When Life Gets Hard What’s Next?
By Chuck E. Tate
Did you know the phrase “it came to pass” appears more than 450 times in the Bible? That means nothing that comes your way — no hardship, no trial, not even death — is permanent. Everything comes to pass.
For me, one of the most hopeful scriptures in all of the Bible is Romans 8:18, where Paul reminds us: "What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory [Jesus] will reveal to us later."
Later…
That single word carries so much weight. It tells us that our present suffering isn’t the end of the story. The Message paraphrases this passage beautifully:
"That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.” — Romans 8:18-21 (MSG)
That phrase—the joyful anticipation deepens—perfectly captures what Bartimaeus experienced. His moment of desperation led to a life-changing encounter with Jesus.
More Than Just Sight
Obviously, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus because he wanted to see, but he received so much more than physical sight. Mark and Luke both record that after Jesus healed him, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. But Luke gives us a little more detail: "Instantly [Bartimaeus] could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.” —Luke 18:43 (NLT)
Bartimaeus didn’t just walk away with a miracle—he walked away with a new purpose. He worshiped. And notice this: the very people who had tried to silence him joined in his praise. What changed? They witnessed what Jesus had done.
The Valley Is Not Your Final Destination
Difficult seasons don’t last forever. No matter how impossible the road ahead seems, you can hold on to this truth: you might not get over what you're facing today, but by God’s grace, you will get through it.
Life has a way of throwing us into valleys—places of deep struggle, suffering, heartbreak, or uncertainty. Maybe you're in one now. Maybe you feel stuck, as if the pain will never subside and the confusion will never clear. But take heart: you don’t live in the valley, and you won't remain there forever. God promises to walk with you every step of the way.
The familiar words of King David in Psalm 23:4 (NLT) remind us:
"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."
Notice the word through. You’re not destined to live in the valley or even stay in the valley. You are walking through it. And you’re not walking alone—God is with you, guiding, protecting, and comforting you.
When the weight of your circumstances feels overwhelming, remember this: there is glory coming on the other side of your suffering.
Romans 8:18 (NLT) reassures us:
"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."
“Later” might feel distant or uncertain, but it’s on its way. The trials of today are temporary. They came to pass, not to stay.
Let Your Worship Be Louder Than Your Worry
Bartimaeus went from being led to Jesus to following Him on his own. His life became an offering of worship, and his praise was so loud, so undeniable, that it inspired others to praise God too.
That’s what God wants for you.
Your pain is real, but so is your hope. God sees your struggle. He hears your cries. And He is faithful to carry you through the storm. Whatever you’re facing, trust that His plan for you is good and that He will bring you to a place of hope, healing, and peace.
So lift your head. Keep walking forward. God is close beside you, and the valley is not your final destination.
Let these words echo in your heart:
It came to pass.
Chuck E. Tate is a pastor, podcaster, and award-winning author. This article was inspired by his new book “Nine Words From Jesus,” with portions drawn directly from its pages.