Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank You, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give You a tenth of my income.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
(Luke 18:9-14 NLT)
We all go through difficulties in this life, some like to keep them hidden while others have learned these struggles are really lessons in disguise, not something to be ashamed of but instead trophies that reveal what a might God we serve. In order to be open about your struggles you must come to a point of deeper understanding of who God says you are. A point that says this life is not about you or me but something bigger. It’s not about self-image or persona but it is about remembering that we have all fallen short of what God’s law requires of us. I consider my life is a success when people look at me and see what God is doing. Never do I need to be more than what God is doing in me right now but always point to Him as the focal point, not to bask in accomplishments but ever searching for more of Him to be revealed in my own life. What is accomplished if I show myself to be strong? Are people impressed when the façade I maintain resembles the ideal of human achievements? That is a heavy load and I would much rather be honest about my struggles because I know if there be any praise, if there be any glory it is not my own but God’s but that has its price as well. I realize not all will come to this place, it can be scary and the cost seem too high, especially if a life time of building is at stake but what is your foundation? Is it solid ground or is it sand? God is more concerned with our spiritual condition than He is our physical comfort and if the flesh must be brought low so that the spirit will know His salvation don’t think His love isn’t strong enough to take us there and beyond. Don’t mistake struggles for weakness for I live; yet no longer I, but Christ in me. (Gal 2:20)
You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake.
(2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT)
The apostle Paul may have been the strongest Christian that ever was but yet he shared many of his struggles not just those past but those he dealt with at the time of his writing. In this present life the norm has become to fix people but seldom do we take time to look at our own issues but God has a way of causing us to see what is important. Sometimes it can be a gentle whisper of His Holy Spirit and sometimes it takes a raging storm, it all depends on our own ability to listen and obey.
In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us.
(2 Corinthians 1:9-10 NLT)
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