We all walk through difficult seasons and moments when life feels upside down, faith feels weak, and God feels far away. In these times, it can be tempting to wonder, “Where is God?” or “Why is this happening?” But the Christian life isn’t about escaping hardship. It’s about discovering God’s presence in the hardship.
Trusting God in difficult times doesn’t mean ignoring our pain or pretending to be strong. It means choosing to believe that He is still good, still sovereign, and still with us, even when Life doesn’t make sense.
My Experience with God in Hard Times
Do I have experience with this topic? Oh yes! I won’t go into all the gritty details, but God has helped me through so many challenging times. Was it easy in those times? Certainly not. God doesn’t wave a magic wand and suddenly make all the challenges go away.
But I had to make the choice to trust Him and follow His leading. Have I always perfectly done so? No, and I’ve learned from those experiences. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. The Lord allowed me to make those mistakes and suffer the consequences. When you do this a few times, you finally learn to lean into the Lord and follow His guidance.
I’ve lived through a few things over the years. While the challenges have varied, God has never changed. His promises have stayed the same over the years—He hasn’t changed—He will not change. I know this firsthand.
Everything in this blog post (and the entire blog) has been learned and experienced by me. My goal with today’s post and blog as a whole is to share with you and others what I’ve learned, with the hope it can help you gain faith in the Lord, too.
God Doesn’t Change in the Storm
One of the most comforting truths we find in the Bible is that God’s character remains constant. Nahum 1:7 NKJV says, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” God’s goodness isn’t based on our circumstances. He is as good in the storm, just like when the skies are clear. When everything else is shaking, Christ remains steady—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Trusting our Lord means anchoring our hope in who He is, not in what we see around us.
When you’re overwhelmed, remind yourself: God hasn’t changed. His love, care, and promises are just as true in the valley as they are on the mountaintop. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV).
Your Tears Matter to God
Does God really care about what we’re going through? The answer is a definitive, “Yes!” Psalm 56:8 NKJV gives us a tender image of God’s attentiveness: “You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?” Nothing escapes the Lord’s notice—not a single sigh, not a single tear.
Our Lord sees you. He hears you. He knows what you’re walking through, and He holds your heart with all compassion.
This means we don’t have to hide our sadness or pretend to be OK. We can bring our brokenness to God, knowing He welcomes it. He collects our tears, not because we are weak, but because we are deeply loved.
Strength to Endure, Not Just Escape
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV reminds us that God offers more than sympathy; He provides strength. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” The Lord doesn’t always remove the challenge, but He gives us what we need to go through it.
The Bible is filled with examples of God providing strength to endure:
- Joseph’s imprisonment: Genesis 37-50: he’s betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. Here, he’s thrown in prison for false accusations. Eventually, Joseph rose to a position of power and was able to help his family through a deep famine.
- David’s persecution: 1 Samuel 18-31: David was anointed as the future king of Israel, but before he became king, he was pursued by King Saul, who wanted to kill him. But David trusted in God, who saved him from Saul. David, through endurance and patience, eventually became king. God provided for him throughout.
- Paul’s thorn in the flesh: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: Paul prayed for relief from a thorn in the flesh. We’re not told what this was, but it was a source of suffering for Paul. God didn’t remove the affliction, but He did say, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s strength is made visible in our weakness.
Trusting God means learning to rely on His strength instead of our own in times of hardship and challenge. It’s OK to admit you can’t do it alone. That’s exactly where His power has met me over the years. Right when I’m hanging by the last strand of the rope. It’s here that Jesus comes to save.
Hope is Our Anchor
When the storms of life hit, we need an anchor to keep us from drifting into despair. Hebrews 6:19 NKJV offers that hope: “This hope we have an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil…” Jesus is our anchor; He doesn’t prevent the storm, but He keeps us secure within it.
Here, again, we find examples in the Bible of Jesus keeping the disciples secure:
- Peter walking on the water: Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus walks on the water towards the disciples during a storm. Peter, full of faith, walks on the water toward Jesus. However, he takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses on the waves, and begins to sink. Jesus saves Peter, demonstrating his power and willingness to save those who trust in Him.
- Calming the sea: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25: Jesus and the disciples are caught in a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were scared and feared for their lives. Jesus was asleep in the boat (during such a storm!), so they woke Him. He commanded the wind and waves to be still, which brought calm and peace.
