Turn Struggles into Stepping Stones

Scripture Reading: Romans 8

Scripture Focus:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Reflection:

Life is full of struggles—unexpected challenges, heartbreaks, and setbacks. These moments can feel overwhelming, even immobilizing. But in God’s hands, struggles can become stepping stones, propelling us closer to His purpose for our lives.

Think of the story of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned—his life seemed marked by struggle. Yet, every hardship was a step leading him closer to the position of influence God had prepared for him. Through it all, Joseph kept his faith, trusting that God was orchestrating something greater than he could see.

The same is true for you. Every struggle has the potential to be a stepping stone. When you place your burdens before God, He transforms them into opportunities for growth, character building, and testimony.

Practical Steps:

1. Acknowledge the Struggle: Don’t dismiss or ignore the pain. Bring it before God in prayer and allow yourself to grieve, process, and release it to Him.

2. Ask God for Perspective: Pray for wisdom and clarity to see how this struggle could work for your good. Even if the answer isn’t immediate, trust in His plan.

3. Shift Your Mindset: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this? How can this bring me closer to God or help others?”

4. Take Faith-Filled Action: Use your experience to help others, whether through encouragement, mentorship, or sharing your testimony.

5. Remember God’s Promises: Meditate on scriptures that remind you of God’s faithfulness, like Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with me in every struggle. Help me to trust You even when I can’t see the full picture. Turn my trials into triumphs and my pain into purpose. Teach me to walk by faith, knowing that You are using every step of my journey for good. Help me to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate through my struggles so I can reflect Your glory. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Challenge for the Day:

Take a moment to write down (journal) a struggle you’re currently facing. Then, beneath it, list one way God could use it for good in your life or in the life of someone else. Keep this as a reminder of His faithfulness.