When I was 11, I began playing the flute. Although it’s a smaller instrument compared to a tuba or a trombone, it’s one of the more challenging to master. It requires an incredible amount of breath support. The flute needs a huge supply of air, with half the breath going into the instrument and the other half skimming over the top. Instinct might tell you to pucker your lips like you’re about to whistle, but that’s nearly the opposite of what’s needed. The lips should be relaxed, forming a soft “O” shape as if saying the word “too.” As a child, trying to keep all that in mind – while learning the basics of reading music and expressing musicality – was quite a challenge. 

I was instructed to practice each day for at least 20 minutes, and as a rule-following child, I did. There were many days I wanted to quit. It was miserable. My mouth hurt not only from forming the right shape but also from my new braces. My arms and back were sore from holding up the flute and maintaining good posture. I felt I wasn’t any good at it. And, let’s face it, very few people are excited to continue working on something they are not good at. Somehow, though, I found it within myself to embrace the struggle and persevere. 

I played my flute through school and minored in music in college. I’ve played in various bands, symphonies, and ensembles. I’ve played competitively and purely for my own enjoyment. I’ve played in nursing homes, at Salvation Army red kettles, and on worship teams. Out of all the times I have played, though, the most meaningful was at my grandmother’s memorial service. She and my grandfather had purchased my flutes for me. To play at her service was my way of honoring her investment in me, both as her granddaughter and as a musician. I would have missed out on that opportunity – and so many others – if I hadn’t embraced the struggle and persevered.

In life, challenges are inevitable. We will all face struggles and hardships. As Christ’s followers, these struggles don’t go away. In fact, the struggles we face might be more significant as believers. Our human nature urges us to push through struggles quickly, view them as failures, or avoid them altogether. But the Holy Spirit shows us a different way. The way of the Spirit is to embrace the struggle. It’s to invite God into our weaknesses, lean on the Good Shepherd to guide us through the dark valleys, and cling to the hope of Jesus Christ. Through perseverance, we not only experience opportunities we never would have had otherwise but also dig deeper into our well of faith, exploring reservoirs we hadn’t previously known. Struggles are hard, but they are incredible blessings if we choose to embrace them. 

Engage

• What struggle are you currently facing?
• What new thing might God be teaching you about yourself or others through this process?
• How can you deepen your faith and rely more on the Lord during this season?
• What would it look like for you to embrace the struggle?

Supporting Scripture 

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

This article was originally titled “Embracing The Struggle” in the June 2025 issue of The War Cry.