Hard Can Be Good
Relationships are hard. Life is hard. Work is hard. Following Jesus is hard. But something being hard doesn’t mean it’s not good.
I quickly grow weary with games that are easy. I like the challenge. Work that is simple and easy is fine at first, but overtime the lack of challenge becomes mind-numbing, leaving us feeling a lack of purpose.
Following Jesus is incredibly easy. I just do what He says. One step after the other, one command after the other, I just do what He says. It’s easy—except it’s not. It’s challenging because Jesus keeps calling me to do more than I was comfortable with. His grace, although free, freeing, and amazing, constantly requires more of me. It’s the paradox of grace. I don’t do anything to earn it or deserve it, but once I have it, this free gift carries a challenge equal to its weight and beauty.
The more I grasp hold of the grace I’ve been given, the more I understand the cost of this free-to-me gift. Nothing I do ever earns me more grace, but I find as I grow in grace, or maybe I should say grow in my knowledge and understanding of grace, I find that I have more grace than I realized. The greater my revelation of grace, the greater price I see was paid for me to have it. The greater value I see in grace, the more precious that grace becomes to me.
Before I go so deep down the rabbit hole of grace, let me try this illustration of 2 families who were given a brand-new, beautiful home.
The first family loved the home. It was amazing. They had spent years struggling, moving from home to home with constant chaos seeming to follow them. They longed for a home, a place of stability and comfort. The family so badly just wanted a place to call home. No more moving from place to place, no more changing schools, but a home. True stability.
The other family too loved the home after dealing with their own struggles and challenges. They couldn’t afford to buy a house, but had a burdening desire for one. They worked with a realtor and their banker and realized they couldn’t afford the down payment. With the current housing market, they realized it was out of their grasp. They so badly wanted a home, but no matter how hard they tried, it was out of reach.
Then in the mail, both families received a deed. They had each been gifted a home; all that was waiting was their signatures. The taxes were paid, and the transfers were taken care of. The owner of the two homes was giving them away without a single string attached. Each family received a house, now it was theirs to make a home.
Both families were in awe. It was what they had always dreamed of, what they had longed for. It was an answer to so much pain, countless frustrated nights, and many wishes and tears. These two houses happened to be neighbors, side by side, and both families pulled up to their houses at the same time. This bond made them instant friends. They helped each other move in and bonded over this amazing gift they had received.
As the years progressed, one family’s home continued to shine with the elegance of that first day. The lawn was kept tidy, the maintenance of the home was up to date, and the care for the home was at a level they had never even kept any previous “home” of theirs. There was something about how grateful they were and how stable this house was that they continually grew in awe of the gift they had.
The other family, however grateful, were growing impatient. This new house, although beautiful, was much larger than they felt they needed, which meant more square footage to clean than they had ever desired. Also, being first time “homeowners” came with the realization that no one was coming to mow the lawn, pull the weeds, or trim the trees wanting to grow over the roof. Not only that, but now they had to pay taxes on this property as well! They loved the house; getting it for free was amazing, but it seemed to require more of them than they desired to give.
For one family, the gift became a continual source of awe, gratefulness, and wonder. For the other, it became a burden.
Although I know this isn’t the perfect illustration, I hope it gets the point across. When Katie and I first got a home, I couldn’t hang a photo. I knew nothing about caring for a home. Honestly, it’s one of my weak points. But I’ve also learned over the years how to run electrical and plumbing, how to build and renovate; there is still a ton I’m learning. While my neighbors seem to have regular competitions one-upping the other with their lawn care, I’m still learning how to create those cool lines in my yard. Caring for a house can be hard; maintaining it can be challenging, but there’s also a joy that comes with it.
Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not good.
I cannot begin to count the number of times I have been working on a house, doing something I didn’t think I was capable of, running into challenge after challenge, only to stop, pray, and hear the voice of the Lord guide me to solve the problem. This is the beauty of God’s grace. His grace gives us the wisdom we need when we need it. His grace guides us through hard things to see His goodness in the middle of it.
Relationships are hard. Life is hard. Work is hard. Following Jesus is hard. But just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not good. The grace of God uses hard things to teach us how to trust Him in everything. It’s through relying on God’s grace in the midst of hard things that we see the good in all things. It’s in the middle of hard things that God’s grace gives us the wisdom we need. It’s in the middle of the overwhelming things of life that God’s grace grants us peace which surpasses understanding. It is the grace of God that not only gives us more than we need but calls us to more than we thought possible.
