As I write this Christian woman’s blog post, I am going through the most difficult season of my entire life. About 15 years ago, I started another blog post with a similar sentiment. How young and naive I was to think life would test me to my limits only once or twice. Back during my other blog post, my brother was dying in a hospital room. It was so devastating and I didn’t think either of us would make it out of that painful season. But, that same brother is still alive and annoys me almost as much as he did when I was a kid. The point is he is alive. God was gracious and allowed him many more years. During those dim days, I thought that was the most difficult faith walk I could ever encounter. Watching him waste away little by little and hearing one dooming diagnosis after another felt like a slow-burning of my faith and confidence. It was rough. Back then I found myself regularly searching for comforting scriptures and scouring the internet for as many “getting through a hard time quotes” as I could find.
Update: I posted this and a couple of hours later, it seem the furnace was turned up even higher. I don’t know how much more I can take. Then I found:
Psalm 43:5 New American Standard Bible
5 Why are you [a]in despair, my soul?
And why are you restless within me?
Wait for God, for I will [b]again praise [c]Him
For the [d]help of His presence, my God.
I don’t see any way out of this, but I do believe I will praise Him again for the help of his presence. His presence is with me and – even though I do not feel it – it is helping me. And I am sure it is helping you too.
It feels so alone. The one you think would be closest is not. Those whom you’ve supported are sparse. But, the presence of the Lord is near. It will be ok for us.
God allows new trials; accept that
Well, Christian Sister, God saw fit to bring this newer, harder life challenge and I’m relying on Him moment by moment to weather it. I need Him to give me strength or I feel I will drown in pain and struggle. Have you ever felt that way? Ever felt that you were being tested far above what you are able to handle?
Listen. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and there are moments when we find ourselves facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. During these trying times, it is essential to hold onto hope and seek inspiration from the wisdom of others who have endured similar struggles. I’ve gotten so much encouragement from people who have walked (or are walking) the same path I am currently stumbling through.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled a collection of empowering quotes that will remind you of the strength God put within you and also offer some guiding light through these dark days.
They may not have gone through precisely what you are going through – or what I am going through – but, you don’t get this kind of wisdom by having an easy life. Trust me, they went through something! So these quotes represent the widsom of others.
If you are looking for some insights or a few “getting through hard time quotes”, here are some of my favorite quotes for rough times. Most I’ve found randomly around the web:
1. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Remember that even in the midst of adversity, there are hidden opportunities for growth and transformation. Embrace challenges as chances to discover your resilience and potential.
2. “The only way out is through.” – Robert Frost
While it may be tempting to avoid or suppress difficult emotions, facing them head-on is the path to healing. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself the space to process them.
3. “Every storm runs out of rain.” – Maya Angelou
Hard times are temporary, and just like a storm, they will eventually pass. Hold onto the belief that brighter days are ahead and allow yourself to find solace in God’s plan for your life. Trust me, a storm is not coming as just a storm. It has purpose. It is a training ground for something wonderful God wants to do in your life.
4. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou
Don’t you love that? She had such a great way with words. Triumph over adversity builds character and reveals your inner strength. Embrace life’s challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. I know it’s hard in the moment. Lord knows I know! But, try to praise God through it and trust that while you are “shooketh”, He is not shaken at all. He’s in control.
5. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”—Martin Luther King, Jr. Have you noticed how easy it is to worship and trust God when life is easy? The easy times are nice. But, the real magic is worked when we are in the fire. That’s when we build muscles the same way a weight lifter builds muscle when he/she strains their existing tissue. They press through the pain; you must do the same.
6. “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis
I really love this! C.S. Lewis was a Christian and he got it. Again, challenging times can serve as a catalyst for profound personal and spiritual growth. Trust that you are on a path toward a brighter and more purposeful future. Thinking that way gives me so much hope. I don’t see how my situation will lead me to a brighter end, but seeing is not by job. Trusting the Lord is.
8. “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Okay, aside from what you may think of this “quoter”, what he is saying is true. Remember my analogy about the weigh lifter (above)?
9. “Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering…. The love of God did not protect His own Son…. He will not necessarily protect us – not from anything it takes to make us like His Son. A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process.” – Elisabeth Elliot. Source: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/21-inspirational-christian-quotes-for-difficult-times/#ixzz89YaoFlfn
Resilience is not about never facing difficulties but about enduring them with courage and determination.
Embrace your struggles as opportunities to become a stronger version of yourself.
What are the Benefits of Hard Times?
Christian Woman, while hard times can be emotionally and physically challenging, Let’s explore how they help us. Let’s go deeper and break it down.
