When we go through a tough time, we can pray and pray for God to lift us out of it, but sometimes He doesn't. So we need to walk through it, and our prayer becomes, 'How do I get through this?’ The Bible tells us that 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 His ordeal was that He focused on what would happen ‘later on’; the joy of pleasing His Father, building the church, and reaching the world.

Here's 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 the reality of what we're facing, or trying to battle through it alone, getting horribly battered and bruised in the process, we need to hold on to the fact that God is with us, and we can draw strength from Him.

It’s difficult enough to endure hardship, but when we don’t understand why it's happening to us, it can be frustrating. God doesn’t give us lengthy explanations about how He works. So, when we can’t find an answer in His Word, or through prayer, or the advice of others, we’re left wondering. And we're not the first ones to feel this way. 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!

What Now?

Don’t be afraid to ask God ‘Why,’ but don’t be disheartened if He doesn’t give you a complete explanation. Try praying, ‘Lord, I want to know more about what Your plan is, but please help me to trust You and stay close to You when I don’t have all the answers.’