Tough Times Require We Believe All the More

What challenge are you facing right now that looks insurmountable? Have you been straining toward a goal that appears unreachable? Perhaps you have a dream that seems unattainable.

I want to encourage you today. No matter what you are facing, God is with you, He is for you and He has plans for you that just might exceed what you can imagine. And just so you don't miss it, there is a good chance it looks a lot different from what you expect.

For years, I had a desire to write a book. I actually started to write on one particular topic, but reached a point that left me feeling ill-equipped to see it through. I let that dream lie dormant, wondering if writing a book was actually something I could accomplish. I experienced a series of upheavals in my life that took all of my energy to navigate, not least of which was my move to Arkansas. Writing a book was the least of my concerns.

Jesus told us that in the world we would face trials. He also said that we could be of good cheer because he has overcome the world (John 16:33). If we see our lives only through the eyes of what we are able to accomplish in our own strength, it’s no wonder life can seem a bit hopeless at times. Even if you are a high-capacity leader, you are still human, and our humanity inherently has limitations. But we have a big God who is able to do far more than we can even ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Still, what do you do when you are going through difficulties? When you have worked hard to accomplish a goal only to battle with obstacles and watch it slip away? Or when the dream you have carried for so long is, practically speaking, far out of reach.

Believe.

Believe the promises of God. Believe that He created you with a purpose and that He will provide a way (Isaiah 43:19).

God made a way for me to get hired as an instructional designer—even when I did not meet the requirements for the job and after the hiring manager had already told me no. Writing curriculum gave me a unique oppo