How to Handle Tough Times

There is no shortage of tough times in our lives these days. Unfortunately, tough times are just part of living on Earth. Thankfully, God has a lot of instruction for us on handling tough times, and we can tap into that and receive the much needed help and perspective we need. Jesus straight up said there would be tough times, but he also provided much needed peace and hope. Check out John 16:33:

John 16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus says that even in the tough times of tribulation, we can have perfect peace in Him. When He says He has overcome the world, Jesus is telling us that in shedding His blood as a sacrifice for us, He overcame the world’s ownership over us. That means those who choose to believe in and follow Jesus receive His help that is powerful enough to overcome even the worst of situations in this world. Things may physically happen to us and those we love, but we are spiritually owned and protected by Jesus and nothing of this world can separate us from His love. Now all we have to do is tap into this power of peace and strength in the tough times. It’s easier said than done at times, I know. We all experience different levels of tough times in various seasons of our lives, and I don’t pretend to understand or be able to comprehend how difficult your tough times are. My goal is to bring you the encouragement and perspective offered in the Bible and try to help you tap into God’s peace and joy, even through your tough times. I encourage you to get your Bible out and read the verses along with me. And it all starts with our perspective. First let’s address some questions to begin to build the right perspective.

Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People

The reality is that bad things happen to ALL people. It is a fallen world. The question should rather be why do good things happen to imperfect messer uppers like us? We know that Satan runs the world, as Jesus tells us in John 14:30 before he dies on the cross for us imperfect people who don’t deserve it. He bought us back from Satan the ruler of this world with the currency of the spiritual world, his own blood.

John 14:30 – 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

When Jesus rose from the dead and everyone saw him walking around, it was undeniable verification that Satan and evil truly didn’t have anything on Jesus and that God will win in the end. As much as he wanted to, Satan couldn’t keep Jesus down. And because we belong to God, Satan has nothing on us either. But Jesus didn’t leave us hanging in the meantime… he sent the holy spirit to be with us after He left. This puts a different perspective on bad things happening, as it is a reality of the world we live in, but we’re not alone! Let this passage sink in deep, explaining that the Lord sent the holy spirit to help us deal with the dark world we live in:

John 14:23-30 – 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

Paul explains in Romans 8:18-25 how we, with an eternal perspective, can look forward to going from suffering in this world to glory when Christ redeems us and we’re no longer subject to the evil of the world.

Romans 8:18-25 – 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Obtaining this perspective becomes easier as you see God working in your life more and more. I encourage you to give God a try. Trust Him with some areas of your life and take some leaps where if He doesn’t show up, it won’t work. After you get a few of those under your belt, obtaining this perspective will become easier. And even better, you’ll want to trust more areas of your life to God! Start with a small one, like tithing, realizing everything you have comes from God, so you have gratitude for it all. Then, because it all came from God and you’re thankful, you can’t wait to bring blessing on someone with what God gave you by tithing. Then, watch the blessings pour over you.

Does Going Through Tough Times Prove God Isn’t All Powerful and Good?

There is a common misconception out there that if God loves us, then he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to us. The actual truth is that it’s a fallen world and bad things are going to happen, even to good people. Based on the verse above, John 16:33, Jesus says outright that we will have hard times, but that through Him we can have peace. Knowing that bad times will come, we can choose one of two ways to look at it: either the tough times are all for nothing or the tough times are for a purpose for the Lord. The reality is, God advances His kingdom, especially through our tough times. How much more meaningful is a message to someone coming from a person struggling and still choosing to have faith because they’re confident God is real?

1 Peter 4:12-13 – 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.      

At the end of the day, we menial humans can’t possibly expect to understand God’s plan. But at least we can be sure our suffering is for a purpose! And look at the promise…when His glory is revealed, we will be glad with exceeding joy. God is not shy about shining his glory, so get ready for some seriously overwhelming gladness and joy.

Keep in mind, God’s plan is not meant to be understood by us:

Romans 11:33-36 – 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Although we can’t begin to understand God’s perspective, we can get a small glimpse. Let’s look at an example, sort of like a parable. Parables give us perspective we would have a hard time seeing otherwise.

You have 2 kids. One is a 5 year old girl. She’s sweet, but you caught her sneaking into the pantry to steal M&Ms multiple times even after you asked her not to. The other is a middle school aged boy. Kids at school are mean to him, bullying him for something he can’t help and he struggles with some anxiety. You caught him drinking with friends a couple weeks ago and he also got into a fight recently at school, causing you to have to miss 2 days of work when he was expelled. You have to pick one to receive eternal damnation in Hell. Which one do you pick? Would any parent not drop on their knees and cry out to God saying she didn’t understand, she’s just 5 and still learning! And He’s just trying to cope with painful emotions and rejection in becoming a young adult! He’s not trying to be bad, he just doesn’t understand! No…. I refuse, I can’t pick, so just take me! Take me instead! Well, that’s how God feels about His children. That’s what Jesus did for us. It’s just hard to understand His perspective when we’re in our own world of struggle.

