For Those Who Are Struggling

When life feels too heavy, you are not alone in your struggle.❤️‍🩹

In Philippians 1, the Apostle Paul may have been wrestling with wanting to die when he wrote: “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”

He was likely feeling the weight of beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. (In fact, he was in prison when he wrote that.)

When everything hurts and we wonder why we should keep going, remember this truth: two things can be good at once . . .

It’s good to look forward to being with Christ eternally, AND it’s good to remain here now.

Your life matters. It matters so much that Jesus came to undo death by dying for you.

Some days are unbearably painful. Some days the darkness feels overwhelming. But here’s what you need to know:

You can’t outrun God’s grace. Nothing — not even your darkest thoughts — is bigger than Jesus and what He’s done for you.

When you’re struggling:

➡️ Talk to someone. Your pastor, parents, friends, or a hotline. You don’t have to carry this alone.

➡️ Get to church. Not because it instantly fixes everything, but because that’s where Jesus meets you with His gifts of grace.

➡️ Let others help you. On days when you can barely get out of bed, let someone else drag you to where Jesus is — or bring Jesus to you.

➡️ Remember your baptism. You belong to Christ. Nothing — not even your darkest thoughts — can separate you from His love.

Christ defines what is good — not our feelings. And He says YOU are worthy, loved and necessary.

Remember: Jesus isn’t distant when you’re hurting, and his mercy is deeper than any darkness.

He’s right there in the Word, the sacraments, and the people He’s placed around you.

You are His baptized child, and nothing can change that.

The God who defeated death will never abandon you to fight alone. ✝️

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

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