Suffering … Or Struggling?

I had an experience not long ago that got me thinking about how we hold tension between planning for the future and staying present in the moment. Both matter. Both serve a purpose. But the tension we experience can feel like a tug-o-war.

For me, it had been a rough couple of days. Not catastrophic—but definitely heavy. The kind of days that leave you mentally drained, quietly worn out, and you’re unsure why.

On one of those mornings, I read a short devotion and saw the word “suffering” right at the beginning. Though not funny, I almost laughed out loud as I thought, “Well, I’m not suffering.” For me, that word is reserved for circumstances far worse than what I was facing.

And yet… I was disappointed. Mentally fatigued. A little (a lot??) edgy.
Stress had quietly crept in—just enough to amplify my worry thoughts and drain my energy.

I decided that “struggling” would be a better word.

My first instinct was to run from it. I thought, “If I just think enough positive thoughts, I can get past this.”

But I didn’t run.
Not really.
Something I realize only in hindsight.

Instead, I reached out. I talked with a friend who offered encouragement and wise suggestions. Then I talked to another friend—different encouragement, equally valuable.

What I received was exactly what I needed:

• Caring support
• Thoughtful perspective
• Real connection
• And (maybe most importantly), a reminder that I wasn’t alone

The next morning, I read the word suffering again—but this time, I didn’t flinch. I didn’t stop. I kept reading, and what followed was this:

• “Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me.”

• “Bearing your circumstances bravely—even thanking Me for them—is one of the highest forms of praise.”

• “Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems.”

(Quotes from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

And with those words, my heart settled.

Even in the midst of the challenge—the struggle—there was purpose. Maybe I wasn’t suffering. But the struggle was real. And it had something to teach me.

A lesson I could only learn when I took the time and acknowledged what I was experiencing.

Suffering - or otherwise.