What If Struggle Means We Are On The Faithful Path?
Have you noticed that right before a breakthrough, everything seems to go haywire?
This has happened so many times in my life, I've now learned to expect it.
It’s when my faith is being stretched and I have to double down on recognizing the enemy’s schemes. Because guess what? HE is doubling down on throwing them at me!
Listen my precious friends, when it gets darker you need to fight HARDER. You will not make it through if you don’t hang onto faith.
Without faith:
Failure feels final.
Setbacks seem scary.
Delays seem like denial.
Pain feels like it has no purpose.
But faith changes everything.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
Faith doesn’t just change what we believe—it changes what we see.
And here’s something I want you to consider today:
It’s not just hard because you’re tired.
It’s hard because you’re getting close.
Right before a baby is born, the labor intensifies. The pressure builds. Everything feels like too much. You want to quit—but that pain is actually a sign that something is about to be birthed.
The same is true in the spiritual realm.
The enemy will often fight the hardest when you’re closest to what God has planned for you.
Now when I say fight harder, I DO NOT MEAN “do more” or “work harder.”
I mean fight SMARTER.
For example, if I'm struggling to get to the goal I told you about a few weeks ago I don’t power through lifting more weight than is safe. What do we do when in the natural we actually have to back off either because of sickness, or someone else’s actions?
#1. Guard Your Mind Fiercely
“Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Satan isn’t passive—he’s plotting. The original word for “seeking” in this verse implies deliberate planning, craving, and striving. He’s studying your patterns. He knows your triggers. He’s hoping you’ll be too distracted, discouraged, or worn out to fight back.
But not on our watch.
Every lie he throws at you is an invitation to renew your mind with truth. Don’t let him get the final word.
📖 Romans 12:2 reminds us we’re transformed by renewing our mind—not just once, but continually.
👉 Tip: When a thought brings fear, confusion, or shame, ask: “Is this from God or the enemy?” If it’s not rooted in Christ’s perfect love and sacrifice, take it captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and replace it with God’s Word.
#2. Worship Like It’s a Weapon
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7
Worship isn’t just singing; it’s warfare. Praise shifts the atmosphere and silences the enemy. (See Psalm 8:2.) When you feel surrounded, lift your voice. When the heaviness won’t lift, raise a hallelujah anyway.
Satan can’t dwell in the atmosphere of worship. When you worship, you remind your soul (and your enemy) who’s really in charge.
👉 Put on worship music that exalts God, and speak His promises out loud. The enemy thrives in silence, but your praise sends him running.
#3. Declare God’s Word Out Loud
“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:17
You’re not helpless, you’re armed. God gave you a sword for a reason. The Word of God isn’t just encouragement—it’s a weapon. Jesus Himself used Scripture to resist the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4), and so can you.
When lies come at you, don’t just think truth—speak it.
When fear rises, declare peace.
When the enemy says “you can’t,” remind him Who can.
👉 Keep a list of go-to verses nearby (write them on cards, post-its, your mirror). Speak them every time the battle gets intense. I have verses on my phone, in the bathroom, in my workout room, and by my computer.
Satan knows what’s on the other side of your perseverance.
He knows that if you stay faithful, there’s a testimony coming.
That your situation will bring hope to others.
That your bold “yes” to God will unlock freedom, not just for you, but for generations.
Your story will send the enemy running.
With faith:
Failure is NOT final.
Setbacks aren’t as scary.
Delays are just God’s perfect timing.
Pain has a purpose that will eventually be revealed.
Look at Scripture! Every person God used powerfully endured immense pressure before their miracle:
Joseph
Thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned — then promoted to second-in-command in Egypt to save nations.
Esther
Faced genocide and risked everything by approaching the king — then positioned to rescue her people “for such a time as this.”
Jesus
Tempted in the wilderness and tortured on the cross — then resurrected in victory to give us eternal life!
David
Anointed for leadership, then hunted and hiding in caves — later appointed king after years of testing.
Moses
Fled in fear and spent 40 years in obscurity — then called from a burning bush to lead Israel out of slavery.
Ruth
Endured devastating loss and followed her mother-in-law into the unknown — then redeemed by Boaz and grafted into Jesus’ lineage.
Hannah
Wept in barrenness and battled anguish for years — then gave birth to Samuel, a prophet who would anoint kings.
Job
Lost everything—family, health, wealth — then received double restoration after his season of testing.
Peter
Denied Jesus and wrestled with shame, then became a bold voice and foundational leader of the early Church.
Friend, if you are under pressure, you are in good company!!
I had a list of 3 things to do above, but if I had to add one more, I’d say don’t go through it alone. Satan wants us to isolate. Don’t do it. Tell one person that you trust.
Keep going.
The pain has a purpose.
The pressure has a promise.
And the enemy’s panic is just proof—you’re closer than you think!
In passionate purpose,
Dorothy