HARD TIMES

At the time I’m writing this, my car has been giving me trouble. It’s been like this for a while; and whenever it seems like it’s fixed, it’s not long before something goes wrong again. It’s already cost quite a bit of time and money, and it’s looking like more will be required before the root problem is found. When things don’t work the way they should, I get stressed, and this has been my nemesis of late.

Perhaps you’re going through a rough patch too. Or maybe you’re facing a major hardship or heartbreak. Maybe you recently lost your job or someone you were close to. Maybe you’ve been beaten down one too many times, and you just can’t imagine that anything good can happen in your life, that you could catch a break.

Whatever you’re dealing with, you’re not alone. Jesus Himself experienced hard times—He even asked His Father if it was really necessary to go through with His trial and execution.

Sometimes our hardships can be so overwhelming that we become paralyzed. When we feel trapped by fear or grief, unable to take the tiniest step toward recovery, what we need most is a guide—someone or something to give hope and illuminate the path toward healing. It can be a friend, an inspirational book or website, music, or most importantly, God. No matter what our circumstance or difficulty, we can rest assured that God will always be faithful.

If you happen to be struggling today, or if you know someone else who is careworn, then you have come to the right place for healing. I hope my car will—eventually—run as good as new. What is more certain is that God will help you through your difficulty. His Word promises “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”

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2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV / 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 John 4:4 ESV / Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.