The Deeply Formed Leader: Learning to Discern Our Struggles

One of the most important aspects of spiritual formation is learning to discern both the source and the purpose of our struggles. This is rarely a simple task, but it plays a vital role in how we are shaped and formed. Rightly determining the source of our struggle will change our approach and response to the struggle.

While this is not an exhaustive list, let me give you some categories for our struggles. (It should also be noted that sometimes there can be more than one factor at play in a single struggle).

A Spiritual Attack:

• This is where the enemy seeks to discourage, deceive, tempt, or derail us from following Christ and the ways of the Spirit by targeting weak points or strategic opportunities in our lives. (Eph 6:11-12)

• The source of a spiritual attack is the Enemy, Satan, whose primary purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)

• In Christ, we are given the authority to stand firm and resist his schemes (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Discipline:

• Sometimes we face the natural consequences of our own sin and rebellion and at other times God actively disciplines us as His children.

• The source of this discipline is God and He uses it to lead us to an understanding of our sin, repentance, and restoration (Heb 12:5-11)

• The goal of God's discipline is never for destruction but always for our redemption. As a loving Father would discipline his children, so does our loving Father discipline us.

Testing:

• Sometimes the Spirit leads us into a time or season of refinement or testing, not to break us, but in order to prune us so that we can bear more fruit. (John 15:2, 1 Pet 1:6-7)

• The source of this testing is the Holy Spirit who uses trials to purify our faith and shape our character (James 1:2-4)

Self-Inflicted Struggles:

• These struggles are caused by poor or unwise decisions that aren't necessarily sinful but show a lack of wisdom in certain matters. (Prov 19:3, Gal 6:7)

• The source of these struggles is ourselves because of our failure to walk in wisdom.

• These struggles remind us of the need for godly counsel, prayerful decision-making, and reliance on God's wisdom.

Weakness or Thorns:

• Sometimes God allows us to carry an ongoing weakness or "thorn in the flesh" to guard us from pride, grow humility, and teach us complete dependence on Christ's strength (2 Cor 12:7-10).

• The source of this struggle can be both God and our Enemy. While the thorn was a “messenger of Satan” meant to torment Paul, God in His sovereignty allowed it for a higher purpose; to guard Paul from pride and deepen his dependence on grace. What the enemy intends for harm, God can redeem for our good.

Brokenness of this World:

• These are the struggles we face because we live in a broken, sinful world that is "groaning" and awaiting its full redemption in Christ (Rom 8:18-25).

• The source of this brokenness is humanity's fall into sin (Gen 3), which unleashed death, decay, and injustice into God's good creation.

• Illness, natural disasters, disease, and injustice remind us that creation is awaiting its full restoration in Christ's return.

So, how do I properly discern the source and purpose of my struggle?

There is a reason why it takes "discernment" in order to understand the source and purpose of our struggles. In the moment, it is not always obvious what is the source of our struggle. Discernment takes time, humility, and a willingness to let God reveal what we cannot see on our own.

• From personal experience, I've often found it difficult to discern the struggle in the moment. As I continue to persevere and hold this struggle before the Lord, He provides further discernment and clarity regarding the source and purpose of the struggle.

• Begin with prayer and surrender. Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal what you need to see. Discernment always flows best from a posture of surrender and humility to God's leading.

• Examine your life in the light of Scripture. God's Word is alive and active and is the standard by which we measure our experiences. Does my struggle or hardship mirror a biblical pattern found in Scripture?

• Seek godly wisdom and open yourself to the community of faith. God often brings clarity through wise, Spirit-filled believers who may be able to see or reveal something you are unable to discern.

• Always look for what God is producing in you. Regardless of the source, God is always working and desiring to use whatever we are facing for our maturity and for His glory. What is God forming in me through this?

Three years ago, my parents (Gary & Diana Nelson) decided to build a legacy property at Grand Lake. This property would be something the family could enjoy for generations to come, while also serving as a retreat/getaway for pastors, missionaries, and those in ministry. For the past three years, Lindsay and I have overseen the design and construction of this project (Sabbath House: a place to reconnect with God and one another). Just a few weeks ago we were able to open Sabbath House to our very first group, the City Church staff. It’s our prayer that this place serves as a holy and sacred space for people to find rest and renewal!

Every time I read a Brian Zahnd book I’m reminded of what a gifted writer he is. He has an incredible ability to weave together history, stories, and spiritual ideas into captivating and challenging truths. For the disillusioned Christian who is in danger of deconstructing until there is nothing left, Zahnd brings the reader back to the beauty of Christ and the eternal hope of this beauty.