Hard Times on God’s Path
Even when you’re walking along God’s path of life, you’re not exempt from problems, struggles, or troubles. Difficult days are still likely to come your way. But when they do, you can trust that God’s grace is sufficient to carry you through.
As a follower of Jesus, you have a different perspective on hardships. While most people try to avoid troubles at all costs, you can see them as opportunities to grow in grace. James 1:2-3 (NLT) says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Difficult days can lead to a deeper, stronger faith.
A Perspective That Produces Hope
The Apostle Paul shares the same perspective as James. Paul doesn’t promise a life filled with ease and happiness when you follow Jesus. Instead, he acknowledges that suffering will come but encourages us to have the right mindset when it does. After celebrating the peace and grace we experience through faith in Jesus, Paul takes it a step further: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4, NLT).
Struggles are part of life, but they can shape you into a person of deeper faith, stronger character, and lasting hope. When you view trials through this lens, you can rejoice, no matter what comes your way.
Sharing God’s Grace with Others
Your struggles don’t just grow your faith—they equip you to share the message of God’s grace with others. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT), “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Your current mess can become your future message. The comfort you receive from God during hardships enables you to extend that same comfort to others when they are hurting.
Paul’s Example of Grace in Weakness
It’s important to remember that Paul didn’t write these words from a place of comfort or ease. He faced immense hardships because of his faith in Jesus—rejection, slander, beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and more. On top of these, Paul also struggled with a personal affliction.
In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NLT), he wrote, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
Finding Strength in Weakness
When you face tough times, resist the urge to push God away. Instead, lean into Him. Your struggles are an opportunity to experience more of His grace in your life.
Your weakness provides the perfect stage for God to show His strength. So, even in the hardest moments, you can rejoice, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His power is at work.
This blog features an excerpt from one of student series our books, Walk With God.