Forgiveness is hard. Restoration is hard. Freedom is hard. Persistence is hard. But it is in the hard that we find grace. Just because something is hard doesn't mean it’s not good. The hard things might just be the hand of God leading you to the right thing. The hard things just might be the hand of God leading you to the grace of God.
God’s grace is free. It’s a beautiful, wonderful gift. It doesn’t come with strings attached; the house is yours, but it does require something of you.
Continuing our illustration, grace gives you a house; growing in grace makes it a home. The more valuable I see God’s grace, the more grateful I become. The more grateful I become, the more I willingly endure hard things that His grace might be made known. The more I endure hard things, the more I see the old, lazy me dying, and the one worthy of the calling, or home, I have received appearing.
The hardest part of life isn’t relationships, parenting, marriage, or following Jesus. The hardest parts of life are not forgiveness, restoration of a marriage, finding freedom from an addiction, or maintaining the persistence needed. The hardest part of life is receiving His grace and realizing that to truly grasp His grace, I have to let go of myself. This is the great requirement of grace: taking hold of grace and letting go of myself. This is what makes grace not just a house I’ve been given but a home I live in. The new me, which God’s grace has given me, requires me to leave the old version behind.
The first family had a life of chaos. We could equate this to a life full of sin, which was both blatant and obvious. The second family was doing everything in their power and their strength to bring order to their chaos. We could equate this to a life of rules, rituals, and self-righteousness. Both leave us short of what only grace can give us.
So which family saw the house become a home? The one that realized the grace they had been given required them to let the old ways go and step into a life worthy of the grace they had received. The family who didn’t look back longingly on their old life, but embraced the adventure of the new life they had been given. It was hard, but just because it’s hard, doesn't mean it’s not good.
Embrace the hard today. Hard can be good.
I quickly grow weary with games that are easy. I like the challenge. Work that is simple and easy is fine at first, but overtime the lack of challenge becomes mind-numbing, leaving us feeling a lack of purpose.
Following Jesus is incredibly easy. I just do what He says. One step after the other, one command after the other, I just do what He says. It’s easy—except it’s not. It’s challenging because Jesus keeps calling me to do more than I was comfortable with. His grace, although free, freeing, and amazing, constantly requires more of me. It’s the paradox of grace. I don’t do anything to earn it or deserve it, but once I have it, this free gift carries a challenge equal to its weight and beauty.
The more I grasp hold of the grace I’ve been given, the more I understand the cost of this free-to-me gift. Nothing I do ever earns me more grace, but I find as I grow in grace, or maybe I should say grow in my knowledge and understanding of grace, I find that I have more grace than I realized. The greater my revelation of grace, the greater price I see was paid for me to have it. The greater value I see in grace, the more precious that grace becomes to me.
Before I go so deep down the rabbit hole of grace, let me try this illustration of 2 families who were given a brand-new, beautiful home.
The first family loved the home. It was amazing. They had spent years struggling, moving from home to home with constant chaos seeming to follow them. They longed for a home, a place of stability and comfort. The family so badly just wanted a place to call home. No more moving from place to place, no more changing schools, but a home. True stability.
The other family too loved the home after dealing with their own struggles and challenges. They couldn’t afford to buy a house, but had a burdening desire for one. They worked with a realtor and their banker and realized they couldn’t afford the down payment. With the current housing market, they realized it was out of their grasp. They so badly wanted a home, but no matter how hard they tried, it was out of reach.
Then in the mail, both families received a deed. They had each been gifted a home; all that was waiting was their signatures. The taxes were paid, and the transfers were taken care of. The owner of the two homes was giving them away without a single string attached. Each family received a house, now it was theirs to make a home.
Both families were in awe. It was what they had always dreamed of, what they had longed for. It was an answer to so much pain, countless frustrated nights, and many wishes and tears. These two houses happened to be neighbors, side by side, and both families pulled up to their houses at the same time. This bond made them instant friends. They helped each other move in and bonded over this amazing gift they had received.
As the years progressed, one family’s home continued to shine with the elegance of that first day. The lawn was kept tidy, the maintenance of the home was up to date, and the care for the home was at a level they had never even kept any previous “home” of theirs. There was something about how grateful they were and how stable this house was that they continually grew in awe of the gift they had.
