Especially When It’s Hard

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Life can be overwhelming.

Deadlines, disappointments, broken relationships, health issues, or even just the pressure of daily responsibilities can weigh heavily on our hearts. It’s tempting to let fear or frustration take over. But as followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in faith — not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.

Standing firm doesn't mean we won’t feel shaken.

It means we anchor ourselves in God’s promises, trusting that even when everything around us feels uncertain, He remains the same. In the middle of the storm, we can choose joy — not because of the situation, but because of who walks with us through it.

Joy is not the absence of hardship; it is the presence of Jesus.

It's remembering that He has overcome the world and that our trials are shaping us for something greater. Choosing joy is a declaration of faith — it says, "I trust God more than I fear my circumstances."