encouragement
through hardship

In the Gospels we see Jesus tell His disciples that they will face hardships in life, but to have peace because He has overcome this world. Although we want solutions to our hardships, we pray to get through them, and we know someday they will end, we also choose to get through them the best way we can by clinging to the One who has overcome. We would invite you to do this in 3 ways.

Reading Scripture

Scripture is full of encouragement,  promises, and stories of people going through things very similar to what you may be going through today.  Here are some of their thoughts and reflections in the midst, or after getting through their hardships as well as many promises from God that we can hold onto today.

  1. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
  2. Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
  3. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
  4. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
  5. 1 Corinthians 2:9 What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him.
  6. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
  7. Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
  8. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
  9. Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
  10. Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
  11. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
  12. Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
  13. Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? 
  14.  Psalm 91:14-15 Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
  15. Psalm 139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Practicing Gratitude

The Bible teaches that gratitude is a POWERFUL tool in all scenarios, but especially when we are going through hardships. We would encourage you to make a list of things that you can be grateful for right now as hard as life might be. These things can often be the small flicker of light that can allow us to keep going in the midst of hardships.

Don't Go Through It Alone

We are meant to live in community, and we don't want you to go through this alone. If you would like to talk to someone about what you're going through then please let us  know by filling out the care request below and we would love to be there for you. 
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