5 Promises When the Path is Unbearable
Inside: When life is going well, I can walk this life journey in faith. When it gets hard, little accumulations cause me to want to throw in the towel.
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I have this path around the perimeter of my land that I walk almost daily. I frequently get my inspiration from this walk when it’s just God and me.
The path is usually easy to walk, but when snow or rain hits, it becomes a test of endurance. We live in the bluffs along the Wisconsin River, so this path has valleys and peaks to it.
One rainy day, my knock-off Ugg boots became soaked and my feet got wet. It was about 34 degrees outside so it became a nuisance, to say the least.
I had just started my walk, so my options were to return to my house or keep going discomfort and all.
My default action is to give up. I had to pep talk myself into continuing to walk in spite of the discomfort and annoyance.
Life Path
This path I walk is very similar to my life.
When life is going well, I can walk this journey in faith. When it gets hard, little accumulations cause me to want to throw in the towel.
I sometimes question if I have enough faith to maneuver all that comes my way. #livingoutfaith #Christian #hardtimes Share on X
My problem is, not only do I want to cash it all in, but my intimate relationship with God is affected. Even when I’m purposeful in His word, it seems one directional, I feel like I traipsing on my own.
Are we similar?
I yearn to get this right, to walk so securely with God in the good times and the distressing times. So far, I’ve failed miserably.
Here’s what I’ve come to realize:
• It’s not failing if I get back up to try it again, but this time trusting in God to help.
• God delights in me wanting to be better, closer to Him.
• These hard times are the best way to grow (I admit I just sighed…growth is painful, distressing and uncomfortable.)
• I am never alone. God promises to be with me forever. He doesn’t pull back, I do.
When I remember who is with me, I can put my head down and journey ahead. #Godgirl #beloved #worthy Share on X
Teetering with Faith and Flesh
Can I be honest?
It’s still hard and the temptation to say I can’t do this is still real. When those thoughts appear, I’m trying to grasp hold of (2 Chronicles 15:7, NLT).
7 But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.
In the times of uncomfortable circumstances, I find it hard to see any reward coming. I feel like a reward requires the Flag of Resign has to stay in my pocket.
Have I got this all wrong?
Do I deserve the reward even if I ask for help when these feelings try to drown me? When I can’t see the way and I become dependent on blindly following my Savior?
What I consider failing and being weighted down, is actually the growth happening? I realize I can’t do this, but He can!
5 Promises When Life Gets Unbearable
1. God will strengthen you.
(Colossians 1:11-12, NLT).
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[a] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
2. We will reap a harvest of blessings when we persevere.
(Galatians 6:9, NLT).
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
3. We will be blessed.
(James 1:12, NLT).
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
4. God promises us life if we endure.
(Revelation 2:10, NLT).
Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
5. He will make our paths straight even if the path is muddy.
(Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Let’s keep walking our life path faithfully in the midst of the hard and joyfully in the easy times. God’s hand extends to us all the way from the beginning to the end.
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This is the second post I’ve read today that has the word perservere in it–maybe God is trying to speak to me :).
Anita- maybe He is…I hope this post was helpful to you!
Praise the Lord, thank you for writing and sharing this post! I wrote down the 5 promises so I can look at them again, and again!
I’m so glad! I need to return to them too often;)
I step in the mud puddles too, Julie. Eww, I really don’t like that uncomfortable feeling. But trudge forward we must! I love your comforting verses, especially, James 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
I hope you continue your walk in strength and fortitude.
Gleniece- thank you for your encouragement! It’s a great verse to cling to!
Have a great week!
I focus on Galatians 6:9 often. Because, if I’m honest, sometimes I’m super weary of doing what is good. It can be hard. But this verse reminds me to keep going.
Melissa- thank you for sharing what you focus on! It’s hard trying to live out this Christian life, isn’t it?
Another comment above mentioned the word persevere. I have also seen this word pop up several times recently. Funny how God uses the same thing to convict many. Thank you for this post.
Maryann- We aren’t prone to want to persevere as humans when the going gets tough, are we?!? God, though, wants us to persevere and depend on Him.
Julie, I love your honest approach to this topic. I believe you nailed it when you said, “I realize I can’t do this. But He can!” I have paced the floor around my kitchen and living room, tears streaming down my face, my hand raised up to Him with a pointing finger and claimed it, “I can do all things though You, because You give me strength.” He said it, so I claim it and you know what…He is always faithful. Realizing we can’t do it, is the first step in getting through it. Thanks for sharing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Amy- Love this, “realizing we can’t do it, is the first step in getting through it” Yes, that is true!
Really enjoyed this post. Very encouraging and certainly a blessing to read. The path in your photo looks so peaceful full of God’s amazing beauty! Thank you for sharing.
Really enjoyed this post. Very encouraging and certainly a blessing to read. The path in your photo looks so peaceful full of God’s amazing beauty! Thank you for sharing. Blessings!
Stephanie- I’m glad you enjoyed reading it!
The path can get really muddy, but He is ever so faithful when we stick by Him! It takes reciting His Word over and over again, especially when we don’t have anything else to cling to. These Scriptures are perfect for that!
Jess- Yes, He is stable and secure when life is hard and uncertain!