Have you ever wondered if God can break into your darkest moment? We’ve all been there. Tragedy happens. Life gets crazy. Dreams can turn into disappointment. But often, this is where God meets us the most dramatically. Our guest on the Everyday Faith Podcast, Ashlee Asadi, knows this story well, and Jesus met her in a powerful way. Join us as we learn how God can change everything in the darkest moments.
Experiencing The Weight of Grief
When Ashlee was just 21, her best friend took her own life. The weight of the grief caused Ashlee to enter into a downward spiral in her life. She began drinking, partying, and experimenting with different ways to numb the pain.
Grief is something that we’ll all experience in our lives. Often, intense grief causes us to turn to God in anger, desperation, or as a last resort for hope. For Ashlee, she fell to her knees and prayed, “God, if you’re real, I pray that you would reveal yourself to me…because I can’t do this anymore.”
Wondering how to help someone who is struggling with suicide? Head to our blog: How to Help a Friend Who is Suicidal
Small Miracles & Divine Appointments
Shortly after her prayer of desperation, Ashlee had a series of divine appointments that opened her eyes to the goodness of God and the reality that He was with her. One of these stories was during a chance meeting with a client she met during cosmetology school. A young man came to her for a haircut and said:
“I don’t know you, but I feel like God sent me here today.”
The young man continued with Ashlee in conversation, telling her, “I don’t know where you’re at with your faith. But I feel like you’re supposed to go back to church.” Safe to say, Ashlee did the fastest haircut of her life that day. At the end of the haircut, the young man doubled down on the faith conversation and said, “I feel like someone is going to invite you to Church.”
Two weeks later, Ashlee’s cousin called and invited her to Church. Ashlee said, “No.” But her cousin was persistent and asked, “Would you come to a worship night? It’s just music.” She showed up to the very first worship night at this church at the U of M.
Ashlee met God in a profound way and was moved to tears by the Holy Spirit…and later on during that same worship night, the pastor of the Church had a word of knowledge that was specific to Ashlee’s story of experiencing loss. The Pastor said, “God loves you, and He heard your prayer.” Everyone in the auditorium laid hands on Ashlee, prayed for her, and she gave her life to Jesus that night.
Have you received Jesus into your heart yet? Today is your day. Learn how to receive Jesus as Lord in our blog: This Is For You
Bible Verses to Help You Through Hard Times
As Ashlee continued to grow in her faith, the Bible became her anchor. The Bible is more than a historical record with ancient poetry; it’s living scripture that has the ability to speak directly to your situation. Whether you’re a new believer, a seasoned Christian, or just curious to learn more about the faith, here are some Bible verses to help you through hard times:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
– Isaiah 41:10
Bible verses to help you through hard times show us that God is a God who promises to be with us at all times. The God of the Bible doesn’t run away from trouble; He promises to be with us in it. Bible verses for hard times also encourage us not to be afraid. And because God is love, His perfect love casts out all fear.
Related Post: Bible Verses for When You Feel Far From God
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
– Philippians 4:13
If you’re searching for a Bible verse to help you through a hard time, look no further than the book of Philippians. The Apostle Paul wrote this book in a prison cell, and his words still ring true for us today. Whether you have plenty or much, hard times hurt just the same. Thankfully, because of Christ, we can face hard times with hope, joy, and a renewed perspective.
Related Post: Why Prayer is the Best Response to Current Events
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9
Bible verses to help you get through hard times can be found in the Old Testament and the New Testament. This Bible verse for hard times comes from the book of Joshua in the Old Testament. God is the one speaking in this Bible verse for hard times, encouraging Joshua to be strong, courageous, and to not be afraid. No matter what you’re facing, God can help you.
Discover how to have joy and peace even in the wildest of storms in our blog: How to Have Joy & Peace in Difficult Times?
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world
– John 16:33
Did you know that Jesus told his disciples they would have trouble in the world? This Bible verse for hard times is a direct quote from Jesus. Right before Jesus went to the cross to die for our sins, He spoke this Bible verse for hard times to His disciples. Though trouble comes and goes, Jesus’ love and Jesus’ word are always with us.
Related Post: How to Study the Bible for Beginners
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
– Psalm 46:1
Bible verses for hard times describe God as a refuge. Have you ever been in a wild rainstorm? God is like the shelter you find to hide from the rain. He is ever-present and always available to us, wherever we are on our journey to following Jesus.
Discover more about how God is like a good Father who takes care of us: What Does the Bible Say About God As a Father?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7
Bible verses to help you through hard times warn us to stay far away from anxiety and fear. But what happens when you feel anxiety? You give it to God in the place of prayer. Through reading Bible verses about hard times and praying the word of God over your life, you’ll find a light in the darkness no matter what you’re going through.
Related Post: Bible Verses for Sleep
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 40:31
This Bible verse for help during hard times comes from the book of Isaiah, which is full of hope and encouragement. When you make the choice to wait on God, He will renew your strength as you wait. Times may be difficult, tragedy may come, but rather than rushing to figure everything out on your own, God wants us to wait on Him and use His Holy Spirit to discover His will towards every situation.
Learn more about the Holy Spirit and decision making in our blog: What is Discernment in the Bible?
Conclusion
As you can see through Ashlee’s stories and these scriptures in the Bible, Jesus really is present during hard times. Whether you’re facing financial crisis, spiritual warfare, fear of the future, or illness, Jesus has promised to be with you always. Through prayer, friends, a faithful Church community, and Bible verses to get you through hard times, you’ll be living in the fruit of your prayers before you know it.
For more on how to live out your everyday faith through the highs and lows of life, listen to the Everyday Faith Podcast on YouTube:
