We’ve been dealing with some ants this month. It seems like just when I think they’re gone they are back. I celebrate having beaten this annoyance aaaannnd then it is like they are laughing in my face. Sigh! It seems like this sometimes in life don’t you think? We overcome a struggle, think it is in our past, and then there it is is again rearing its ugly head. The battle is anew.

I’ve had these types of battles. Maybe you have too. It could be your weight, an addiction, managing your anger, a relationship, self-esteem, depression, etc. We’re not alone. The Bible is ripe with examples of people who turn a corner and run right into an old friend they’d rather forget. Abraham and doubt, Moses and his self-esteem, the Israelites with obedience, David and the Philistines, and the disciples with their belief. You keep rooting for them as it seems like they overcome but then groan when you see them fall once again.

However, in each example God was there to meet them. He is there to meet us too, in each of our struggles even if it is the 100th time. Satan attacks us in these weak moments. Praise the Lord we can call on God for His strength for the battle. Ephesians 6:10-20 tells us that we have access to God’s very own personal armor. How empowering is THAT! Not only do we have God’s armor but we can have friends in our corner too. When we surround ourselves not only with people that support us and are uplifting but also with what we are reading, watching, and listening too it can be like Miracle Grow for the strength God is planting.

I thank God for His Word that encourages and gives life. I hold onto Paul’s encouragement found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” What has Christ done? Hear it straight from Him. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬) When we are knee deep in our struggles, the ants of life that just keep coming back, we can choose to learn more about Christ and draw on all that is already planted inside of us. When we do, we too can be a blessing to others. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14‬)