The other family, however grateful, were growing impatient. This new house, although beautiful, was much larger than they felt they needed, which meant more square footage to clean than they had ever desired. Also, being first time “homeowners” came with the realization that no one was coming to mow the lawn, pull the weeds, or trim the trees wanting to grow over the roof. Not only that, but now they had to pay taxes on this property as well! They loved the house; getting it for free was amazing, but it seemed to require more of them than they desired to give.
For one family, the gift became a continual source of awe, gratefulness, and wonder. For the other, it became a burden.
Although I know this isn’t the perfect illustration, I hope it gets the point across. When Katie and I first got a home, I couldn’t hang a photo. I knew nothing about caring for a home. Honestly, it’s one of my weak points. But I’ve also learned over the years how to run electrical and plumbing, how to build and renovate; there is still a ton I’m learning. While my neighbors seem to have regular competitions one-upping the other with their lawn care, I’m still learning how to create those cool lines in my yard. Caring for a house can be hard; maintaining it can be challenging, but there’s also a joy that comes with it.
Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not good.
I cannot begin to count the number of times I have been working on a house, doing something I didn’t think I was capable of, running into challenge after challenge, only to stop, pray, and hear the voice of the Lord guide me to solve the problem. This is the beauty of God’s grace. His grace gives us the wisdom we need when we need it. His grace guides us through hard things to see His goodness in the middle of it.
Relationships are hard. Life is hard. Work is hard. Following Jesus is hard. But just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not good. The grace of God uses hard things to teach us how to trust Him in everything. It’s through relying on God’s grace in the midst of hard things that we see the good in all things. It’s in the middle of hard things that God’s grace gives us the wisdom we need. It’s in the middle of the overwhelming things of life that God’s grace grants us peace which surpasses understanding. It is the grace of God that not only gives us more than we need but calls us to more than we thought possible.
Forgiveness is hard. Restoration is hard. Freedom is hard. Persistence is hard. But it is in the hard that we find grace. Just because something is hard doesn't mean it’s not good. The hard things might just be the hand of God leading you to the right thing. The hard things just might be the hand of God leading you to the grace of God.
God’s grace is free. It’s a beautiful, wonderful gift. It doesn’t come with strings attached; the house is yours, but it does require something of you.
Continuing our illustration, grace gives you a house; growing in grace makes it a home. The more valuable I see God’s grace, the more grateful I become. The more grateful I become, the more I willingly endure hard things that His grace might be made known. The more I endure hard things, the more I see the old, lazy me dying, and the one worthy of the calling, or home, I have received appearing.
The hardest part of life isn’t relationships, parenting, marriage, or following Jesus. The hardest parts of life are not forgiveness, restoration of a marriage, finding freedom from an addiction, or maintaining the persistence needed. The hardest part of life is receiving His grace and realizing that to truly grasp His grace, I have to let go of myself. This is the great requirement of grace: taking hold of grace and letting go of myself. This is what makes grace not just a house I’ve been given but a home I live in. The new me, which God’s grace has given me, requires me to leave the old version behind.
The first family had a life of chaos. We could equate this to a life full of sin, which was both blatant and obvious. The second family was doing everything in their power and their strength to bring order to their chaos. We could equate this to a life of rules, rituals, and self-righteousness. Both leave us short of what only grace can give us.
So which family saw the house become a home? The one that realized the grace they had been given required them to let the old ways go and step into a life worthy of the grace they had received. The family who didn’t look back longingly on their old life, but embraced the adventure of the new life they had been given. It was hard, but just because it’s hard, doesn't mean it’s not good.
Embrace the hard today. Hard can be good.
Apply it
1. **Embrace the Challenge:** Identify an area in your life—whether it's a relationship, a work project, or your spiritual walk—that feels particularly challenging right now. Instead of avoiding it, lean into the difficulty with the mindset that growth and goodness are often found in the hard. Journal about what you learn from embracing this challenge and how it transforms your perspective.
2. **Cultivate Gratitude for Grace:** Take a moment each day to reflect on the grace you've received in your life. Consider setting aside five minutes every morning to recount ways you have seen grace at work, whether in small daily events or significant life changes. Let this practice deepen your gratitude and motivate you to tackle hard things with a grateful heart.
