First StepsSample

Following Jesus through hard times

Hardships happen to everyone, but the difference is now you face them with Jesus by your side. Jesus promised He would never leave you or forsake you. You will sense God surrounding you and comforting you with His care in your difficult times of life.

The Bible tells us that our hardships will bring good things and growth.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2

While it is hard to consider it pure joy in difficult times, we pray we will become more like Him. You may even face persecution for your new faith in Jesus, but the Bible says,

“Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:12-14, 17).

There are three things to do when you face hardships:

• Don’t be surprised. This world will always have hardship, but there is always more goodness in God than you could ever hope for.
• Don’t be ashamed of hardship for following Jesus, but be grateful for your new identity as a follower of Jesus.
• Be happy and thankful even when life is hard because you know God is with you, and He will reveal His goodness, care, and power to you even through hardship.

I would rather face hardships with Jesus than have an easy life without Him. The fulfillment He brings is incredible.