It’s Too Hard!

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His barely three year old cheeks flush crimson, giant tears roll down his face, and his angry screech pierces the air. This time it’s because Mom said no to the television, but it easily could have been bed time or a reprimand. Apparently, it’s too hard being three.

“I can’t read all the words, Mom. I’m bad at it. It’s too hard,” she laments, sobbing into her pillow. First grade is challenging these days at her new school.

Meanwhile, big sister hesitates, scratches out a number on her homework paper, erases, sighs. “I don’t know what to do,” she sputters. Long division…enough said. It’s too hard!

Her face all puffy, oldest sister buries her head in her arms. “I don’t get it!” Greatest common factors, common prime factors, what? It’s too hard!

And I shake my head, tears burning at my own eyes as I survey the state of the family. Discouragement looms large, guilt whispers in my ear, and doubt pounds at the door. I want to scream it myself, “It’s too hard!”

***

“Mom, it’s your song! You like this one,” the eleven year old squeals, and I turn up the volume.

Breathe

Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do

Pain so deep that I can hardly move

Just keep my eyes completely fixed on you

Lord take hold and pull me through

It’s true. Not so long ago, I was drowning. I clung to the imagery and truth in the song like a lifeline:

You take my heart and breathe it back to life

I fall into your arms open wide

When the hurt and the healer collide…

Jesus come and break my fear

Awake my heart and take my tears

Find your glory even here…

Each time the song came on the radio was like a hug from God, a reminder of His presence and tender care.

Today, it brought a smile to my face and a peace to my heart–along with a realization.

I’m not drowning anymore. He pulled me through.

The pain was real. It felt like it would never end.

It felt like it was too hard.

But the “too hard” passed.

Just like the school and toddler woes will.

Because His arms are open wide, and He promises to pull us through.

In the moment, it feels like the pain is going to last forever.

But it won’t.

Promise.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. –Matthew 16:33

Do you have a song the encourages you during hard times?

Are you facing a hard time right now? How can I pray for you?

Click here to hear Hurt and the Healer, by MercyMe

Photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

7 Responses to It’s Too Hard!
  1. Deb Weaver
    February 3, 2014 | 9:43 am

    I love you, Mandy! I hope you hear me all the way from South Carolina cheering you on as you encourage all of us. He HAS, WILL, & DOES pull us through!

    Deb Weaver

    • Mandy
      February 3, 2014 | 11:18 am

      Thank you, Deb! You are such a blessing! Sometimes it’s the encouragement from friends like you that He uses to pull us through πŸ˜‰ Love you!

  2. Satin
    February 3, 2014 | 5:47 pm

    Um ya… I’ve been saying this a LOT lately!!! (“it’s too hard”)

    I love this: “Because His arms are open wide, and He promises to pull us through. In the moment, it feels like the pain is going to last forever. But it won’t. Promise.”

    Thank you for the encouragement! You’re a jewel! β™₯

    • Mandy
      February 5, 2014 | 11:06 am

      I should have credited her because that’s advice my mama gave me. πŸ™‚ This feeling won’t last forever. Thank for visiting, Satin! Blessings to you, praying for your hard.

  3. Joan
    February 4, 2014 | 6:02 pm

    I am so relieved to remember that I don’t have to face any trial alone. God is always there to guide, comfort and support. I may not be strong, my God is! I’m so thankful!

    • Mandy
      February 5, 2014 | 11:07 am

      Is that so comforting? And there are times when He wants us to just be still and let Him do the fighting for us. Thanks, Joan!

  4. Susie klein
    February 6, 2014 | 4:57 pm

    “When the hurt and the healer collide…” Love this post and these quoted words so much! Thank you for this Mandy.
    Susie