All the Hard Things

I remember a time when my daughter had a week that was filled with challenging experiences. Since she and I are very similar when it comes to new things, I could understand the angst and fear she was facing. In the middle of it all, she asked, “Why do all the hard things happen at once?” I had to think about it for a minute. It was a very true observation and a pretty good question. I’ve wondered that myself at times—why do we have to be brave all at once? Why does courage require every little bit of strength that we have, often in our weakest moments? I looked at her and said what I always say, “You can do hard things.”

I’ve said this so many times to myself over the years. I’m not sure it’s my life motto, but it comes close. I say it to my family when we feel challenged and need to do difficult things. I say it to myself when I’m sitting alone crying in a parking lot, wondering how to process the days I’m facing. I say it to those around me who I see needing encouragement and hope in the stories they are living. The scale of hard things in life varies from day to day. One moment, it could be facing your first driving lesson; another day, you could come face to face with something that could change the trajectory of your life. But we need to keep going. Amidst the darkness and fear we often face, we can have hope. We can do hard things. I know this because I see people all around me living out their own bravery every day.

• The one facing a cancer diagnosis
• The couple trying to make their marriage work
• The parent fighting for their child
• The caregiver feeling the darkness of depression
• The person frozen in grief

You can do hard things. You are more capable than you even realize. Don’t give up; don’t despair. If you find yourself trapped by fear, wondering how you will ever make it out of a challenging season and be free from what hinders, look to Jesus. Hebrews 6:19 says: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Keep moving forward; keep being brave. Look the situations that stare you right in the face and remind yourself that you can do all things. You have been given all strength. God is with you, and He is stronger than you could ever comprehend. You can do hard things because you don’t have to do them alone.