Here are some potential benefits of going through difficult experiences:
- Resilience and Strength: As I’ve said, hard times can build resilience and inner strength. Facing and overcoming challenges helps us develop the ability to bounce back from adversity and cope better with future difficulties. But, this is dependent on HOW you face those hard times. Face with faith and not bitterness. Honestly, I have not always faced the strain the right way. I’ve chosen anger, self-soothing with food, and worrying about things I could not handle. Be better than me. Cope better than I did. Turn to the Lord and take your hands off the wheel.
- Personal Growth: Difficult times often lead to introspection and self-discovery. They slow us down in a way. We may learn more about ourselves, our values, and our priorities during these moments, which can lead to personal growth and development.
- Empathy and Compassion: Going through tough experiences can increase our empathy and compassion towards others who are also struggling. It deepens our understanding of human suffering and allows us to be more supportive and caring toward others. As I mentioned above, when folks tell me “Oh, I’ve been there” it helps me to know I WILL get through this.
- Appreciation for the Good Times: Difficult times can make us appreciate the pleasant times and the positive aspects of our lives more. We learn not to take things for granted and cherish moments of joy and happiness.
- Reevaluation of Priorities: Hard times can prompt us to reevaluate our priorities and focus on what truly matters in life. It may lead to making positive changes in our lifestyle, relationships, and career choices.
- Building Meaning and Purpose: Enduring and overcoming challenges can give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It may inspire us to help others facing similar difficulties or to work towards a greater cause. Shucks, you can write a book or create a support group. Who knows?
- Strengthening Relationships: Hard times can bring people closer together. Support from family, friends, or a community during tough times can foster stronger bonds and create a sense of belonging. Perfect example: I have a cousin I’ve always admired. She’s beautiful, educated, and smart. She’s so much older than I am so we never bonded – until now. God used this horrible time to bring us together and I’m so grateful.
- Opportunities for Learning: Difficulties often present opportunities to learn valuable life lessons. These lessons can be transformative and shape our decisions and actions in the future.
- Cultivating Gratitude: Surviving hard times can foster a sense of gratitude for the small blessings and moments of relief in life. It helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack. This is different, I think from appreciating the good times (number 4 above). I genuinely think this is a whole different category. Being grateful uses a different muscle. It forces us to assess what we have and thank the Lord for it – instead of focusing on what we’ve lost or do not have.
- Character Development: Facing challenges can refine and strengthen our character. It encourages us to develop qualities like patience, perseverance, and courage.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:3-4 KJV
Scripture is more powerful than a quote
I’ll be honest. I love quotes, but when I’m really in the middle of a struggle – like I am now – I turn to the Bible. Where a quote is a BB gun, God’s Word is a tank. So much more powerful.
God guides me through His Word. He also uses it to provide a sort of comfort I cannot get any other way. I need that comfort because as I struggle and feel pain, anxiety, and stress are often not far behind.
What? A Christian feeling stress, is that a thing? YES! I’m a realist and I call things as I see them. I am not one of those Christians pretending life doesn’t get hard or that I can rebuke trouble away all the time. I’m sorry, but if that’s the case, Paul in the Bible would have done it time and time again.
He went through the pain and said it works so many good things – like what I mentioned above.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:3
Just in case you thought I was joking above. Let me say again, Christian Layd, it is essential to acknowledge that while there can be benefits in experiencing hard times, it doesn’t diminish the real and often painful nature of such situations.
People respond differently to adversity, and the journey through tough times is unique for each individual.
Seeking support, whether through friends, family, or professional help, can be valuable during these periods and aid in finding growth and healing. I’ve found an amazing counselor to guide me through this season of grief and loss. He has taught me ways to calm myself and navigate the pain I feel. I love that he is a Christian and comforts me with not only scientific realizations about my brain, but also God’s Word.
During hard times, Christians often turn to the Scriptures for comfort, guidance, and hope.
Here are some Bible verses that offer encouragement and strength during difficult moments:
- Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“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 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“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.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“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.” - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Yes, turn to God’s Word and talk to Him too. Prayer and seeking support from a church community can also provide great encouragement and help during challenging seasons of life. We often take church for granted. It really is a great source of comfort.
Life’s challenges can be daunting, my sister, but I hope you are reminded they also present us with powerful opportunities to grow, learn, and discover our inner strength in Jesus.
When navigating through hard times, turn to lived wisdom (like the quotes), God’s Word found in the Bible and even counseling if you need to. Finally, remind yourself that you are not alone in your journey. Turn to your church family. If you don’t have one, you need one.
Girl, go ahead and embrace the difficulties, I know I am trying to do that, for they are the stepping stones towards a more resilient and enlightened version of yourself.
Amen? Amen!
