by Evans Hodges
Hard days are inevitable. As men, we’re constantly tempted to run from hard work, give up when things get difficult, or dig a hole to bury ourselves in when life doesn’t go according to plan. Instead of running from the hard days, Scripture teaches us how to face them with faith, and perseverance. Today, we’ll look at what God and His Word says about hard days and the promises God has given us to endure them; theology for a hard day:
- Don’t Run From Hard Things
When things get hard our first thought is almost always to take the easy way out, but that doesn’t make us stronger or form us into what God wants us to be. Growing up, we didn’t get better at an activity or sport growing up by going through the same drills and playing at the same level. As we got better and older, the drills got harder and the competition rose. Likewise, God turns up the heat and puts us in the furnace to build our endurance and character. If our family sees us running when things get hard, what do you think they will do when they deal with a difficult situation?
“Count it all joy, my brethren, whenever you face trials of various kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” — James 1:2-4
- Serve Even When You’re Spent
Some days we run on fumes and don’t feel like doing anything, but that doesn’t change the fact that we have work to do. Abiding in Christ and carrying out the assignment He has given us has very little to do with our feelings. Sometimes all He is asking us to do is put our head down and rely on His strength to do the work He has set out in front of us to. God never asks us to be perfect; He just asks us to be faithful. Serve even when you’re spent.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23
- An Invitation to Spend Time With God, Your Family, and Your Local Church
A hard day will often drift us away from people and into ourselves, but this is a sneaky scheme of the enemy to distract us from what God actually wants us to do. Instead of isolating ourselves, we should see our trial as an invitation to draw closer to God, our family, and church family. God has placed these people in our lives to encourage us, pray for us, and remind us of the truth when circumstances cloud our minds. Even if we don’t have anyone available in the moment, God is always present and always waiting to spend time with us.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, they can help one another up. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, who has not the second to help him up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
- Suffering Is A Promise In The Christian Life
We aren’t promised an easy life as followers of Christ. In fact, Jesus said anyone who follows Him should expect the exact opposite. Suffering is not evidence that God has abandoned us; it is evidence that He is with us. We are guaranteed to face trials that will put our faith to the test; ranging from seasons of loss and disappointment, to facing persecution because we stand up for what’s true. Although our days on this earth are temporary, we can rest in the fact that Christ has overcome the world and have hope in all that He is doing and has done to get us through today.
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33
Hard days are never meant to go to waste. God hasn’t left us out to dry in our suffering. Every moment has a purpose and will not go wasted. When your next hard day comes, don’t run from it; take it by the horns and fix your eyes on Jesus.
If you’re experiencing hard days, consider these practical Right Next Steps to see them as a blessing, not a burden:
- Start your day and set your anchor in God and his Word. This will help you climb the mountains you encounter throughout the day.
- If you have a long day at work, don’t go home and be angry and impatient with your wife, family, or friends. Show up and serve them joyfully. Talk to them about your difficulties, but do not allow it to affect how you treat them.
- Even if you didn’t get an ideal amount of sleep or have a laundry list of tasks to check off today, lean into your weakness and ask God to give you strength.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Stay put when life gets hard today. What you experience may become a testimony and bring wisdom that you use to encourage someone else tomorrow or in the future. God promises to use everything for our good and His glory! (Romans 8:28-30)