I’m not really a Star Wars fan, and I know I probably lost some followers by saying that, but it never has been my kind of movie. I watched the original first three and yes even the new ones. I can see a lot of lessons to be learned from them as well, but I am not one of those that watch them over and over. I have waited in a very long line for the movie but that is the price a mom pays when her children love the movie, and they actually want to see it with their mom.
That being said I was in the kitchen cooking away. I usually like to cook with music, but this time the TV was on and in the background was none other than Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
As I cooked, I overheard the familiar dialogue and knew what was going to happen just by listening. But as I listened to the familiar sound of Darth Vader, I couldn’t help but enjoy listening to the very famous voice of James Earl Jones. I think he has one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood.
I got to thinking of an interview I once saw with him talking about how when he was a little boy he wouldn’t even talk because he had such a severe stutter. Barely speaking for eight long years must have been incredibly hard. But could you imagine if he had decided to stay quiet? We would never have heard such a powerful, recognizable voice that brings the characters he portrays to life.
It made me think about how often the things we struggle with the most are the very things that shape who we become.
Sometimes the challenge we wish would disappear is actually the very thing God uses to build strength, compassion, wisdom, or courage within us. The struggle may not feel like a gift in the moment but looking back we often see how it prepared us for something bigger.
I find it fascinating that the Bible is filled with stories like this. Over and over again God takes what people see as weakness and turns it into something meaningful and powerful.
Moses struggled with speaking.
David was the overlooked shepherd boy.
Paul carried his “thorn in the flesh.”
Yet God used each of them in ways they probably never imagined.
So, when we find ourselves facing challenges that feel overwhelming, it helps to remember that our struggles are not wasted. In fact, they might be the very place where God’s strength shows up the most.
2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us of this beautifully:
*”But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may