We all go through difficult times now and then, but sometimes it feels like the hits keep coming. The troubles of life are relentless, and you feel like you can’t catch a break.
Your career is stalled out. Your kids won’t talk to you. The doctor gave you the phone call you hoped you’d never receive. You don’t know how you’re going to scrape together enough to pay your bills this month.
You’re at the end of your rope, and all you want to do is call it quits, run away, and escape your problems for good.
Life feels incredibly challenging at times, leaving us overwhelmed, exhausted, and broken. We cry out to God, desperately hoping that we won't have to endure one more blow.
Why is life so hard? Does God really care about our struggles?
Why is life so hard?
When the going gets tough, it’s easy to question God’s character. Is he really a loving father who cares deeply for you? Or is he just sitting up in the sky passively watching everything unfold?
The presence of suffering in our lives is a side effect of living in a fallen world. When we look back, the brokenness around us can be traced back to one event. Romans 5:12 reminds us that when Adam, the first man, sinned, the consequences of that sin spread to all people.
The first sin caused a ripple effect that can still be felt throughout humanity today. It affects us on various levels—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
The Bible acknowledges this reality. Romans 8:22 says, "For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” This groaning signifies the struggle and hardship that permeates our existence.
So how do we deal with this suffering when it happens? How can we make it through to the other side of our struggles?
The hardest thing: seeing Jesus
When our circumstances change, it is easy to feel as though Jesus changes with them. When things seem to be going our way, it feels like he is close to us and looking out for us.
Likewise, when suffering happens, we feel like Jesus is leaving us on our own, ignoring our struggles or our cries for help. We may begin to doubt his presence and faithfulness.
However, the truth is that Jesus never changes. Life is full of ups and downs, but his character is unwavering and his love for us remains constant. The Bible assures us in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Regardless of what we face, Jesus remains by our side. He is with us on both the good days and the difficult ones. He stands beside us when we are at peace and when we feel like we’re in a fierce battle.
God's promises in the midst of trials
We were never promised a problem-free life. In fact, in John 16:33, Jesus assures us that “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” That hardly sounds encouraging.
However, it’s important to look at what he says next: “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” You see, God isn’t shaken by our battles. He’s bigger than even our biggest fears.
God promises to never abandon us. He offers us a peace that surpasses understanding, even in the face of our deepest fears and the realization of our worst nightmares. God's presence is unwavering, and he reminds us that we are never alone.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow tired of doing good. It serves as a reminder that we must persevere, trusting that our efforts are not in vain. Though we may be weary, God's strength will sustain us. He sees beyond our current circumstances and grants us the endurance to keep pressing forward.
How to not give up
In times of hardship, our vision often becomes limited to what is right in front of us. We become consumed by the difficulties and fail to see the bigger picture. However, God's perspective is vast and encompassing. He sees beyond the present moment, and He knows the ultimate purpose of our trials.
To not give up, we must cling to God's promises and the truth that our temporary existence is not the end. We can find comfort in the knowledge that there is a greater plan at work, even if we can’t see it.
Life's difficulties can be overwhelming, leaving us on the brink of giving up. However, we have a choice to make—to surrender to despair or to place our trust in God's unchanging character and promises.
In moments when we feel alone and broken, we can turn to God, knowing that he is always with us. By embracing the truth of God's Word and holding onto his promises, we can find the strength to endure, persevere, and overcome no matter what life throws our way.
Don't give up. Fix your eyes on Jesus, finding hope and courage to face each day with faith and resilience. In him, we can find the power to not give up and to discover purpose and fulfillment no matter what challenges come our way.
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If you’re feeling beat down and overwhelmed by life, don’t go it alone. Talk to a pastor, counselor, or trusted friend about how you’re feeling. If you need help finding someone, let us know! Here are some other resources to help you navigate hard times:
18 Resources to Lean Into in Times of Uncertainty
What to do When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers
10 Ways to Combat Worry & Find Peace
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