How to Make It in Hard Times

 by Gregory A. Johnson

I hear from many in the United States and around the world every day. They are going through fiery trials, and seemingly their prayers are going unanswered. Their faith is wavering under the burden of helplessness and hopelessness. Their trials consume them day and night, stealing the peace that Jesus gives to His faithful followers.

If this is you, I have a word for you today. Don't think that your trial, however long it has been going on, is unusual. Contrary to what some false preachers, teachers, and prophets say today, it is not uncommon for Christ's followers to go through the fiery furnace of despair and suffering.

The Apostle Peter experienced this truth and wrote, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV)." 

Refuse to believe the lies of the devil and his helpers — all those fake and false folk — questioning your faith as you are suffering amid a fiery trial. It has nothing to do with your faith. It has everything to do with Jesus developing His glory in you, and you will rejoice and be glad in the work He does.  Keep trusting Jesus, casting all your cares on Him.

There is Hope in a Prison of Despair

by Gregory A. Johnson


There are two words that, when used together, form an imperative that is easier said than done. It seems to be automatic when times are good, and all is going well in one’s life. It’s more difficult when the walls of security and well-being are crumbling around you, despair setting in like a cold-damp fog on a pitch-dark night, holding you captive in its harrowing prison. The two words: Trust God.

He was a giant in the faith, planting churches in cities where the Gospel of Christ was fresh and new. His relationship with Christ was intense, strong, and personal. He walked with Christ, followed Christ, and continued the point-of-need ministry of Christ. His prayers were both fervent and effectual. He preached with power and anointing; miracles oftentimes confirming the message of Christ.

Victoriously, he came through physical and spiritual attacks alongside hunger, abandonment, illness, imprisonment, and poverty. Nevertheless, while on a missionary trip in Asia, discouragement and depression led him to despair life itself. He was mentally weakened and fragile, welcoming dying instead of living. With all desire and ambition gone, death seemed to be the remedy.

How to Stay Encouraged in the Midst of Suffering

by Gregory A. Johnson

Many people are suffering today, including some who are Christ-followers. Contrary to the belief of some, people of faith also suffer. Suffering does not come only to those without faith. Christ suffered; Christ-followers will also suffer.

I know that suffering is not a topic that brings thrilling goosebumps or makes us want to shout or dance with joy. Maybe that is why some churches and popular church leaders avoid the subject today, but it should not be avoided. In fact, with all the suffering people around the world, we need to talk about it and find ways to help people cope and make sense of it all.

Are you suffering today? Do you know of those who are suffering today? I imagine you can say “yes” to one or possibly both of those questions.

In the midst of suffering, you will always find encouragement in God’s Word. Most of the New Testament was written to people of faith who were experiencing tremendous suffering. The church suffered much during the first three hundred years of its existence. I don’t find the early preachers, like the Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter, avoiding the subject. In fact, they experienced suffering firsthand, and they talked about it openly, bringing encouragement in the midst of suffering.