Finding Hope in Difficult Times

Difficult times are a natural part of life, something we all experience at different points. Whether it's personal struggles, professional challenges, or unexpected crises, hardship can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you are not alone, and difficulties are not permanent.

In this article, we’ll explore what difficult times are, key truths to remember when facing them, and practical ways to find hope and keep moving forward.

What Are Difficult Times?

Difficult times refer to periods of life when individuals or groups experience significant challenges, hardship, and adversity. These struggles may come in the form of financial difficulties, loss, failure, health issues, or emotional distress.

I remember encountering a young female student when I was teaching at a private school. She had owed school fees for years, and when I approached her to find out why, I discovered she was going through immense hardship—not just her, but her entire family. Yet today, she is a second-year health student, proving that difficult times do not last forever.

I’ve also had my share of challenges. During my second year of college, I had to sell my phone just to report for the first semester. I later lied to my friends that it was broken, and to others, I said it was missing. Things were truly hard, but I made it through.

Three Key Truths About Difficult Times

1. Difficult Times Are a Common Human Experience

Hardship is part of life. Everyone you meet is facing or has faced challenges. Robin Williams put it best:

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always.”

Even the Bible, in Ecclesiastes, reminds us that difficult times happen to all.

2. Difficult Times Are Never Beyond Your Strength

You are stronger than you think. The challenges you face are within your ability to overcome. They may seem impossible, but if others have conquered hardship, so can you.

Consider Job, Joseph, Jesus, Jack Ma, Helen Keller, Glen Cunningham, and Joe Biden—all of them faced unimaginable struggles, yet they rose above them.

As Ann Landers wisely said:

“Expect troubles as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye, and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.’”

3. Difficult Times Are Not Permanent

Even after 40 years of captivity, the Israelites found freedom.

No matter how dark your current situation seems, troubles do not last forever. The Psalmist reminds us:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

What Is Hope?

Hope is the light in the darkness, the belief that better days are ahead. As John C. Maxwell puts it:

• Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
• Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
• Hope believes even when evidence is limited.
• Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
• Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
• Hope endures hardship when no one is caring.
• Hope brings victory when no one is winning.

How to Find Hope in Difficult Times

1. Encourage Yourself

Your biggest responsibility during hard times is to keep yourself encouraged.

Ways to do this include:

✔ Singing hymns and uplifting songs

✔ Reading scripture

✔ Meditating on positive affirmations

Some songs that have helped me include:

• Begone Unbelief (MHB 511) – A song that strengthened me after losing my brother last year.
• I Am the World’s Greatest – R. Kelly
• I Am a Winner – Frank Edwards
• I Smile – Kirk Franklin

Some Bible verses to encourage you:

• Psalm 30:5 – Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
• Romans 8:18 – The suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.
• 2 Corinthians 4:17 – Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.

2. Believe and Confess Positive Outcomes

One of the most powerful affirmations I hold onto is:

"My end is the glory of God."

No matter how tough life gets, believe and confess that your future is bright.

3. Read the Testimonies of Others

When you feel like giving up, look at the stories of those who overcame hardship:

• Jack Ma – Rejected numerous times but built a billion-dollar empire.
• Helen Keller – Deaf and blind, yet earned a college degree and a PhD.
• Many successful people – Behind their victories are stories of struggle.

Your hardship today will become your testimony tomorrow.

Final Words

Let me leave you with these words from Ann Landers:

“Expect troubles as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye, and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.’”

And a reminder from 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG):

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down. He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.”

Stay strong, my friend. You will overcome.

Kind regards,

EBENEZER OSEI,

TUTOR, THE SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP.