When praying doesn’t seem to bring the answer, the question becomes, ‘How do I get through this?’ The Bible addresses this by telling us Jesus endured ‘the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad’ (Hebrews 12:2 CEV). Then it adds this: ‘Keep your mind on Jesus…then you won’t get discouraged and give up’ (v. 3 CEV). The reason Jesus could endure is because He focused on what would happen ‘later on’; the joy of pleasing the Father, building the church, and reaching the world.

Here is how David got through his hard times: ‘I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety’ (Psalm 16:8-9 NLT). So instead of denying reality or trying to white-knuckle your way through it, realise that the Lord is with you and draw from Him the strength you need.

It’s difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don’t understand why, it can be frustrating. God doesn’t give us lengthy explanations about how He works; a God who is used to creating worlds with a single sentence wouldn’t. So, when you can’t find an answer in His Word or through prayer and the counsel of others, you’re left wondering. And you wouldn’t be the first. David repeatedly asks why in the Psalms, and God still called him ‘a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’ (Acts 13:22 NKJV). So be encouraged; you will get through this!