I’ve often heard women say, “It shouldn’t be this hard.” I’ve often heard myself say the same.
Maybe I’m making it too hard. Maybe it really IS hard, and I’m not handling it well. Either way, let me share something with you that may or may not feel comforting.
It’s guaranteed to be hard.
In John 16:33, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the times to come. He would be going away for a bit, but then they’d see Him again. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus sets a guarantee with those words that life will be troublesome at times. Possibly at more times than we’d care for. And to a greater degree than we ever thought possible.
In my mothering journey, the same kiddos keep doing the same wrong things day after day, year after year, with no end in sight. And I’m tired.
In my trust journey, the same fears and worries keep bubbling to the surface even though I’ve set them in Jesus’ ever-capable hands. I keep yanking them back, unintentionally mulling them over again and again, as if thinking about them and getting emotional about them will lessen their reality. And it doesn’t.
In my journey of following Jesus, I’ve set it in my heart to do whatever He asks of me. I’ve followed Him anywhere He led. And the heartbreak has been greater than I’d ever imagined it could be.
It can be difficult to make sense of it all.
We are not guaranteed a trouble-free life just because we follow Christ. We are guaranteed that He will be with us, leaving His peace for us. His presence and peace becomes the guarantee. Oh. Yes. We can’t do without that.
I would rather the troubles stay, than to be without His peace and presence as I navigate life.
After all, Jesus says their “grief will turn to joy.” (John 16:20) The hard times are not permanent. But how will they leave? When?
Our grief will turn to joy in His time. In His way. Keep trusting, keep hoping, keep laying those burdens down at His feet. Keep taking the next step He gives you to take.
“Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Amanda Bacon
Latest posts by Amanda Bacon (see all)
- Mom’s Calm-Down, Healthy Attitude Playlist - April 25, 2022
- How a Stuffy Nose Helped Me Fully Understand the Love of Christ - April 11, 2022
- In This Together (Parenting as Teammates, Not Opponents) - March 28, 2022
True true. When all is said and finished… He has overcome… But it’s still hard. Love you Sis
Yes it is. <3
You have once again spoken the truth so clearly. Jesus did tell his disciples, “In this world you will have tribulation (or, trouble)…” We all know that hard physical exercise makes us stronger. I am amazed when I go to the local 24-hr Fitness facility at how many people show up to “work out.” They obviously get it. Hard work is beneficial. This past year I received an email from Sal Khan, the creator of Khan Academy. In it he explained that his 5-yr old son was learning to read. Instead of rewarding his son for correctly pronouncing new words, he rewarded him for finding and struggling to pronounce more difficult words. His knowledge of the latest neuro-science and brain development had taught him that this mental “struggle” would be beneficial for his boy. Interestingly, his son quickly adapted to this reward system and began to eagerly search out the most difficult words and his reading skill progressed at a faster pace. If “struggle” is beneficial for both our physical and mental capabilities, we should not be surprised if our spirits are designed for growth in the midst of “struggle.” So, to the frequently asked question–why does God allow suffering?–the answer is, “It is good for us!” The situations that try our spirits also cause them to grow stronger. James 1:2 says “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” We may not always enjoy it, but “struggle” is good for us!
I love that, Gary. The growth we experience as a result of struggle is unmatched! Thank you for these words.