How to Trust Jesus When Life is Hard
If Jesus came to you and asked…
“Who do you say I am?“
Matthew 16:15
What would you say?
Peter replied…
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16
A messiah is defined as a savior or liberator . . . someone who sets people free. And that’s exactly what Jesus did for you, for me, and for all of creation. He set us free from sin, death, and satan’s power through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection.
You and I can trust Jesus . . . but what do we do when life is hard?
“If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”
Matthew 16:24 (AMP)
I grew up going to Christian schools and church. I’ve known this verse for as long as I can remember and up until about a dozen years ago . . . it terrified me.
I didn’t want a hard to carry cross. I didn’t want to “endure whatever.” I didn’t want to suffer or die! And for all those reasons, I was afraid to surrender completely . . . to trust Jesus when life was hard.
I didn’t believe that Jesus was able to give me what I needed to endure whatever God allowed. My faith was weak.
But then, as many of you know, our family lived through several of the things I believed were crosses that were too hard to carry—things I believed were unendurable.
But that was a lie from the enemy. Every day Jesus gave me everything I needed to endure. Everything!
Through illness, loss, fear, anxiety, and much more . . . Jesus carried us.
Proving to me that you and I can trust His promise:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
The truth is . . . Jesus will help us carry any cross God allows!
Will you pray with me?
A Prayer to Trust Jesus When Life is Hard
Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Messiah. I believe You are God’s sacrifice to save me. I believe You are my Lord and Savior. And I believe You will give me everything I need to carry any cross that is allowed.
Why do I believe? Because You have been faithful in the past. You have helped me carry and endure things I believed were impossible and unendurable. You are the source of my faith, hope, peace, strength, courage, and love. I believe I can trust You with every part of my life . . . today, my tomorrow, and forever. You are all I need! Thank you, Jesus! Amen.
Friend, we can trust Jesus when life is hard!
He is our Savior Messiah. He is the Alpha and Omega—the Great I AM. And He is faithful to keep His promises.
Pause today and make a list of the times and ways the Lord has given you what you needed in the past . . . times He has calmed your fears and given you strength, moments when you had peace you didn’t understand and the ability to forgive when it felt impossible.
If God allows a cross in your life Jesus will help you carry it.
Today’s note to self…
I can trust Jesus even when life is hard.
May you be blessed today to be an all-in follower of Jesus.
You can read all of Matthew 16 here.
Jesus has certainly seen me through hard times in the past, and He will meet me where I am today, no matter what.
Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! When I remember His faithfulness in the past, I can’t help but trust Him with the future. God bless you, my friend!
Thanks for the words of hope. I needed them and may the good Lord bless your soul.
I’m so glad you were blessed, Monique! Thanks for visiting and for stopping to say “hello.” God bless you!