Do Hard Things

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 10, 2018

Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son. Genesis 18:14

I don’t like to do the hard things. I tend to put them off. Hard conversations, hard financial decisions, hard trips, visits to the dentist, doctor and gym tend to interest me the least. It’s easier to do the easy things first: eat, forget, worry, gossip, review email, check social media, or call a friend. Ironically, the pain of waiting to confront the hard thing is worse than addressing the hard issue or hard person up front. Hard things are my opportunity for courage and trust in the Lord.

Abraham and Sarah faced a divine test—something hard to believe. In their current elderly state God promised them a son. Their faith wavered. They would be blessed by a son, but Sarah was beyond the age for childbearing and they knew for sure their energy for raising a little one was on the wane. Both were startled at this unrealistic expectation—Sarah even laughed within herself, but when confronted with her crisis of faith denied her doubts. This opportunity from the Lord was hard to accept, but by faith Sarah eventually received this promise of God’s faithfulness.

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise” (Hebrews 11:11).

What hard thing do you need to face sooner than later? If you failed to meet someone’s expectations, don’t pretend it didn’t happen. The awkwardness will not go away, it will only exasperate. Schedule a coffee and have an honest discussion of what transpired and express your desire to make things right. Humility gives grace and courage to do hard things. Moreover, make hard financial decisions now, so you have better options later. Trust God will provide, but only after you provide Him reasons showing you are a faithful manager of His resources. Make hard choices.

Most of all, by faith—let’s believe what the Lord has promised—as we face hard things. Jesus is with us and will never leave us regardless of the degree of difficulty we face. God gives us wisdom to understand and discern His ways. When we ask and listen the Spirit speaks to our mind and heart. Christ in us is our courage. He infuses us with faith and resolve to finish the task. Our heavenly Father wants us to draw near to His loving heart as we encounter hard situations. Nothing is too hard for our Creator, Savior and Lord. All things are possible with God!

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God’” (Luke 18:27).

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