missionary. But that all changed the day I came home from working overtime, went upstairs, and was surprised with divorce papers. I was shocked and sad—struggling to understand my new identity.
This meant I wouldn’t be Mrs. So and So anymore… I felt lost. My husband and I had been nearly inseparable for ten years. The worst was seeing the divorce complaint … the official paperwork, where at the top it read him vs. me. This wasn’t anything I ever wanted or even saw coming. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t threaten my sense of self.
The same struggle came when my doctor told me I could no longer travel because of my chronic illness. Then he told me I could no longer do semi-physical work. Finally, he informed me I couldn’t work at all. I had been deemed “medically disabled.” It was extremely difficult to accept.
I was crushed. This was my dream job. I was living out my purpose. Yet now it felt like watching everything I’d hoped and worked for crumble before my eyes.
Some of you can relate. Maybe not to the divorce and debilitating disease, but perhaps you’re also a single mom. Maybe you’re trapped in the grips of addiction, doing your best to quit, but you’re on that relapse merry-go-round. Or you’re in a pit of grief, mourning the death of a loved one while it seems everyone else has moved on.
But the Good News is just that: the Good News. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God sees you in your struggle, and still He sent His Son to die for you. Not while you were in a state of perfection but in your mess—your helpless addiction, never-ending grief, chronic pain, or failed relationships. He sees us as we are and still wants to give us the gift of eternity with Him.
We are living in tremendously dark times. We’re seeing an increase in divorce rates, a crushing economy, a worldwide pandemic, and brother fighting brother. It’s enough to make anyone lose hope.
Jesus reminds us that life on earth won’t be easy. As He says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV). Click To TweetJesus reminds us that life on earth won’t be easy. As He says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV).
If you find yourself facing hardships and wrestling with anxiety, remember that Jesus loves you. He chose a gut-wrenching death for our salvation—yours and mine. And the suffering we endure today is nothing compared to the irreversible work of the cross. If you find yourself facing hardships and wrestling with anxiety, remember that Jesus loves you. He chose a gut-wrenching death for our salvation—yours and mine. And the suffering we endure today is nothing compared to the… Click To Tweet
I’m not sure what you’re facing today, but I do know this: Our struggles are real. But you can choose what to believe. Remind yourself that you are loved immeasurably. No amount of bad news can eradicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And you can achieve peace through Him.
Let’s Talk About This: How are you silently struggling? Are you wrestling with something others feel you should be over with by now? How can we hold onto our peace despite our struggles?
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Meet Victoria!
Victoria Mejias is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Omaha and attended the University of Nebraska College of Law prior to making a leap into public service. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the private, public, legal and non-profit sectors. She has previously served as the Missions and Small Groups Pastor at StoneBridge Christian Church and the Development Director for Open Door Mission / Lydia House. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Heartland United for Puerto Rico and her past service includes a variety of other boards.
Victoria received her Certification in Urban Ministries from the Dallas Theological Seminary’s Urban Ministry Institute in 2012. She has spoken at a variety of venues on matters of leadership, diversity, spirituality and faith– locally, nationally and internationally as far out as Damoh, India at the World Leaders Evangelical Conference. Recently Victoria was the recipient of two Congressional awards for her service by Puerto Rican Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and Nebraska’s Congressman Don Bacon during a floor speech at the US House of Representatives.
Victoria serves with Wholly Loved Ministries in numerous capacities, including functioning as one of their feature writers, writing articles on behalf of the ministry for iBelieve. She has two children, loves the Lord, reaching the lost and enjoys travel, arts and culture. Visit Victoria online at www.victoriaelizabeth.com.
Thanks to Christ’s death and resurrection, we don’t have to stress, strive, or perform. We simply need to rest in what Christ has already done. That is when we begin to come; to live as He intended. That’s when we discover true and lasting freedom.
If you live local, you can still join us for live teaching each Tuesday night at Wildewood Christian, located in Papillion. You can also join us, starting in March, for live teaching on Tuesday mornings or evenings (two options) at Christ Community Church in Omaha. (Registration links will open soon.)
