Breaking the Hard Times

The Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives.

Isaiah 61:1 (CEV)

Some days are going to bring sadness. And when a bunch of those days line up, life can get really hard. Maybe you’ve seen that in a friend or felt it yourself. Some try all kinds of things so they don’t feel the pain, or they try to hide it. Many of those actions only make it worse.

God cares about our pain, and he sent Jesus to help. Jesus himself talked about being chosen to come to this world to save it. Because of him, our pain won’t last forever. Sadness, sickness, even death is not stronger than him. He helps us through it by giving us strength and peace.

He also sends us pastors, doctors, teachers, parents, and friends. When you or a friend is feeling down, it is important to ask for help. Ask God to direct you to the right person. And be on the lookout for friends who may need help, too. You can be that caring person for them!

Look to God. Pray. Read his words. Watch God bring you and others through hard times. He promises he will do it in his Word!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Doodle today's verse on some paper or in a journal. As you do, thank God for helping you in times of trouble.

PRAY

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to help us with our troubles. Help me be a good friend, too.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 43:5

Isaiah 57:15

Matthew 11:4–6

1 Peter 4:10–11

________________________________

This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.