By Alex Kondratev

I don’t know about you, but my whole life I thought I understood suffering, that was until it really came knocking on my door with the death of my husband. Then it became personal, and just like that the questions, doubts, and fears came rushing in all at once. Where was God in all of this? Would he be faithful to me? Could I make it without my husband? Did I have reason to hope like I had grown up believing?

These questions can be overwhelming and downright terrifying, but in my lowest moments, I found answers and hope in scripture, in Christ. When the tears were many and there was no place else to run, these words held me safe and gave the courage to take another step.

In the midst of your suffering, I urge you to turn to the only place you will find lasting hope and purpose in the pain. It won’t make all your problems disappear, but you will never be alone. God wants to meet you in your suffering—he promises to. Take the timeless words of scripture and write them on your heart, day by day repeat them to yourself, and watch how they renew your mind and bring you to a place of contentment and trust in God.

1. God will be with you every step of the way!

Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

2. You will feel like you can’t go on, but God WILL be your strength.

Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

3. God brings us a comfort like no one else can.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

4. God will bring the healing we desire!

1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

5. Our suffering isn’t meaningless.

2 Corinthians 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

6. In the pain, Christ is gain! (Cheesy but true!)

Philippians 3:8: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

7. His heart is for the widow and the fatherless.

Psalm 68:5: “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”

8. In the hardest moments of our lives, God is fighting for us.

Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

9. There is purpose in our pain.

Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

10. In the end, “all sad things come untrue.” (J.R.R Tolkien)

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

God was a not silent about those who suffer, in fact scripture is full of his promises to meet you in the mourning. His Word makes it clear that he has not left us to make it alone. There is hope, respite, and even new joys to be found in Christ. Anchor yourself in His words and though your boat may rock, it will never be thrown off course. He is faithful.

What to Do If Our Motivation Lacks?

When motivation dwindles, it's crucial to seek encouragement from scripture. The Bible offers timeless wisdom on maintaining our drive and purpose.

What Does the Bible Say About Motivation?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of perseverance and strength, reminding us that our commitment to God's calling fuels our motivation. In Colossians 3:23-24, we are reminded to work heartily, as if for the Lord, which can inspire greater dedication in our daily tasks.

Good Bible Verses for Motivation:

1. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse empowers us to remember that our strength comes from our faith, enabling us to tackle challenges with confidence.

2. Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." This reminds us to place our hope in God, which revitalizes our energy and motivation.

Verses About Motivation:

• Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." This scripture encourages us to remain focused on Christ, keeping our motivations aligned with His purpose.

• 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This reminder assures us that we have the ability to regain our motivation through faith in God's purpose for our lives.

By reflecting on these verses, we can reignite our motivation and continue to push forward, even in times of uncertainty. Let scripture inspire you to overcome obstacles and embrace the strength found in faith.

Giving Up Is Not an Option!

When life gets tough, the feeling of giving up can creep in. It's important to remember that perseverance is vital in our faith journey. Here's how to combat those feelings and keep moving forward.

What to Do If You Feel Like Giving Up:

1. Reflect on Your Purpose: Take a moment to revisit the reasons you started. Remembering your purpose can reignite your passion and clarify your goals.

2. Seek Spiritual Support: Reach out to fellow believers for encouragement and prayer. Community can offer the strength you need to keep going.

3. Pray for Strength: Ask God for guidance and the endurance to face challenges. Sometimes, simply vocalizing our struggles can bring peace and clarity.

Scripture for Keeping Faith:

• Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." This verse encourages us to maintain our hope and patience, emphasizing the importance of continual prayer.

• Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." This assures us that our efforts will bear fruit, as long as we remain steadfast in our actions.

• James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." This verse illustrates the value of endurance and the blessings that come from our trials.

In moments of doubt, remember that giving up is not an option. Lean on scripture, seek support, and remind yourself of the transformative power of faith. By holding on to hope and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.

Alex Kondratev has been a wife, a widow, and a wife again. Phew! She has experienced joys unspeakable and heartbreak unfathomable, and it is her passion to tell a good story about how God is faithful in it all!