Finding Strength and Hope in God’s Promises
Life can throw us into seasons that test our endurance—times when our bodies ache, our responsibilities overwhelm, and even the weather seems to conspire against us. For anyone facing such struggles, these moments can feel isolating and exhausting. Yet, there’s a thread of hope that weaves through every hardship: God’s unwavering promises. This blog post is for those who, like the author of the quoted text below, are grappling with physical limitations, work challenges, and environmental strains while clinging to faith.
The author shared a raw and honest glimpse into their recent days:
“The last couple of days have been really rough physically for me. Sometimes it's like that when you're on dialysis. I guess that combined with this week being Fair week it has been a little hard on me. Again not complaining. Just stating facts. From the time I got out of dialysis this Wednesday through now till Saturday morning which includes a day off and a another dialysis day. I am just about done. When I finished with Dialysis yesterday had to make a supply run for the kitchen which is not a big deal. Usually can do it in under an hour. Yesterday it took me almost two when I got back went into my trailer to lay down and that's the last thing I remember until about 8:30 this morning. I was completely wiped out. I know I was up several times but I really don't remember when or how for what. I just keep holding on to God's promise that all things work together for good to them that love him. I feel so bad that I have been unable work as much as I needed to. Praying that gets better as the temperature drops and the humidity goes back down. I joke that it's hard on an old fat man, but that's the gods honest truth.”
Despite the weight of these challenges, the author holds onto a powerful truth from Scripture:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
This verse isn’t just a lifeline—it’s a lens through which we can view every struggle. Let’s walk through how God’s Word speaks to the physical exhaustion, work limitations, and weather-related burdens the author faces, offering comfort and encouragement along the way.
God’s Strength in Our Weakness
Dialysis is no small feat—it drains the body and spirit, leaving little energy for even the simplest tasks. The author’s experience of being “completely wiped out” after a routine errand is a reminder of how fragile we can feel. But God meets us in our weakness with a promise of strength. The Apostle Paul learned this firsthand:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in hardships, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV).
When we’re at our lowest, God’s grace doesn’t just fill the gaps—it overflows. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of this renewal:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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” (Isaiah 40:29-31, NIV).
If you’re feeling spent, take heart: God’s strength is yours to claim. He doesn’t expect you to push through alone—He lifts you up when you can’t stand.
Persevering Through Trials
The grind of ongoing health issues and the inability to work as much as desired can feel like a relentless trial. It’s tempting to wonder, Why is this so hard? Scripture, though, reveals that these challenges have a purpose. James encourages us:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV).
Joy might feel far off when you’re exhausted, but this passage suggests that every struggle is shaping you—building resilience and faith. Paul adds to this:
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).
Each day you keep going, even when it’s tough, you’re growing stronger in spirit. That hope at the end of the chain? It’s real, and it’s yours.
Trusting in God’s Provision
The author’s guilt over not working enough is a heavy burden—one many can relate to when circumstances limit what we can do. Worry creeps in: Will there be enough? God’s Word cuts through that anxiety with a promise:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV).
This isn’t a vague hope—it’s a guarantee rooted in God’s abundance. Jesus taught us to trust instead of worry:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV).
When we focus on God rather than our shortcomings, He takes care of the details. The psalmist’s testimony reinforces this:
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (Psalm 37:25, NIV).
You don’t have to carry the weight of provision—God’s got it covered.
God’s Sovereignty Over Nature
The author’s mention of temperature and humidity highlights how external factors can amplify our struggles. It’s frustrating when even the weather seems against us. But here’s the good news: God reigns over it all. Psalm 147 declares:
“He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow” (Psalm 147:15-18, NIV).
The heat, the humidity—they answer to Him. Jesus showed this authority when He stilled a storm:
“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm” (Matthew 8:26-27, NIV).
If He can calm the sea, He can bring peace to your situation, too. The weather may be out of your control, but it’s never out of His.
Holding Onto God’s Promise
Physical exhaustion, work struggles, and oppressive weather could easily steal our joy. Yet, Romans 8:28 stands firm: God is working all things—the hard days, the tired moments, the humid afternoons—for your good. It might not feel good now, but His plan is unfolding.
So, hold onto these truths:
- Your weakness is where God’s strength shines.
- Your trials are building hope.
- Your needs are in His hands.
- Your circumstances are under His command.
A Prayer for You
Lord, wrap Your arms around those feeling weary and burdened today. Give them strength when they’re weak, hope when they’re discouraged, and peace when the world feels heavy. Meet their needs, calm their storms, and remind them of Your good plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DMMC 6-28-25
Comments