Why do bad people prosper?

There is no earthly explanation for this. It could only be something God can understand, and Jesus explains it in Matthew 5:44-45.

Matthew 5:43-48 – 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Ultimately, people who obtain power, money, and prestige at the expense of other people will indeed have to answer for their actions one day. And people who do the things you may be tempted to do and seemingly have no consequences will one day account for their action. We don’t need to understand God’s plan, but just know that their wickedness will not get them anywhere good in the end. They are actively choosing to turn away from God and the word in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

So, as hard as it is to watch people get away with things with no consequences while you are struggling to do the right thing every day, don’t get frustrated. They will not get to enjoy the things that really matter. A little temporary pain and frustration is nothing compared to them being told by Jesus “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

Matthew 7:21-23 – 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

When tough times happen to us at the hands of others, just know that in the end, God will make everything right. I know we may be tempted sometimes to take revenge into our own hands when something bad happens, but revenge is for God. Although it looks like someone may be getting away with some evil or corrupt deed, you can rest assured God will bring his justice and make it right one day. It may not happen right away though, so we must be patient.

Romans 12:19 – Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Practical Steps to Thrive in Tough Times

• Seek an Eternal Perspective

The first thing we need to do is seek the correct perspective: we are just temporary residents of an imperfect world and our eternal home will be with the Lord in Heaven.

Jesus is preparing a place for us in our Father’s house

John 14:1-3 – 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

We are children of God

1 John 3:2-3 – 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

We who believe in Jesus overcome the world

1 John 5:4-5 – 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

• Tap into God’s Peace

It is critical that we learn to tap into the peace Jesus promised us when we are going through tribulation, because it prepares us for the next important step, to be used for God’s glory. The tough times are when God can bring about the most glory and do the most amazing things in our lives. Although we can’t see the spiritual realm, God is more active than you think in your life. When we’re going through hard times, it is much more difficult to see God’s action and involvement in our lives. God loves us and wants us to have His perfect peace no matter what’s going on with our circumstances in this imperfect, fallen world. To put it simply, God wants us to have joy no matter the circumstances.

Seeking God’s peace and joy is a daily discipline, but that is the one thing He provides every time without question. God always provides peace without limitation when we ask. All we have to do is ask and keep our focus on God. In addition to the peace Jesus promises in John 16:33, let’s look at what the Bible says about peace.

Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

Philippians 4:6-7 – 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

• Give it to God. I mean give it to God all the way and completely relinquish it, understanding you can’t do it alone and you need help. Jesus’ yoke is light. Carry his yoke instead of your heavy burdensome yoke.

Matthew 11:28-30 – 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

• First seek the kingdom of God and He’ll give us what we need. Set your heart to follow Jesus and the rest will come. It’s all about where our heart is. Choose to focus on the Lord instead of the things that are making you feel hopeless, fearful, or other negative emotions.
  
  

Matthew 6:33 – 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

• We need to let God renew our minds to place our thoughts and perspectives in the right place. The Lord will renew your mind and help you focus on what’s important. Does this mean you’ll never struggle or sin again? No, but it means you’re making progress moving in the right direction with your heart in the right place, which is what’s important. We have no hope of being strong enough to endure the struggles of this world without being broken like a twig or being good enough on our own without the Lord’s help. It may be tempting to turn to doing things the world’s way in tough times desperate for relief, but we must stick with God’s way where we will receive long term relief from our tough times. The world’s way might give us momentary relief, but once that is over, things are often even worse because of the consequences that come with doing things the world’s way.

Romans 12:2 – 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Ephesians 4:23-24 – 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

• First deal with any issues in your past, in particular emotional issues, and seek God’s daily bread of healing and keeping healed emotionally and physically. Past unaddressed issues allow for problems to come back and potentially even become worse than they were before. In Luke 11:24-26, Jesus explains that unaddressed past issues can continue to cause you to be worse off as you take steps to seeking peace and healing. This absolutely includes exercising the daily discipline of forgiving people who have hurt you or your loved ones in the past. Most people don’t realize the purpose and heart of God in forgiving isn’t just the benefit for the person being forgiven, but for the forgiver to truly let go of the thing that has been eating them alive inside and experience the freedom God provides in practicing forgiveness as a daily discipline. Being free from that internal angst that builds up inside us is what will get us unstuck and able to move forward.

Luke 11:24-26 24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

• After you have done the previous things, make your requests to God in the name of Jesus. Do His will and bear good fruit so that whatever you ask the Father in Jesus’ name, He may give you. But, also understand that there are times God does not give us what we want for a reason. This is not meant to be understood. Usually, it’s because we have a purpose to fulfill in that moment of suffering.

John 16:23-24 – 23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 15:16 – 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

• You must quiet the noise in your head to hear the holy spirit – this is hard to do in tough times. Pray that God will bring his presence and take away all the fear, anxiety, negative emotions, and pain that may be blocking you from hearing the holy spirit. Then be still and quiet and wait for God’s presence. Combine the verses below and it is a pretty clear picture of what we need to do: Find a quiet place where you can calm your mind, quiet all your anxiety, worry, and negative emotions making noise in your head, and be ready to hear the holy spirit. Studying the Bible a little every day will help you better detect what God is trying to reveal to you, especially when you’re struggling to find your way.

