Are you facing a tough situation right now? It’s not uncommon. Many of us carry burdens that feel downright overwhelming. Whether it’s small frustrations piling up or significant challenges, life can sometimes feel like a marathon. Maybe you’re dealing with a broken AC just as a summer heatwave hits, or perhaps there’s something bigger looming over you. Whatever it is, remember you’re not going through it alone.
At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we’re excited to kick off a new series titled “The Jesus I Need.” This series, led by Pastor Richie Brown, is designed to explore how we lean on Jesus through life’s challenges. Let’s take a look at how recognizing God’s love can guide us through the hard stuff.
Recognizing God’s Everlasting Love
One of the first steps in facing tough times is understanding and embracing God’s unwavering love. In 1 John 4:10, the Bible says, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” This scripture reminds us that God’s love is not tied to our actions or situations. It’s constant and steady.
There are great ways to keep that truth close. Here are a few:
1. Begin each day with a short prayer like, “God, thank You for loving me.”
2. Keep a journal of small moments where you’ve felt God’s presence or peace.
3. Talk to trusted friends or join a small group where you can share and be encouraged.
Being reminded daily that we are deeply loved by God can change how we respond to stress, fear, and setbacks. His love is a steady anchor when everything else seems out of place.
Understanding God’s Goodness
Once you grasp God’s love, the next area to focus on is a true understanding of His goodness. Sometimes, it’s easy to wonder if God is still good when things don’t go right. But the goodness of God isn’t about everything being perfect. It’s about knowing that He always has our best in mind.
1 John 4:17 highlights this idea: “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” Pair that with Jeremiah 32, where God says He rejoices in doing good for us, and it paints a picture of a loving Father who wants to bless His children.
That doesn’t mean life won’t throw us challenges. The world is broken, and we’ve seen that since the story of Adam and Eve. But God is not the one behind our troubles. Instead, He works through them, turning even the hardest seasons into blessings or lessons we can grow from.
The Role of Faith During Difficult Times
Faith is how we stay grounded during the difficult parts of life. In Matthew 9, Jesus asked two blind men if they believed He could heal them. They said, “Yes,” and because of their faith, they received healing. It was that simple belief in what Jesus could do that changed their lives.
Trusting God doesn’t mean we won’t face hardship. It means that in those moments, we lean into His promises instead of our fears. Romans 5:1 says that being justified by faith gives us peace with God and grace to stand. This grace is what helps us stay steady when nothing around us feels stable.
Some ways to build faith during hard times include:
1. Remembering past moments when God came through for you.
2. Surrounding yourself with people who will lift you up and speak truth.
3. Spending time in quiet and prayer, allowing God to strengthen your heart.
Faith is like a muscle. The more you use it and lean on it, the stronger it becomes.
Allowing Tribulations to Build Character
Trouble doesn’t feel good, but it isn’t wasted. Romans 5:3-4 tells us that tribulations lead to perseverance, which builds character, and that character leads to hope. That hope becomes a deep, quiet strength you carry even in the middle of chaos.
Think about Caleb. At 85, he was as strong as ever. His strength came from a life of choosing to trust God through every trial. He even asked Joshua for a mountain filled with giants because he knew God would help him take it.
Every frustrating moment, every delay or detour in life, is a chance to grow. A flat tire can test your patience. A failed plan can be a chance to develop better trust. If we treat each challenge like training, we come out of it stronger and more prepared for what’s ahead.
Try these steps to shift your mindset:
1. Look for what you can learn from problems rather than just rushing to fix them.
2. Keep a list of key lessons you’ve learned during tough seasons.
3. Give yourself credit for every bit of growth, no matter how small.
Embracing God’s Promises in Tough Situations
When things are difficult, we need something to cling to—something solid. That’s where God’s promises come in. Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called by Him. That doesn’t mean every situation is good, but it means God is working through them.
2 Corinthians 12 reminds us that when we are weak, we are actually strong in Christ. The power of realizing that helps us stand tall when life feels heavy. Instead of focusing just on the problem, we can focus on the One who’s working things out behind the scenes.
To really anchor yourself in His promises, consider:
1. Reading the Bible daily and writing down verses that bring you peace or strength.
2. Praying specifically with God’s promises in mind.
3. Sharing what you’ve learned with others who might need encouragement too.
God’s promises aren’t just nice words. They’re deep truths you can stand on.
You Got This
Challenges will come. But you are not alone, and you’re not powerless. With God’s love, His goodness, and the promises He’s given you, you can face anything. You don’t have to give up or give in to fear. You can take a deep breath, step forward in faith, and trust that God is with you every step of the way.
Make space for prayer. Connect with people who will encourage you. Start your days declaring the truth: “God loves me. God is good. He is working in my life.”
You’re not getting what you deserve—you’re getting what Jesus deserves. Grace. Hope. Strength. Joy.
Whatever you’re walking through, know this: you’re going through it, not stuck in it. And on the other side, there’s growth, peace, and purpose waiting for you.
Reflect on how Amarillo Fellowship Church can be a cornerstone for faith and community support as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for strength, guidance, or just a sense of belonging, our small groups and fellowship services offer a place to grow alongside others who share your journey. If you’re searching for a deeper connection with others in your area, explore how our church small groups can help you feel supported and inspired. Embrace the encouragement and love that await at Amarillo Fellowship Church through opportunities to connect and grow in your faith.