Reasons You STRUGGLE as a Believer

Beloved, let’s talk about something we all face at some point: struggle.

Before we dive a little deeper into this, let's acknowledge that some struggles are unnecessary. We bring difficulties upon ourselves because we as believers are not believing God and we are not obeying God. Yet, we are called to be overcomers. We overcome struggles by obeying God and enduring with God as led by the Holy Spirit. Then there are the necessary struggles that lead to growth. Growth in patience, endurance, and faith.

It's true as women who love Jesus, there are days we feel weary, discouraged, and ready to give up and we can't help but ask ourselves, “Why am I struggling as a believer?”

If you’re asking this right now, you’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll dig into what the Bible says about our struggles, why they happen, and how to GROW through them with faith, endurance, and hope.

The Reality of Struggle

Jesus Himself told us in John 16:33,

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Struggle isn’t a sign that you’ve failed or that God has abandoned you. It’s actually something we were promised we would face. The good news is that Jesus has already overcome the world — and because we are in Him, we can overcome too.

Endurance is essential for every believer. Luke 18:8 reminds us that when Jesus returns, He’s looking for faith. Faith is what keeps us moving forward when everything in the natural says we should quit.

But let’s be honest: having faith isn’t always easy. It’s much simpler to focus on what we see with our natural eyes than to trust the unseen promises of God. That’s why we must keep pressing in, keep seeking Him, and keep choosing to GROW deeper roots in Christ.

Understanding Your Struggle

Before you can overcome your struggle, you have to understand it.

Struggle simply means engaging in an ongoing effort to overcome a difficulty — whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. For believers, every struggle has a spiritual component. That’s why trying to fight spiritual battles with only natural means will leave us exhausted and frustrated.

The first step is to ask yourself:

  • What exactly am I struggling with?

  • Is it mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual?

  • Where do I feel the most resistance?

  • What is stealing my peace right now?

Taking time to reflect on these questions allows you to see the root of what’s going on — and to invite God into the process of healing and restoration.

My Personal Journey

I know this isn’t always easy, because I’ve been there. My own struggle was mental — thoughts that weighed me down and kept me from fully walking in freedom.

When I finally got honest with God, prayed for clarity, and sought wise counsel, He began to show me that at the root of my struggle was unbelief. That revelation hurt — but it also launched me into breakthrough.

I learned that I couldn’t overcome in my own strength. I needed to let God be strong in me. That is what allowed me to GROW and finally experience freedom.

Three Actionable Steps to Help You GROW

Here are three steps you can take if you’re struggling right now:

1. Pray

Cast all your cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Prayer invites God into the situation and reminds your heart that you are not alone.

2. Repent

Sometimes our struggles are connected to sin — whether our own choices or someone else’s. Repentance keeps the lines of communication with God open. If you don’t know what to repent for, ask Him to reveal it.

3. Evaluate

Take a step back and examine what’s disrupting your peace. Write it down, voice record it, or journal it. Look for patterns. Ask yourself:

  • Who or what is draining my joy?

  • When do I feel most triggered or discouraged?

  • What does God’s Word say about this situation?

This process will help you work through struggles intentionally — not just react to them — and invite God’s wisdom to guide you as you GROW.

The Key: Invite God Into Your Struggle

Too often, we try to fix things in our own strength. But as believers, we have access to the power and presence of God. We don’t have to be independent — we can lean fully on Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

God is faithful. He is your counselor, your healer, your provider, and your peace. He already knows every detail of your situation — and He has a plan to lead you through it.

Beloved, the struggle is real, but so is your victory in Christ. Don’t give up. Press in. Pray. Repent. Evaluate. And keep choosing to GROW, one step at a time.

Reflection Questions (Ask Yourself):

  • Am I really believing and obeying God?

  • What area of my life feels the most heavy right now?

  • Have I invited God into this struggle, or am I trying to fix it on my own?

  • What step (pray, repent, evaluate) do I need to take today?

  • What does God’s Word say about my situation, and how can I stand on that truth?

  • How can I choose to GROW in faith through these struggles?