Matthew 6:6 – 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

• Realize that your ability to make sound decisions could be significantly compromised in tough times. It is good to find a trusted Bible believing faith filled follower of Jesus to help you with decision making in tough times. It is wise to seek counsel in normal times, so how much more important it is to seek wise counsel in tough times when we’re compromised?

Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

Trying times involve spiritual warfare. You must seek wise counsel to win the battle.

Proverbs 20:18 – Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.

• God will restore you in all ways

1 Peter 5:10 – 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Romans 8:23 – 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

• Put on the whole armor of God and prepare for the battle of tough times

Since it is guaranteed tough times are coming, we need to prepare for battle.

Ephesians 6:10-18 – 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

The more you study the Bible, the more you know the heart of God, and the closer your relationship with God gets, the better you’ll be at donning the whole armor of God in the tough times. And the more you learn in the Bible, the more wisdom you’ll gain that could even prevent some of the tough times.

Biblical Encouragement and Track Record For Tough Times

• It’s okay to be afraid, the heroes in the Bible were also afraid. Being afraid does not make you less of a believer. It is how you respond to the fear that matters. This is where you have an opportunity to focus on God instead of the fear. Even God’s greatest men of faith were physically terrified at what confronted them. Imagine David facing Goliath, or John the Baptist suffering in prison. Breaking down in our weak physical and mental bodies does not mean that we are lacking in faith. It just means our flesh is weak, just like the Bible said it is. Just remember God understands our flesh is weak. Then get determined to focus on God’s kingdom, because that is how you unlock everything God can do for you and through you. Here are some examples of God’s heroes in the Bible going through scary times.
  
  Habakkuk was physically trembling and terrified when God revealed to him the coming judgement on Israel

Habakkuk 3:16 – When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops.

The story of David and Goliath: 1 Samuel 17

Verses 40-44 – The Giant Goliath taunts David because David is just a small kid

40 Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 41 So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. 43 So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”

Verses 45-49 – David’s response and actions in the power of God

45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
48 So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.

• God crafted some of the most impactful events in history through people’s tough times – you can choose to serve the Lord in your tough times, which guarantees your suffering is not for nothing. It is a win-win scenario to choose to live for God, you have nothing to lose. Even if we are wrong you lived a joy filled life for God and had peace through the tough times. If we are right, then you get all those benefits plus you get to live forever in Heaven with God in eternal paradise. I’m just going to name a few example stories that I would most definitely take time to read when you’re able.

1 Peter 1:3-7 – 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Absolutely don’t miss that God was faithful every single time, an excellent track record that leaves no doubt based on historical data that He will be faithful for us as believers.

Noah built the ark in a time when wickedness overtook the world. You know people called him crazy at the time for building a giant boat and saying a flood would soon destroy everyone on earth. See Genesis 6-8 for the full story.

Abraham and Sarah unable to have children during normal childbearing years, but then God gave them Isaac when they were old – in God’s timing. Abraham even got impatient and tried to take matters into his own hands, bearing a son with Hagar, a servant. See Genesis 16-21.

Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and God made amazing glory of that situation, with Joseph earning the favor of Pharoah and becoming a ruler in Egypt. See Genesis 37-47

David’s tough times built him to be the hero for God he was when he became king. Saul was constantly trying to kill David before he became king because he was jealous. See 1 Samuel 18-27.

Esther, the queen in her time, was being persecuted as a Jew along with all the Jews in the kingdom by the king due to a decree that a Jew hater named Haman tricked the king into signing. She stood up to protect the people from a nonsensical Jew persecuting law she knew wasn’t right, and it took courage only God could have given her to overcome her fears and confront both the king and the Jew hater, Haman. See Esther.

Job suffered badly for a season, but continued to be faithful. God restored and blessed Job even more than he was before and he lived a full life. Check out the book of Job.

The ultimate example is Jesus suffering and dying for our sins, even more impactful because He didn’t sin. He lived all 33 of his years sin free in this fallen, evil world, even to his torturous death on the cross for doing nothing wrong. See Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Now, we imperfect messer uppers, who would have never had a chance to stand before God otherwise, can be saved from our sins and get to be with God in heaven forever just by choosing to believe in Jesus, that he died so we could be washed clean of our sins.

• Letting God work in our lives doesn’t mean we stop putting in our effort

Romans 5:3-5 – 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

2 Peter 1:5-7 – 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Colossians 3:23-25 – 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Having the correct Biblical perspective and knowing that we don’t have to figure it all out alone – that we need Jesus to help us through the tough times – will get is on the right path. Our tough times are not all for nothing, but instead will be used for the glory of God. Be encouraged, in the end God will make everything right and there will be no more pain and suffering.

Revelation 21:4 – 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”