In the Know, Vol. 13: Persevering Through Difficult Circumstances
In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” It’s written in black and white for all to see, it’s not hidden…we know trouble is coming. But knowing doesn’t make it any easier.
I recently experienced a season of hardship. I still remember the fallout vividly. All I could do was cry over the loss of dreams and the reality we were facing. I wanted out, to walk away and wash my hands of it, but it wasn’t that simple. This season lasted a while and left me feeling alone.
Have you ever felt stuck in a situation like that? It’s hard, right? We want to sweep it all under the rug, but if we believe the second half of John 16:33, we know Jesus already overcame our difficult circumstances, and our responsibility is to lean in. We want to take the easy way around, but we know we have to sit in the tension and the yuck. James 1:2-4 puts it this way: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
For me, this difficult season provided a lesson in character. How God uses our circumstances to build and refine our character to better reflect His. And when we persevere through hardship and take on the beautiful aspects of God’s character, it gives those around us a glimpse of Him.
Through my circumstances, I’ve learned to love people who are different from me and see them as God sees them. And what keeps me going is that I know there’s more to come if I choose to stay in it. That’s why we have to persevere through difficult circumstances. The journey is challenging, but here’s what is true for you and me…regardless of where we find ourselves, Jesus is walking hand in hand with us, and we do not endure alone.
What about you? Have you experienced a season where you had to persevere even when you wanted to run away? Check out the resources below and let us know how we can help.
In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” It’s written in black and white for all to see, it’s not hidden…we know trouble is coming. But knowing doesn’t make it any easier.
I recently experienced a season of hardship. I still remember the fallout vividly. All I could do was cry over the loss of dreams and the reality we were facing. I wanted out, to walk away and wash my hands of it, but it wasn’t that simple. This season lasted a while and left me feeling alone.
Have you ever felt stuck in a situation like that? It’s hard, right? We want to sweep it all under the rug, but if we believe the second half of John 16:33, we know Jesus already overcame our difficult circumstances, and our responsibility is to lean in. We want to take the easy way around, but we know we have to sit in the tension and the yuck. James 1:2-4 puts it this way: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
For me, this difficult season provided a lesson in character. How God uses our circumstances to build and refine our character to better reflect His. And when we persevere through hardship and take on the beautiful aspects of God’s character, it gives those around us a glimpse of Him.
Through my circumstances, I’ve learned to love people who are different from me and see them as God sees them. And what keeps me going is that I know there’s more to come if I choose to stay in it. That’s why we have to persevere through difficult circumstances. The journey is challenging, but here’s what is true for you and me…regardless of where we find ourselves, Jesus is walking hand in hand with us, and we do not endure alone.
What about you? Have you experienced a season where you had to persevere even when you wanted to run away? Check out the resources below and let us know how we can help.
GOD HEARS HER: TRUTH AND GRIT (WITH ELLIE HOLCOMB)
WE’D LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY FOR YOU
CONVERSATION CARD: CHOOSING COURAGE
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