When Hard Won’t Quit

What do you do when life feels too hard to handle?

A Marriage that seems stuck. The deep ache of losing someone you love. A health battle for yourself or someone you love. Mental stress that steals your sleep. Financial pressure that makes you dread tomorrow.

We talk about prayer, leaning on friends, asking God for help, or getting therapy. But when you need real help now, does that stuff really work?

Are you familar with Nehemiah? He knew what it meant to face hard.

God called him to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, ( a way to keep the evil out) - but the work came with threats, mockery, and danger. This actually happened.

His enemies plotted to kill him. Nehemiah prayed, “Hear us, our God. We are hated. Turn the insults of Sanballat and Tobiah back on their own heads.”

Then he kept going. Half of the people built, and the other half stood guard. Some worked with one hand while holding a weapon in the other. Nehemiah told them, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, assemble there. Our God will fight for us” (Nehemiah 4:1, 4, 6, 11, 15-16, 20 NCV).

So friends - this is what real help looks like. Help others and “see them”. One day it may be you.

Also, pray like it all depends on God, but work like He has placed the tools in your hands. And remember, it really does “all” depend on God, but He also wants you to do something. That action is part of your personal therapy.

If your marriage is hard, pray for your spouse daily, but also take one loving action without expecting anything in return.

If you are grieving, pour out your pain to God, but also reach out to a friend to share a meal or a walk. You helping someone helps heal you.

If your health is failing, ask for His healing, but also follow through with treatment, rest, and care. Even share your pain with someone.

If your mind is weighed down with anxiety, call on Him for peace, but also talk to a counselor, write out your thoughts, and limit what feeds your stress.

But what if you feel too broken to move? What if you are paralyzed by the pain?

Then your step is simply to breathe His name. Yes, actually say the name - “Jesus” even when you cannot pray. Let others lift you up in prayer when you cannot lift yourself. The Holy Spirit hears you.

Read one verse and sit with it. Listen to worship or worship music when you cannot find the words. Healing often starts with the smallest step, and God can turn that step into strength. But ya gotta do it …

Isaiah says, “So don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be frightened, because I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you” (Isaiah 41:10 NCV).

Moses told the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14 NCV).

Here is reality. Hard will not disappear on its own. And it will never truly go away in this life. The enemy will threaten. It’s true, he wants to kill and destroy. Yes, it’s that bad … but there is hope.

And even People may mock or even forget you or not notice. But please know this. The same God who helped Nehemiah build under attack is the same God who stands beside you today. He sees you right now.

I know it sounds religous, but just call on Him. Take the step you can take. Trust me. The Holy Spirit is somewhat sounding the trumpet sounds in your life. Your God - your Christ - your Holy Spirit - and your true friends will fight for you. They see you - God sees you. You are seen. And if not, make yourself visible.

GOD - JESUS - HOLY SPIRIT - help - just help. IJNIP amen ♥️