When Life Gets Tough Difficult times come in many shapes and sizes. They can disorient, discourage and debilitate us. How can we keep moving forward on our Christian journey?
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y tough times may not be the same as your tough times, but we all have them. They can stop us in our tracks in our Christian journey, and they can even make us feel cut off from God. How can we break free from the paralysis and move forward? How can we turn a trial into a catalyst for growth? How can we tap into the spiritual strength we need to not just endure, but conquer? We can turn to the Bible for answers.
When we are burdened by troubles that weigh us down, Jesus offers to lighten our load and give us rest. There is so much we can learn from Him about how to endure and conquer our trials. (Explore Christ’s wonderful promise in more detail in our article “‘My Yoke Is Easy’: Is Being a Christian Easy or Hard?”) What can we learn from how Jesus Christ prepared for the great trials of His life?
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me”
What did Jesus do?
Jesus was willing to undergo some of the most difficult times imaginable, yet He was able to tell us: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
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Before facing Satan’s temptations, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and He fasted (Luke 4:1-2). Humbling ourselves with fasting and focusing on God can help us draw close to God. (Learn more in our online article “How to Fast as a Christian.”) Before facing His crucifixion, Jesus prayed fervently three times, submitting to God’s will, and God strengthened Him (Luke 22:41-44).
DISCERN
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