Make "It" Work For You!

Turning Struggles into Strength: Rising Above Challenges

Life often presents difficulties that seem overwhelming—struggles, pain, and hardships that test our faith and endurance. Yet, as believers, we are called not to retreat but to rise above, using every trial as a stepping stone toward victory. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." This scripture is a powerful declaration that in our weakest moments, God's strength is revealed in us.

When life presses in, when the weight of circumstances feels unbearable, that is precisely the moment when God steps in with His divine authority. He does not abandon His children; rather, He uses the very struggles we face to refine us, strengthen us, and elevate us to new heights. The enemy may intend harm, but God turns it for our good (Genesis 50:20).

Example 1: Joseph—From the Pit to the Palace

Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. He endured false accusations and imprisonment, yet through it all, God was working behind the scenes. What seemed like defeat was actually preparation for his destiny. In Genesis 41:41, Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt." The very trials that sought to destroy him became the foundation for his elevation.

Your struggles are not meant to bury you; they are meant to build you. Like Joseph, you may be facing betrayal, setbacks, or injustice, but God is using it to position you for something greater. Hold fast to His promises, for He is faithful to bring you through.

Example 2: Job—Restoration After Loss

Job lost everything—his wealth, his health, and even his children. His suffering was immense, yet he did not curse God. Instead, he remained steadfast, trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty. In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes, giving him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).

Your pain is not the end of your story. What the enemy has stolen, God can restore. When you remain faithful, even in the darkest seasons, God will bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

Example 3: Paul and Silas—Victory in Worship

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for preaching the gospel. Yet, instead of despairing, they chose to worship. In Acts 16:25-26, "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."

Their praise in the midst of suffering led to their deliverance. When you worship in the face of adversity, chains break, doors open, and victory is released. Your praise is a weapon—use it to shift the atmosphere and invite God’s power into your situation.

You Are More Than a Conqueror

No matter what you are facing, remember Romans 8:37, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."* You are not defeated. You are not forgotten. You are a champion in Christ.

Rise above. Take hold of your faith. Let your struggles become the very thing that propels you into victory. God is with you, and He will turn every trial into triumph. Keep pressing forward, for your breakthrough is near!

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

All Rights Reserved