4 Ways to Find Strength for the Long Haul - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - September 18, 2026
“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
Throughout our lifetime, there would be seasons when we feel like we’re being “sifted like wheat, “ like Simon or Job- definitely less in intensity but still devastating, nonetheless. The Lord, however, has anticipated our difficult days ahead, so He made provisions for you and me to see us through the harsher seasons. He never left us orphaned, fending for ourselves. He made sure we are empowered even when we’re in the midst of weathering a storm. He assures us of His presence—not distant or unreachable. Throughout Scripture, He reminds us time and again that He’s our anchor in times of trials, “our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1 NIV If you’re going through prolonged suffering for years, here are enduring Biblical principles to help you remain strong and resilient when life feels like one long season of waiting and testing.
4 Ways to Find Strength for the Long Haul
1. Know Who Stands by You
Knowing who stands by us when our strength falters makes all the difference in the way we fight our battles, in the way we endure and overcome life’s hurdles. We cease to cower before life’s formidable storms; we stand fearless, we face them head-on because the God who stands with us is our strength, the One who helps us push beyond our boundaries, allowing us not only to endure but rise above our tribulations. Didn’t the Lord promise that those “who hope in Him will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint?” Is. 40:31 NIV
Remember when Jesus lifted His Hand against the storm, ceasing its fury, preventing it from capsizing the boat He and His apostles were traveling in. This only goes to prove that for as long as we abide in Him, we're also built to rise above the roaring darkness, those trials we wrestle with, no matter how fierce they can be.
2. Growing Stronger Through Prayer
“Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-34 NKJV
We can never overlook the influence and power of prayer on our resilience in facing hardships. Prayer is our lifeline to God. It is powerful because it connects us to a God who loves us and hears us, enabling us to keep calm, giving us access to this unimaginable “ peace that surpasses all understanding,” even when we're faced with challenges that push us to our limits. We often wish we had superpowers so we can magically sort out every worry, every obstacle we stumble over. The truth is, we’ve got superpowers. Prayer is our superpower; it just needs to be harnessed to the fullest, meaning to pray with humility and faith, recognizing God’s greatness and trusting in His goodness. Never underestimate the power and influence of prayer over our lives, over our most pressing challenges.
3. Tapping Into the Power of Worship
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thess. 5:18
As humans, we are predisposed to sulk in the corner when life starts coming apart at the seams, when every door we thought would open for us stays closed. That’s okay; God understands that we’re dust. But it’s not right to stay defeated, to be hostile towards God because our requests aren’t receiving any response. It's hard to worship when our hearts are filled with anger or resentment. And this, is where the real test begins. Will our hearts burst into worship when our prayers are left unheeded for months or even years? When God tore from Job all that he cherished, the latter responded in worship. David didn’t cease to worship the Lord in times of fiery discipline and testing. Paul consistently worshipped the Lord while suffering in the filthy depths of the dungeon. And the list goes on.
Worshipping the Lord in times of inconsolable pain holds the key to your breakthrough. God can do two things: He can either grant your request, just like when he opened the gate of the prison cell where Paul and Silas were detained, or He can make you resilient, strong enough to weather the trials you go through. Either way, you come out on top. So let our response to pain not be despair, but worship. It’s easier said than done, but let’s make every effort to respond with wisdom and grace, for we have a God who empowers us to do the impossible, doing things we couldn’t do on our own.
4. Be Aware of God’s Little Blessings During Your Darkest Moments
There is strength found in a grateful heart. In times of hardship, our pain blurs and distorts our view of God’s tender heart and care. When we go through the fire, we have this notion that He’s raging with anger toward us, but if we only take the time and see His kindness in small things, in unexpected places, or in unlikely people, we would realize that He’s always been with us, helping us carry our burdens. How many times have we overlooked God’s provisions in our darkest hours, just because they’re wrapped in something quite different from what we expect or imagine? Even during the hardest of times, I could sense God’s grace. Even in times of testing and discipline, God scatters small joys in our day-to-day, like dappled sunlight, like tiny slivers of morning light slipping through the darkest corners of our world.
You see— while it’s true that God puts us through prolonged trials as a way to purify and transform us into vessels of His light and love–He usually does so with mercy; His refining discipline is often tempered with grace. The Lord’s blessings can vary; it can be the little help offered by a stranger, a long restful sleep after hours of shedding tears, the warm embrace of a friend, a timely encouragement from an evangelist, or even just the gentle rustling of the leaves, soothing the soul. You just need to keep your heart open, because even difficult seasons carry small moments of grace when your eyes are set on God.
Gather these tiny joys as they come, one by one, until they bloom into giant blessings. They're God’s way of bringing softness to the shadows you’ve been carrying for so long, a timely support for the long middle, a way to help you make it through the hard stretch.
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” – Psalm 103:2 NIV
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 9 Prayers to Gain a Heart for Heaven + Daily Prayer Journal
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
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Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
