Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

We’ve all come through challenges and difficulties that should have stopped us. There have been problems that seemed too big or obstacles that looked insurmountable, but somehow, we made it through. We’ve seen doors open that shouldn’t have opened, promotions that we didn’t deserve, and maybe people who, for no reason, went out of their way to be good to us. That wasn’t luck; it was the hand of God pushing back the forces of darkness, protecting, healing, and promoting us. You and God have a history, and that history is the fuel for your faith.

In Psalm 41, David said, “By this, I know the Lord is on my side. He has not let my enemies triumph over me.” When David looked at where he was and thought about all he had been through to get there—the rejection, his father leaving him out, King Saul trying to kill him, people slandering him, armies coming against him—he recognized that the whole time God was behind the scenes fighting his battles, not allowing those enemies to defeat him. It gave him boldness and confidence. David knew the Lord was on his side.

This is where the Israelites missed it. God supernaturally brought them out of slavery in Egypt. He sent plagues on their enemies. They were living next door, but the plagues never affected the Israelites. When Pharaoh changed his mind and came chasing after them, they were at a dead end at the Red Sea. It looked like they were done, but God parted the sea. They went through on dry ground. But when Pharaoh’s army tried to go through, they were all drowned. Then, out in the desert, God brought one miracle after another. But when they arrived at the Promised Land and saw how big the inhabitants were, Psalm 78 says they forgot all the miracles God had done. They got discouraged and started complaining. “Moses, we don’t have a chance. We’ll never defeat these people. Look how big they are. Let’s go back to being slaves.”

Here, they had a great history with God. He’d done amazing things, but their problem was that they didn’t remember them. Instead of entering the Promised Land, they wandered in the desert for 40 years. Are you living worried, thinking your problem is too big? Perhaps you’ve done like the Israelites; you’ve forgotten what God has done. You’re out of fuel, so it’s time to stir up your faith. Go back over your history with God. Remember the times He made a way, delivered you, opened that door you couldn’t open, protected you. Your personal history is your fuel.

Don’t be surprised when you face bigger giants than you’ve seen. Opposition is a sign that you’re headed to a new level. You’ll be tempted to feel overwhelmed, so stop and remember what God has done. Thank Him for the Red Seas He’s parted. Thank Him for the giants you’ve defeated. Thank Him for the times He made a way.

Obstacles could have held you back, but you can echo David’s words: “By this, I know the Lord is with me. Cancer hasn’t defeated me. A difficult childhood hasn’t defined me. The accident didn’t claim my life. The divorce didn’t derail my purpose.” God has carried you through challenges before and will continue to do so. He fought your battles in the past, and He’s still fighting for you today.

Jesus told a parable in Luke chapter 8 about a farmer who sowed seed in his land. Some seeds fell on good ground, and others fell on hard ground. When he explained the meaning, he said the seeds in the rocky soil become like young plants whose roots don’t go down very deep. They believe for a while and then wilt when temptation or challenges arise. You can’t become who you were created to be without going through these seasons. How you respond in these difficult times will determine whether you come out bitter or better. There will be times when you will feel overwhelmed. Times when you’re doing the right thing, but things are not improving. You’re praying, but it feels like God isn’t listening.

In these seasons, God is seeing what you’re made of and how deep your roots go. Will you live sour and discouraged, or will your roots go deep down to God? None of us like these seasons, and it’d be much easier if things just fell into place or we never had opposition. However, without these times of testing—when you have to resist the urge to quit or stretch your faith and believe that God’s in control—we wouldn’t become who we were created to be.

I remember reading about a team of scientists in the 1990s who created a miniature Earth called the Biosphere 2 project, a $150 million dome designed to study Earth’s functions. It housed 3,800 plant and animal species, including a rainforest, savanna, and desert. They found that trees grew faster inside but often toppled over before reaching full height due to a lack of wind. The calm environment of the biosphere prevented their roots from developing the strength necessary for survival.

Trying seasons may be uncomfortable, but they foster development. Life would be easier without challenges, yet we wouldn’t grow or fulfill our destiny without them. Embrace these times; they deepen your roots, building courage and strength. Don’t let challenges don’t discourage you. Growth may occur quickly without opposition, but we’d lack the strength needed for our journey. These tests prepare us.

Interestingly, airplanes don’t take off with the wind; they take off against the wind. The aircraft needs the resistance of the wind to gain lift. Are you complaining about the winds being against you when, in fact, God is going to use those winds to give you lift? That challenge may look like it will stop you, but really, it will promote you. Don’t get discouraged because you’re in a time of testing. Even Jesus had to go through these.

In Gethsemane, Jesus was overwhelmed with despair, sweating drops of blood. Darkness covered the land when He was crucified, and He felt forsaken by God. Despite having the power to save himself, He endured the pain of the cross, knowing that resurrection and salvation would follow.

Joseph became Egypt’s prime minister only after being betrayed by his brothers. Paul wrote many New Testament books while imprisoned for sharing his faith. Sarah bore the promised child after nearly 90 years of barrenness. You may pray for healing in dark moments, but the difficulty can lead to resurrection and new beginnings. Scripture says darkness covered the earth during Jesus’s crucifixion not just to mark time but to show that God decides the dark moments and the times we finally emerge from them.

Dark moments are temporary; they won’t last forever. You are closer to breakthroughs, healing, relationships, and victories than you realize. Scripture reminds us that current suffering pales against future glory. If you could see what God has planned—promotion, favor, and influence—you wouldn’t dwell on the darkness. Like Jesus, endure a little longer. Your ninth-hour approaches; change is near. Light will break through. God has already determined an end to your struggle. The darkness will lift, and the challenging winds will calm.

Before God fulfills His promises, expect tests. Entering your Promised Land means facing giants and fortified cities that seem impossible. Your mind may create doubts, tempting you to speak negatively, which limits God’s action. Instead, declare what His Word says about you. Let faith overcome doubts, even when you feel unworthy. Rather than focusing on difficulties, say, “Thank You, Father, for beauty from ashes. What was meant for harm, You turn to my advantage. I’m excited about my future.” This mindset compels God to act, helping you defeat giants and attract the right people.

You may feel forgotten by God, just as Jesus felt forsaken hanging on the cross. Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” In dark moments, remember God still holds you in the palm of His hand. I know it’s tough, and you might feel overwhelmed, but reflect on your history with Him for faith. Remind yourself, “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord. He was faithful before, and He will be again.” You are stronger than you realize. Be patient and prayerful in troubles. They aren’t permanent, and they don’t define your story. God uses these challenges to make you stronger. Scripture says, “God makes everything beautiful in its time.” Trust Him to work it out. Just because you don’t see progress doesn’t mean He isn’t working behind the scenes. His plans will always exceed your imagination. I hope that speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!