What are the hard times preparing you for?

By Kristy Solis

A new year is upon us. In the new year, I keep hearing others say, “last year was hard, so hoping for a better year.” Even my young daughters have expressed this sentiment.

It is a great time to reflect on Scripture, which reminds all of us that God commands us to do hard things. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9.

There is no other way to describe doing hard things or going through a hard time, but it is hard. Choosing to be Christ-like is hard. Yet, even though life can be hard, we can do hard things with God’s grace.

We are reminded, in another passage of Scripture, to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” Joshua 1:2. When life challenges us with hard things or hard times, we grow. God loves us so much that he is molding us into who we are meant to be.

While reflecting on the past year, think about where these growing pains have led you to today. What are these hard times preparing you for?

Lord, hear our prayers. Our greatest joy does not come from avoiding hard things, but from joyfully embracing them. God is where the hope lies in this new year, he will be with you wherever you go; and, God is where the joy lies especially when we overcome hard things.