Life is sweet.

Whitney English -  http://blog.whitneyenglish.com/the-struggle-is-part-of-the-story/

Sometimes a mere seven word phrase can bring to mind a whole myriad of thoughts, memories, emotions, convictions. 

I found this little piece of art on Pinterest last night and it immediately stirred something in my heart.

Hope; yes, hope is what it stirred up.

The struggle is part of the story.

This concept came up in conversation with a sweet friend last week in discussing a book by Donald Miller that I have yet to read, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

Every story needs some kind of conflict. That's why people read books and watch movies. Something bad happens in hope for some kind of redemption by the end. Lack of closure makes us uneasy. But would you sit at the edge of a sticky movie theater seat watching a story with absolutely no conflict at all? Probably not. You're more likely to fall asleep... and who wants to pay $12.00 for that?! 

We celebrate conflict in story because of this: the greater the struggle, the greater the triumph. 

So why do we avoid conflict in real life? 

We are LIVING God's story of redemption. 

If there was no struggle or tension, then the redemption would seem meaningless. 

This is why we can push through the conflict, 
endure the struggle, 
and embrace tension 
(whether personal or interpersonal) 
because we have a hope in Jesus that expects a glorious redemption in the end.

The struggle is part of the story. It's necessary.

"And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

He is FAITHFUL & His promises endure FOREVER!

God is crafting together the story of your life and each intricate detail has significance.

Even the ones we'd rather he revise or leave out all together.