3 Questions To Ask When Life Feels Hard

This morning, I read one of my favorite stories from the Gospel of Mark.

Jesus had gone up to the mountain to pray and have some much-needed alone time. He sent the disciples ahead of Him to Bethsaida. The plan was that He would meet them there. However, in the middle of the night, as He looked out on the waters, He noticed the disciples were having a hard time. Scripture tells us that they were “straining at the oars, because the wind was against them” (Mark 6:48). Around 3:00 a.m., Jesus started toward them, walking on the water. The disciples saw Him and freaked out, thinking He was a ghost! Jesus spoke and told them it was Him and that they didn’t need to be afraid. Then Jesus got in the boat with them, and the wind died down. As a result of what they had just witnessed, the disciples were amazed!

There’s so much to reflect on in this short passage. Why not open your Bible to Mark 6:45–52 and read the story yourself? I believe this Scripture invites us to three reflective questions.

3 Questions To Ask When Life Feels Hard

1. Where am I straining at the oars?

In other words, am I trying as hard as I can but not making any progress? Sometimes in life, we get stuck. It can feel like everything is pushing against us, and we’re trying to move forward but simply not getting anywhere. All of our straining accomplishes nothing. At times when we’re straining against the oars, we need to move in a different direction. Other times, we need to bring in help. As you sit with this question, it can be helpful to journal your answers. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what to do next. Do you move in a completely different direction? Do you ask for help or hire help? Or do you pause and wait for God to move on your behalf?

2. Where do I need courage?

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they freaked out! Jesus told them to take courage. This begs the question in your life and mine: “Where is Jesus moving, and how do I access the courage to follow?” Jesus was inviting the disciples to trust Him, and often that takes quite a bit of courage. What I’ve noticed in my life is that usually when God is moving and calling me to something new—or to deeper faith—it requires more courage on my part. Usually, it’s in the hard times when God invites us to deeper courage.

3. Do I need the reminder that God’s presence is with me?

As soon as Jesus got in the boat with the disciples, the wind died down. I think many times in your life and mine, when chaos is ensuing, we forget that Jesus is with us. We are never alone. His presence is there to comfort, encourage, empower, and guide. As we become intentional about remembering His presence, His Spirit calms our fear and anxiety.

Friend, I don’t know where you are straining at the oars or where you have become fearful, but I know God’s presence is with you. He will not abandon you. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Take courage. Sit with these questions and ask the Spirit of Christ to lead your thinking. He will show you what needs to happen next.

This week on the Connected Mom Podcast, we’re talking with Ash Ruddy about her harrowing story of delivering her son at just 24 weeks. Ash will share how to find hope and resilient faith in the midst of life’s hardest moments. 

In just a few short months, Friend-Wise will be released. Will you join me in praying that many will find encouragement in this book and the tools to strengthen their friendships?