Podcast Lead: Amy Donathan — counselor, Founder of Hope & Healing

What if we stopped asking, "When will life finally get easier?" and started preparing ourselves for the reality that hard things will come—and trusting that God will meet us in them?

In this episode of the Priority Podcast, the team talks honestly about what it means to trust God when the next hard thing comes. Trials are not necessarily signs that something has gone wrong or that God is disappointed in us. Scripture reminds us that we will experience trouble, but we can also know that God is present, faithful, and working even when we cannot see what He is doing. God does not waste our pain. What feels like an interruption may become a divine opportunity for growth, deeper intimacy with God, and Kingdom purpose.

The conversation gets practical, too. From writing down anxious thoughts and grounding your body to reaching out to trusted friends, staying connected to God's Word, borrowing hope from the faith of others, and learning to distinguish what you feel from what is true, this episode offers a toolbox for walking through difficult seasons. Amy also shares vulnerably about the stillbirth of her son, Mark, and how God eventually used that devastating experience to help her walk alongside another grieving mother. Her story reminds us that we may not see the purpose of our pain immediately—but we can trust that God is with us in the middle of it and that our stories can become a source of hope for others.

Key Takeaways

Hard things are part of life. Jesus didn't promise His followers a trouble-free life. He promised His presence and reminded us that He has overcome the world. Preparing our hearts for trials can help us respond differently when they come.
God does not waste our pain. We may not understand why something is happening, and what happens may not feel good—but God can use even painful experiences for growth, transformation, deeper relationship with Him, and Kingdom purposes.
You can question God and still trust Him. Questions, lament, grief, and confusion are not evidence of a lack of faith. The Psalms model how to bring our deepest questions honestly to God.
Feelings are real, but they aren't always facts. "I feel alone" and "God is near" can coexist. When our emotions and God's Word seem to conflict, we can choose to anchor ourselves in what God says is true.
Don't isolate in the hard seasons. God created us for community. Trusted friends and small groups can become the hands and feet of Christ when we are hurting—and our own stories can become a source of hope for someone else.
Take the next right step. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin trusting God. Sometimes faith looks like opening your Bible, taking a shower, listening to worship music, calling a friend, writing down your thoughts, or simply taking one more step.
Ask a different question. Instead of remaining stuck in "Why is this happening to me?", consider asking, "Who are You being for me right now?" and "What does it look like to walk with You through this?" Those questions can shift our attention from self-pity toward God's character and purpose.

Scriptures Mentioned

John 16:33 — Jesus promises that we will have trouble in this world, while reminding us to take heart because He has overcome the world.
Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Psalm 34:18 — The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Isaiah 41:10 — God promises His presence, strength, help, and sustaining hand.
Psalm 86:15 — God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Romans 8 — The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray. The episode also affirms that nothing can separate us from God's presence and love.
James 5:16 — The importance of confessing our sins to one another and experiencing the support of Christian community is discussed.
Matthew 5:4 — Jesus' teaching that those who mourn are blessed is connected to the way suffering can lead us into a deeper search for God.
The Psalms — The team points to the Psalms as a biblical model for honestly asking questions such as "How long, O Lord?" and "Why have You forsaken me?" as part of lament, worship, healing, and surrender.

Books & Resources Mentioned

Craig Groeschel's newest book — Referenced in the opening conversation regarding the value of recognizing that some difficult seasons are simply part of life rather than evidence that something is necessarily wrong with us. The specific book title is not identified in the transcript.
GriefShare — An illustration from GriefShare is referenced to describe the difference between the limited "frame" we see in the middle of suffering and God's broader perspective.
Bible App / Verse of the Day — The team encourages listeners to use simple daily practices such as opening the Bible app and reading the verse of the day when they don't know what else to do.
Worship Music — Worship is encouraged as a practical way to remain spiritually connected to God during difficult seasons.
Journaling — Writing down thoughts, feelings, trials, and evidence of God's work is presented as a practical tool for processing difficult experiences and recognizing growth over time.

A Tool for the Hard Days

When the next hard thing comes, you don't have to have it all together.

You can take one small step.

Write down what you're thinking. Name what you're feeling. Find what is true. Open God's Word. Take a breath. Call someone you trust. Ask God, "Who are You being for me right now?" And hold on to the truth that He is with you—even when you don't feel Him.

You may not be able to see the whole story from where you are standing. But God can. And He is not wasting your story.

Reflection: What is one truth about God's character that you need to hold onto in the hard thing you're facing right now—and what would it look like to take one small step of trust today?

Music Credit:

We Love Traveling, AurbanniAudio/Jamendo

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When the Next Hard Thing Comes: God's Truth About Trials – The Priority Now Podcast

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