All Aboard the Struggle Bus
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:16–17 – “Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.”
Devotional Thought:
Welcome aboard the Struggle Bus.
If you’re breathing, you already have your ticket.
We all ride this bus — some of us daily — and while the route may be bumpy, it’s leading somewhere good.
Let’s be real: this year has been hard. For many of us personally, and for our church collectively.
We’ve faced loss, stress, fear, and frustration. We’ve battled exhaustion, doubt, financial strain, and heartbreak.
But even through all that, one truth remains:
While the struggle is real, God is still in control, and God is still good.
It’s easy to look around and feel like life’s engine is sputtering — that we’re just trying to keep the wheels on. But God’s Word reminds us that even when the outer self feels like it’s falling apart, the inner self can still be renewed daily.
Our struggles don’t stop God’s work; they reveal His strength.
They don’t prove God’s absence; they highlight His presence.
And when we press on through the struggle, we discover something sacred — a deeper dependence on Him and on one another.
The Church isn’t a museum for the perfect; it’s a garage for the broken.
Every dent, every squeaky wheel, every warning light is a sign that God is still doing maintenance on our hearts.
And the truth is: the struggle bus is full of blessings.
Because where God’s people are, His goodness rides along.
Even in the chaos, He’s present — restoring, renewing, and refining us.
So today, don’t jump off the bus.
Don’t let the noise or the bumps convince you you’re alone.
We’re all on this journey together — and the Driver is faithful.
Reflection Questions:
- What struggle in your life right now feels like it’s driving you off course?
- How has God shown His goodness in the middle of that struggle?
- How can you remind yourself (and others) that “the struggle bus” is still headed toward hope?
Prayer:
Father, thank You that even when the road gets rough, You never leave the driver’s seat.
Thank You that my struggles are not wasted but are producing something eternal in me.
Renew my heart today. Help me see Your goodness in the middle of difficulty.
And as I ride this bus with others who are hurting, teach me to offer grace, patience, and encouragement along the way.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Daily Practice:
Take a few minutes today to write down three areas where you’re struggling — personally, emotionally, or spiritually.
Then next to each one, write one way you’ve seen God’s faithfulness through it.
Post it somewhere visible this week as a reminder: The struggle is real, but so is God’s goodness.