3. **Release the Old, Embrace the New:** Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify an aspect of your old self or past habits that you need to let go of to fully embrace what God has given you (much like the transformation from house to home). Make a tangible plan to leave this 'old version' behind, perhaps by adopting a new habit, and seeking accountability by joining a Discipleship Group.
2. **Cultivate Gratitude for Grace:** Take a moment each day to reflect on the grace you've received in your life. Consider setting aside five minutes every morning to recount ways you have seen grace at work, whether in small daily events or significant life changes. Let this practice deepen your gratitude and motivate you to tackle hard things with a grateful heart.
3. **Release the Old, Embrace the New:** Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify an aspect of your old self or past habits that you need to let go of to fully embrace what God has given you (much like the transformation from house to home). Make a tangible plan to leave this 'old version' behind, perhaps by adopting a new habit, and seeking accountability by joining a Discipleship Group.
3 Day Devotional
Taking action can help take this good thought into a real new life you're living. You can use this guide over the next three days to help deepen your growth in this area. After these three days, take a moment to reflect on any changes you've experienced or that God is leading you towards. Write down any insights or shifts in perspective, and thank God for His ongoing work in your life. Consider continuing these practices as you grow in understanding and applying God's grace.
Day 1: Embracing the Challenge
Scripture: James 1:2-4 (Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds...)
Reflection:
Reflect on an area of your life where you are facing challenges. How can you see these challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles?
Write down three areas where you feel most challenged. Pray for wisdom and strength to embrace these areas with a positive outlook.
Action Step:
Spend time journaling about the lessons these challenges may be teaching you. Ask God to reveal the purpose behind them and how they can contribute to your growth.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to view challenges as tools for growth. Give me strength and perspective to embrace the hard things with joy and trust in Your plan. Amen.
Day 2: Cultivating Gratitude for Grace
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...)
Reflection:
Reflect on the grace you have experienced in your life. Consider specific instances where you have seen God’s grace in action.
Make a list of at least five ways grace has impacted your life. Reflect on how this grace has changed you and your outlook on life.
Action Step:
Set aside five minutes today to express gratitude for these instances of grace through prayer or by writing a thank-you letter to God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that saves and transforms me. Help me to see Your grace in every aspect of my life and to let it guide my actions. Amen.
Day 3: Releasing the Old, Embracing the New
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come...)
Reflection:
Consider aspects of your old self or past habits that you need to let go of. What’s holding you back from fully embracing the new life God offers? Reflect on how letting go of these can make room for growth and new opportunities.
Action Step:
Choose one specific habit or mindset to release. Make a concrete plan to let it go, such as setting a goal, finding an accountability partner, or starting a new, positive habit.
Prayer:
Lord, I release my old ways and embrace the new life You have given me. Guide me on this path and transform me into the person You have called me to be. Amen.
Day 1: Embracing the Challenge
Scripture: James 1:2-4 (Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds...)
Reflection:
Reflect on an area of your life where you are facing challenges. How can you see these challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles?
Write down three areas where you feel most challenged. Pray for wisdom and strength to embrace these areas with a positive outlook.
Action Step:
Spend time journaling about the lessons these challenges may be teaching you. Ask God to reveal the purpose behind them and how they can contribute to your growth.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to view challenges as tools for growth. Give me strength and perspective to embrace the hard things with joy and trust in Your plan. Amen.
Day 2: Cultivating Gratitude for Grace
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...)
Reflection:
Reflect on the grace you have experienced in your life. Consider specific instances where you have seen God’s grace in action.
Make a list of at least five ways grace has impacted your life. Reflect on how this grace has changed you and your outlook on life.
Action Step:
Set aside five minutes today to express gratitude for these instances of grace through prayer or by writing a thank-you letter to God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that saves and transforms me. Help me to see Your grace in every aspect of my life and to let it guide my actions. Amen.
Day 3: Releasing the Old, Embracing the New
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come...)
Reflection:
Consider aspects of your old self or past habits that you need to let go of. What’s holding you back from fully embracing the new life God offers? Reflect on how letting go of these can make room for growth and new opportunities.
Action Step:
Choose one specific habit or mindset to release. Make a concrete plan to let it go, such as setting a goal, finding an accountability partner, or starting a new, positive habit.
Prayer:
Lord, I release my old ways and embrace the new life You have given me. Guide me on this path and transform me into the person You have called me to be. Amen.
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