A lunch with friends turned into a meet-up for our misery. One by one we tossed our difficulties onto the table. Our tales of woe included caring for those we love and sorting through broken dreams. But there was something eating at us between our bites of pizza.

We each said hello to hard things. It happens when a situation takes us beyond our strength and far below our expectations. As you read this post, you may be in the midst of your own difficulty.

“People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy.” (Ecclesiastes 9:12 NLT).

At some point, each of us has to deal with an awkward conversation, the prospect of bad news or a dilemma that won’t go away. But who and what we turn to determines our ability to triumph.

As a person of faith, I know nothing is too hard for God. (Jeremiah 32:17) And yet, as a person with limitations, walking by faith can feel like I’m in a maze trying to find His directions.

But God leads me still. He reminds me my maze of messy scenarios is completely subject to His sovereignty. This quote gives us something to consider.

“We have our cares at the same time that we have our joys, and they may serve for a balance to each other, that neither may exceed. They may likewise furnish us with matter both for prayer and praise, for both must be laid before God with suitable affections and emotions. ” – Matthew Henry

I’m not sure what Henry would label as a suitable affection or emotion. At any moment, I’m apt to pray, praise or over-analyze. But saying hello to hard things, doesn’t mean we say goodbye to hopeful things. Although we live in a fallen world, where sin punctured perfection, Jesus — the Perfecting One — has come. Here is His promise:

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” (John 16:33 AMP)

Hard things may be horrible things. I can search any news feed and see the worst of our lot. And yet, it’s the little joys that can carry our hearts toward hope.

The stranger offering a kindness (or a blogger offering encouragement) can be the turning point in someone’s day. As my friends and I seek to encourage each other, Bible verses are spoken. Reassuring smiles are given. Promises of prayers are made. God takes our friendship moments and turns them into fellowship with Him.

I’m learning to persevere by refusing to do “poor me.” Instead, I will do “work-in-progress me,” “healing-from-hurts me,” and “clinging-to-God’s-promises me.”

As I move forward in His grace, I move away from what drains my ability to enjoy the life He gives.

Between bites of pizza, my friends and I faced our fears. It wasn’t an easy confrontation. But eventually, we rested in Christ’s victory. For even when the world is not as it should be, God is still who He is.

PRAYER: Dear God, When hard things come my way, I can be confident of Your power. Nothing is too hard for You. Help me to walk out of the maze of messy scenarios and walk in Your victory and perfect peace. May I move forward in Your grace and watch what’s hard become what brings You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” (John 16:33 AMP)

Congratulations to Reomona T., the winner of the drawing for Taura Glaze's book, Wonder!