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There are a couple things present in my life which help me persevere in difficult or challenging… or even apathetic times. And below are some reminders for how you too can dial up a little extra strength when the going gets tough.
My son is a continued source of inspiration for me. We met our son as a foster child when he was three years old. As long as I live, I’ll never forget that big smile that he flashed at us when we first met him. That smile was even more remarkable when we got his family history after signing adoption papers. He endured more in his first three years of life than many may experience throughout their entire lives.
To this day, he still smiles through life. His joy is not only contagious, but seemingly unbreakable. He continues to choose to see and seek joy. That encourages and inspires me to keep going and to seek joy because I’m a firm believer that we will find what we are looking for.
My faith compels me to keep moving forward as well. Mainly because I — with every fiber of my being — believe that there’s more to life than… this. Because of my faith, I believe I can play a role in making the world slightly better; I can truly bless someone by helping them breathe a bit easier, even if it is for a second.
In Adam Hamilton’s words, because of Jesus’ resurrection we can trust that “the worst that can happen will not be the last thing.” So, we keep moving forward. Sometimes, that is the only thing we can do.
A lot of times, we just need that extra help and for those of us who may look for inspiration in the Bible, here are a few Bible verses that may encourage us to keep moving forward.
But just a little note first: Some people are convinced that suffering is a necessary part of faith. I don’t think that in those terms, per se. We don’t have to go searching for suffering. Pain and troubles often find us when we’re minding our own business.
And that’s the thing: humanity have always known that this world can be a harsh place and so we have stories and verses that remind us that God is with us when we are suffering not that God is the cause of our suffering.
Regardless. Whatever season that you may be experiencing, please know this:
You are loved. Your worth and value don’t come from anything that you can do or did, but your worth and value come from you simply being God’s beloved — being a child of God.
There’s nothing you can do or say to make God love you any more or any less. You’re just simply, downright loved. And you’re never alone.
Peace and blessing on your journey, friends.
My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world. John 16:33
We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary. Isaiah 40:31
God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Psalms 46:1-3
The entirety of Psalms 121, but here are the first two verses:
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Joseph Yoo is the author When the Saints Go Flying In. He is a West Coaster at heart contently living in Houston, Texas with his wife and son. He serves at Mosaic Church in Houston. Find more of his writing at josephyoo.com.
