What is Your Struggle Saying To You?
Don’t Give Up: Let Hardship Speak Before You Respond
What makes you want to quit?
Is it a harsh word, a disapproving glance, a persistent struggle, or just plain exhaustion? Most of us can point to something—or someone—that drains our energy or chips away at our purpose.
You’re not alone. Every one of us encounters moments when continuing feels like too much.
In those moments, we often default to one of two responses: we collapse under the weight or try to push through with sheer force. But there’s a third way—one that invites us to pause and listen.
What if your hardship is speaking a message that needs interpretation?
Before you act—before you fight, flee, or fold—consider this: your struggle might be trying to tell you something. When we stop to interpret the meaning, we’re better able to respond with wisdom and faith.
Here are some questions to help you listen:
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Where is this hardship coming from?
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Is it simply the difficulty of the task itself?
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Is it internal—emotional, physical, or mental fatigue?
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Is it relational—opposition, misunderstanding, or lack of support?
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Is it spiritual—an attack or test that invites deeper trust?
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How does God want me to walk through this?
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Is this something I’m meant to accept and endure for a time?
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Do I need rest, nourishment, encouragement, or counsel?
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Is this a moment to persevere—to press on through the difficulty?
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Or is this a time to resist, to rebuke what's coming against me?
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We often want the struggle to just go away—or to rush past it as quickly as possible. But God rarely wastes our pain. In fact, He often does His most profound work in the hard seasons, not just after them.
Don’t wish away the wilderness.
God was present with Israel in the wilderness. He was with Jesus in the desert. And He is with you now—in the middle of your struggle. His presence isn’t postponed until the storm passes. He meets us in it.
So what should we do?
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Rejoice in suffering, knowing it produces perseverance, character, and Spirit-filled hope. (Romans 5:3–5)
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Embrace trials with joy, because they shape us into mature and complete people. (James 1:2–4)
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Delight in your weakness, because it makes room for Christ’s strength. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Don’t give up! Don’t rush past what God is doing in you.
Instead, seek His wisdom. Listen for His voice. And boldly follow His lead—knowing your perseverance is preparing you for the next season of growth and fruitfulness.
With you,
~ Coach Tom
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P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!
1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here
2. Join my FaceBook Group, "Greater Focus and Fruitfulness" for more teaching, training and community. Click Here
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