I love these stories. In the story about Peter walking on the sea, notice that he takes his eyes off Jesus. When that happens, Peter focuses on the storm and begins to sink. The same happens when we take our eyes off the Lord. Rather than focusing on Him, we focus on our circumstances and can’t see a way out. We begin to sink.
Jesus calming the storm is similar. When the storm is raging, Jesus is in the boat sleeping. How can He sleep when His disciples fear for their lives? Focusing on Jesus brings peace, strength, and endurance. Otherwise, we become swamped by fear, doubt, anxiety, and more.
Hope in Christ isn’t wishful or magical thinking; it’s a confident expectation that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He’ll do. When you feel tossed by fear, stress, or pain, let Jesus be your anchor; He will hold you firm. Keep your focus on Him, and you won’t drift into fear and despair.
Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Jesus says in John 14:27 NKJV, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This isn’t the kind of peace the world offers—it’s deeper and unshakable. Jesus’ peace stands guard over our hearts, even when life is anything but peaceful.
When we fix our eyes on Christ and invite His presence into our pain, we can know peace that doesn’t make sense to the world. And that peace becomes a witness to others of God’s faithfulness.
God Carries What You Can’t
Sometimes life feels too heavy, but Isaiah 46:4 NKJV brings reassurance: “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” God doesn’t just walk beside you—He carries you when you can’t take another step. He holds the weight that feels too much to bear. This is the promise He makes to each of us, and it’s a promise the Lord keeps.
If you’re feeling exhausted, know that you don’t have to keep everything together by yourself. Allow God to carry you. That’s not weakness—that’s trust.
Trials Produce Growth
James 1:2-3 NKJV says that our trials are not wasted: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Trials may not feel joyful (at least not the ones I’ve dealt with), but God uses our difficulties to shape us, mature us, and deepen our faith.
Sometimes the very things we wish away are the things God uses to draw us closer to Him. Growth can be uncomfortable, but it’s always purposeful when you trust the Lord to get you through.
Hold On—He’s Holding You
Trusting God in difficult times doesn’t mean we won’t cry, question, or struggle. It also doesn’t mean we give up all our responsibilities. Instead, it means we choose to cling to Him in the middle of it all. We still have to take care of our responsibilities (work, taking care of kids and family, etc.) While we do this, our faith grows and deepens as long as we keep our eyes on Christ. Our faith grows not when life is easy, but when we keep walking through the valley, hand in hand with Jesus.
If you’re walking through something hard right now, take heart. You’re not alone. God is with you, He’s for you, working through even your current circumstances. No matter the challenges you’re facing, God sees your tears. He strengthens your soul. And He promises to carry you until the storm passes and the sun shines again.
Concluding Thoughts
God cares what we’re going through, and He’s always working for our benefit. We need to keep our focus on Him and take care of our responsibilities, trusting that He is in control and has our best interests at heart.
How can you get through the hard times?
- Jesus is faithful—keep trusting Him.
- Pray—be honest with the Lord and share everything you’re going through and what you’re feeling.
- Read the Bible daily.
- Meditate on Nahum 1:7 each morning.
- Keep a “God is faithful” journal to track those times you know God helped you through. (Refer back to this when times are tough).
- Reach out to someone and share how they can pray for you.
Did today’s post encourage you? Share your story of how God’s been faithful in your life! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below or reply using the contact form to the right!
Week 6 Spiritual Growth Through Trials
Life is full of hardships, but God never wastes our pain. In this Week 6 bundle, Spiritual Growth Through Trials, you’ll discover how your faith can deepen even in the hardest seasons. These devotionals and workbook prompts walk you through biblical truths about suffering, strength, and hope.
This bundle is ideal for new believers, those returning to faith, or anyone seeking to live as a Christian in a genuine, honest, and faithful manner.
You can find this week’s workbook and devotional bundle on Gumroad!
I've also written a guide on Understanding the Peace of Jesus. The guide's included in the Week 6 bundle. It's also available as a separate purchase on Gumroad! Get your copy today!
Special Prayers for the Suffering World
This week, I’d like to offer prayers for those hit by flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and in Lincoln County, New Mexico (Ruidoso, etc.). My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones & friends, their homes, and more. I also pray for all who are suffering around the world. If you’d like to join me, drop a comment below or reach out through the contact form.
There’s so much going on around the world right now. It can be overwhelming just thinking about it all. But there is One who is in control, our sovereign Lord, Jesus Christ. He promises to wipe away our tears, be here with us, and carry us through.
God bless,
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