Life can feel overwhelming, filled with trials, disappointments, and moments of deep uncertainty. As believers, we sometimes find ourselves asking, “Where is God in my suffering?” I’ve been there too—those moments where faith feels shaky and the burdens of life seem too heavy to carry.
However, Jesus never promised a life free of hardship—in fact, He warned us that trials would come. But He also promised something even greater: His presence, His peace, and His strength to carry us through.
📖 John 16:33 – “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that even in the darkest moments, Jesus is still faithful. This article isn’t just about biblical principles—it’s about real hope for real struggles. Together, we’ll explore how to trust Jesus in hard times, strengthen our faith under pressure, and continue following Him even when life feels impossible.
🔗 To understand Jesus’ mission and why following Him is life-changing, read: Who Is Jesus? The Truth About His Life and Teachings.
Why Does God Allow Hardships?
Trials Strengthen Our Faith
One of the hardest questions I’ve wrestled with is, “Why does God allow suffering?” Maybe you’ve asked the same. The truth is, while we may never fully understand every hardship, the Bible teaches that God uses trials to shape us, refine us, and draw us closer to Him.
📖 James 1:2-3 – “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.”
That verse isn’t easy to embrace when you’re in the middle of suffering. But looking back, I can see how some of the hardest seasons of my life actually strengthened my faith. I learned to depend on God in ways I never would have otherwise.
🔹 Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What is God teaching me?” 🔹 Hardships remind us that our dependence should be on God, not our circumstances.
Jesus Understands Our Suffering
One of the most comforting truths I hold onto is this: Jesus knows what it feels like to suffer. He understands our pain, our doubts, and our heartbreak. When I’m struggling, I remind myself that Jesus isn’t distant—He’s right there in the mess with me.
📖 Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.”
When I feel alone in my struggles, I remember:
- Jesus was betrayed by someone He loved.
- He was rejected by His own people.
- He was mocked, beaten, and crucified for sins He didn’t commit.
And yet, He never lost faith in the Father. That gives me hope—because if Jesus endured suffering and overcame it, I can, too, with His strength.
📖 Isaiah 53:3-5 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… by His wounds, we are healed.”
When I look back at my own struggles, I see how Jesus was there through it all. He wasn’t absent—He was holding me up, guiding me, and reminding me that His love never fails.
🔗 Jesus’ entire ministry was about calling people to trust God, even in suffering. Learn more in: What Was Jesus’ Ministry? The Truth About His Purpose.
How to Trust Jesus in Hard Times
Stay Rooted in God’s Word
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in difficult seasons is neglecting my time in Scripture. It’s easy to get caught up in worry, fear, and doubt, but God’s Word is what anchors our souls when everything else feels unstable.
📖 Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
When I intentionally spend time reading and meditating on the Bible, I notice a shift—my perspective changes, my heart feels lighter, and my faith grows stronger. Even if all I can do is read one verse a day, that small step reminds me that God’s promises still stand.
🔹 Choose a Bible verse to hold onto during your hardship. 🔹 Write it down, memorize it, and let it remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Strengthen Your Prayer Life
I’ve had moments where I didn’t even know what to pray. My heart felt heavy, and words seemed impossible to find. But what I love about God is that He understands even our silent cries.
📖 Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer isn’t about saying the perfect words—it’s about honestly pouring out our hearts to Jesus. When I’ve felt overwhelmed, I’ve simply prayed, “Lord, I need You.” And He has met me every time.
🔹 Don’t wait until things get better to pray—talk to God in the middle of the storm. 🔹 Even if all you can do is whisper His name, He hears you.
How to Follow Jesus Through Suffering
Keep Your Eyes on Eternity
When life gets hard, it’s easy to focus only on the pain in front of us. But Jesus calls us to fix our eyes on what is unseen—the eternal hope we have in Him.
📖 Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Pain is temporary, but God’s promises last forever. Knowing that Jesus has prepared a place for us in eternity gives me hope in even the darkest moments.
🔹 Ask yourself: How does this trial shape me for eternity? 🔹 Remember that suffering will not last forever, but God’s love will.
Obey God Even When It’s Hard
One of the hardest things to do in difficult seasons is to keep trusting and obeying God. Sometimes, we feel like shutting down, isolating ourselves, or walking away from faith. But obedience—especially in the hard times—brings breakthrough.
📖 Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job lost everything—his family, his wealth, his health—yet he still praised God. His faith wasn’t dependent on circumstances but on who God is. That’s the kind of faith I want to have.
🔹 Choose to worship, even in the storm. 🔹 Keep walking in faith, even when you don’t see the way forward.
Encouraging Bible Verses for Hard Times
When life feels overwhelming, I turn to Scripture as my anchor. These verses remind me that God is always in control, even when I don’t understand what He’s doing.
📖 Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
📖 Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
📖 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
📖 Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
📖 Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Whenever I feel lost, I hold on to these promises. No matter what storm I’m facing, Jesus is my refuge, my strength, and my hope.
Need Encouragement to Keep Following Jesus?
Following Jesus isn’t always easy, especially when life feels overwhelming. But you’re not alone.
If you’re struggling through a difficult season and wondering how to keep trusting God, I highly recommend this book:
You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times
By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson
In You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times, Max Lucado shares the story of **Joseph**, who was betrayed, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. But his story **didn’t end in the pit—and neither does yours.** Through trials and setbacks, God was working in Joseph’s life to bring redemption. **The same is true for you.**
Buy NowGod is still at work in your story, even when you can’t see it yet. Keep trusting Him—you will get through this!
Conclusion: Jesus Is Our Anchor in Life’s Storms
Life’s struggles can feel unbearable at times, but the truth is, Jesus is always with us. No matter what you are facing, He promises to walk through it with you, strengthen you, and never leave your side.
📖 Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
When I reflect on my hardest moments, I realize that those were the times Jesus carried me the most. Even when I couldn’t see Him, He was working behind the scenes, turning my pain into purpose. And He is doing the same for you.
🔹 Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep holding onto His promises. 🔹 Jesus is the anchor that holds firm in life’s storms.
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Jesus sees you, He hears you, and He loves you beyond measure. Hold on—He is faithful, and He will carry you through.
🔗 Want to go deeper? Read: Who Is Jesus? The Truth About His Life and Teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Following Jesus in Hard Times
1. How can I keep my faith strong when life feels unbearable?
The best way to strengthen your faith is by staying in the Word, praying regularly, and surrounding yourself with a faith-filled community. Remember, God is always present, even when we can’t feel Him.
2. Does suffering mean that God is punishing me?
No, suffering is not always a punishment. Trials can be a way that God refines our faith and draws us closer to Him. He uses hardship to grow us spiritually and strengthen our trust in Him.
3. What should I do when I feel like giving up?
Turn to Scripture for encouragement, reach out to fellow believers for support, and remind yourself that God has a purpose in your pain. Trust that Jesus is walking with you through every storm.
4. How do I know God hears my prayers during difficult times?
📖 Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” God hears every prayer, even the ones we can’t put into words. Keep praying, even when it feels difficult.
5. What are some Bible verses to meditate on when I feel discouraged?
- 📖 Isaiah 41:10 – God strengthens and upholds you.
- 📖 Matthew 11:28 – Jesus gives rest to the weary.
- 📖 Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.
