You Can Do Hard Things

Proverbs 9:6 “Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

While pain is inevitable, misery is optional. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him.

3 Ways You Can Do Hard Things

Expect difficulty and recognize where it comes from

  • There is a battle at the gate of every new season or level of life
  • Resistance can be a good thing; no resistance means you’re going nowhere
  • Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces.”
  • Enemies aren’t people; people aren’t your curse, they’re actually your calling

Ignore the lies of the enemy and pray through the pain

  • Two major lies are going to emerge in your pain: doubt and discouragement
  • The enemy will lie to you in an effort to make you feel like you’re not enough or that God is not enough
  • Don’t get distracted by the enemy’s attempt to discourage you; prayer is your weapon
  • Prayer is processing, surrendering, declaring, and remembering. It doesn’t have to be perfect: God knows your heart

Embrace your pain and leverage it for your good

  • Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
  • God is growing in you an image of himself
  • The right direction is more important than perfection
  • Nehemiah 6:3-4 “And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you? And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.”
  • Nehemiah 6:9 “For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”

Discussion Questions

  1. What great, hard things are you facing in your life? Are you trusting God to help you accomplish what he’s called you to do?
  2. How are you learning to embrace pain and use it for good?