You may never graduate from some struggles. They might always be closer than you want them to be. But some­times the struggle is the thing that keeps us humble. It helps us see ourselves rightly as we see ourselves surren­dered and dependent upon Almighty God.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul prays about a particularly stubborn challenge he’s struggling with:

2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Sometimes it’s good to say, “I’m scared.” I’m scared, but I’m not quitting. I’m scared, but I’m not throwing in the towel. I’m scared, but I’m not going to sit on the side of the road and sulk. I’m scared, but I will not forfeit what God has called me to do, because I recognize it’s not about me; it’s about Him and about Him reaching others through me. I’m scared, but I will stay at my post. I’m scared, but I will keep moving forward. I will continue to trust God in the middle of crying huge tears. I’m scared, but I will not turn away from what God has asked me to turn toward. I’m scared, but I’m still going to trust that God knows what He is doing. And even when I don’t know all that He knows, I can trust that He knows better than me.

James 1:2-12 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

In defiance of whatever fears you may be feeling, what step forward do you need to take today?