When Easy Doesn’t Live Here: Living by Faith When Life Is Hard a 7 - Day Plan By: Joy A. WilliamsSample

DAY 7: THE GRACE TO MOVE FORWARD

Imagining the next phase of life after a loss or letdown can be difficult. But even when we feel like we don't have enough resources or enough support from others, God's grace is always enough. It is His strength for our weakness, His resources for our lack, and His assurance that He is always at work in and around us.

There is peace in knowing what the psalmist prayed: "The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me." (Psalm 138:8 NLT)

He won't abandon us. (Hebrews 13:5) When the hard task, hard question, or an unexpected crisis comes, God is a very present help in the time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) His divine scenarios await those who refuse to allow the hard places in their lives to harden their heart toward Him.

Thankfully, He gives us the grace to move forward. May you sense His presence and prompting in the desires of your heart. May you have wisdom for every decision and strength for every task. And when easy is hard to find, you can find Jesus. In His own words, He's waiting for you right now:

"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 NLT).

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for sustaining me in life's difficulties. I am comforted by and confident in Your faithful love. Knowing You've brought me this far by Your grace, I know You'll take me further in Your plan. In the easy and not-so-easy parts of life, may I glorify You. In Jesus' name, amen.

I pray these seven days have taken you from what isn't easy to finding what's essential in your faith. Continue the journey with me by discovering, 5 Ways to Keep Your Joy (or Find It), Whatever Happens..."