The phrase “The Struggle is Real” has gained popularity in recent years, often used humorously, but it holds deep truth. Life isn’t easy. Everyone faces struggles—some hidden, some obvious. We all wrestle with difficulties, pain, and challenges, even when others can’t see them. Struggles come in different forms—emotional, physical, and spiritual. Sometimes, they pass quickly. Other times, they linger, shaping our lives.
Even Jesus struggled. Though sinless, He experienced pain, rejection, and distress. This was very evident in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:36-46, we find Jesus in His darkest hour, preparing for the suffering of the cross. He wasn’t immune to sorrow—He felt the weight of what was to come. The betrayal was at hand. His disciples, despite their loyalty, would soon flee. Jesus was in deep anguish, His soul “exceeding sorrowful, even unto death” (v. 38). He prayed so intensely that Luke’s Gospel tells us He sweat “great drops of blood” (Luke 22:44).
In this moment of struggle, Jesus gives us a powerful example of how to face our own hardships.
1. He Persevered Despite His exhaustion, “He went a little farther” (v. 39). We, too, must press on, even when we feel like giving up. Struggles may drain us, but quitting isn’t an option. Whether we’re walking through grief, enduring hardship, or carrying a burden we didn’t ask for, we must take another step forward. Sometimes, God allows struggles not to break us, but to build us.
2. He Positioned Himself Before God Jesus “fell on His face and prayed” (v. 39). He didn’t try to handle His suffering alone—He took it to the Father. Many people say, “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” but that’s not in the Bible. That’s found in 2 nd Opinions Chapter 1! The truth is, life will give us more than we can bear on our own—but never more than God can carry for us. If Jesus, the Son of God, cried out for help, how much more do we need to? Instead of trying to bear our burdens alone, we must humble ourselves and seek God’s strength.
3. He Prayed Persistently Jesus didn’t just pray once—He prayed three times (vv. 39, 42, 44). His disciples, meanwhile, couldn’t stay awake. This highlights a critical truth: prayer requires persistence. How often do we spend more time venting to friends about our problems than we do bringing them to God? (I am guilty of this.) The Bible tells us that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). If Jesus, in His moment of struggle, prioritized prayer, so should we.
4. He Prioritized the Father’s Will At first, Jesus prayed, “Let this cup pass from me” (v. 39). By His second prayer, His words shifted: “Thy will be done” (v. 42). He surrendered to God’s plan, even though it meant suffering.
Sometimes, God’s will includes struggles we don’t understand. We may ask for relief, and it’s okay to do so. But ultimately, we must trust that God’s ways are higher than ours.
Many faithful believers struggle, not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because struggles are part of life. Some hardships refine us. Others remain a mystery. But through it all, we must come to the same conclusion as Jesus: “Not my will, but thine.”
Are you struggling today? Take heart—your struggle is real, but so is your Savior. Jesus knows what it is to suffer, and He understands your pain. Keep pressing on. Pray without ceasing.
Trust that, one day, all struggles will end. Until then, take your burdens to Jesus. The struggle is real—but so is His grace!
I would love to hear from you if I can pray for you in any way. Contact me anytime.
Jimmy Barrett is a resident of Blackshear and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross.
