My Tip for Getting Through the Hard Times
This too shall pass is a familiar phrase. It’s so popular that when I did an internet search, I discovered hundreds of examples of where it’s been used in speeches, books, and social media memes.
Don’t worry. I’m not going to list them all here. 😉
Why has the expression been shared numerous times over history?
The answer is simple. It offers hope—and hope changes everything.
The year 2020 has been …
Well, challenging is a mild word for what many have faced.
Regardless, people have remained determined to deal with whatever is thrown at them. But what happens when no matter how hard some try, things still don’t go right? When they’re hit with one horrible blow after another, and there doesn’t seem to be a way out of their hurtful or messy situations?
They lose heart. They give up. Without hope, people die. If not physically, they die inside.
The anticipation of a brighter future helps us deal with dark days, insurmountable obstacles, and heartbreak. And as Christians, we know that what we experience on earth is temporary—there is a life beyond our existence here.
My tip …
When I feel discouraged, I remind myself that this too shall pass. I remember all the many times that God has been there for me. For instance, when …
I don’t share those things to gain your sympathy or pity. (Many others have experienced similar situations or worse.) They are testimonies to God’s faithfulness. I know that if I can get through those experiences and come out on the other end still trusting that God is in control—I can get through anything.
No matter what frustrates me today, this too shall pass.
My tip …
When I feel discouraged, I remind myself that this too shall pass. I remember all the many times that God has been there for me. For instance, when …
I went through a painful divorce and faced backlash because some people didn’t understand my decision.
Three months after I remarried, my stepdaughter died in a freak car accident. She was only nineteen. Overwhelming grief replaced the joy that had filled our home at starting a new life together and watching his two daughters and my two daughters celebrate together at our wedding reception.
Eight months later, my husband was laid off from Boeing, along with thousands of other employees in the Seattle area. With so many out of work, it was impossible to get hired anywhere, and he remained unemployed for two years.
And only three months after he was called back to his job at Boeing, he admitted himself into a thirty-day treatment center, confessing that he was a closet alcoholic. I finally had answers to the craziness I was experiencing. He’s doing great and has been sober for fifteen years. The first three years of married life were painful, but the last fifteen have been filled with countless blessings.
I don’t share those things to gain your sympathy or pity. (Many others have experienced similar situations or worse.) They are testimonies to God’s faithfulness. I know that if I can get through those experiences and come out on the other end still trusting that God is in control—I can get through anything.
No matter what frustrates me today, this too shall pass.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
When you go through hard times, look back and remember what God did for you. If he brought you through then, he’ll bring you through now.
This also relates to our writing world. Perhaps ...
- Your creativity feels elusive.
- You’ve received a rejection from an agent or publisher—or an unfair review.
- You’re stressed over deadlines and endless interruptions.
- Your house looks like the Mojave Desert has blown in taken permanent residence because writing is the current priority.
- Your family hasn’t eaten anything but pizza in days because you MUST finish your manuscript.
- Your children’s, spouse’s, or elderly parents’ needs consume you, and there never seems to be enough time to write.
- You’re physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually worn out from seeing and living through one crisis after another in our country: fires, floods, political unrest, COVID-19, etc.
As Christian writers, we have a responsibility that we yearn to fulfill. We strive to bring hope, comfort, bring forth spiritual truths, and stir a hunger in readers for a closer relationship to God. We may even use story to help people find compassion and understanding for others.
So how do we handle getting through the hard times? How do we push through and return to that place where we can resume our calling and use our God-given gifts?
With hope, prayer, and reminding ourselves that when it comes to today’s irritations, disappointments, and painful moments …they too shall pass.
When I feel discouraged, I remind myself that this too shall pass. I remember all the many times that God has been there for me. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters
When you go through hard times, look back and remember what God did for you. If he brought you through then, he’ll bring you through now. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters
7 NEW Contemporary Romances
Each story in this boxed set was inspired by a different Christmas carol.
These romances include strangers connecting in a small Pacific coast town, small town homecomings and second chances, a tourist town with a handsome veteran, music rooms where sparks fly on Whidbey Island in WA, love and secrets on the streets of Seattle, a romance between a customer and a choir director, and a mature-years romance on an Oregon farm.
Authors included: Lynnette Bonner, JoAnn Durgin, Chautona Havig, Annette M. Irby, Dawn Kinzer, Lesley Ann McDaniel, and Sylvia Stewart
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, good wine, strong coffee, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Connect and learn more about Dawn by visiting these online sites: Author Website, Faithfully Write Editing, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, BookBub, and Goodreads.
