30 Bible Verses about Doing Hard Things {with FREE PDF Printable}

Forget the gimmicks, quick fixes, and empty promises. When facing a challenging situation, you need the Truth from God’s Word to guide you. Here are Bible verses about doing hard things that remind you of your unshakable foundation of faith.

What Does “I Can Do Hard Things” Mean?

In today’s world, it’s common to downplay difficult work. Think about the messages we get all around us.

• Lose 30 pounds in 3 days! (Just buy this $50 protein powder.)
• One vote will solve our country’s budget issues. (I’m the best political candidate.)
• I can fix your credit. (Sign up for my coaching program.)

Yet that is all just clever marketing.

Some things are hard because they are hard. Surviving tough stuff is not supposed to be easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Quit shoulding on yourself with phrases like “I should be able to handle it. ” Instead, remind yourself of the difficult things you’ve survived in the past.

Speak life and truth by stating your strength through God’s power. No, you can’t do it alone, but you can do it by the power of the Holy Spirit.

What Does the Bible Say About Doing Hard Things?

The Bible doesn’t sugar-coat it. Consider what Jesus says, written for us in John 16.

 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33, ESV

Friend, you will have trouble. Just because something is hard, doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. Maybe it’s hard because it’s supposed to be hard.

And don’t downplay the most valuable words of hope that come next. You can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world.

Top 30 Bible Verses about Doing Hard Things

Here are Scripture verses in the English Standard Version (ESV), along with explanations on how they apply to doing difficult things.

1. John 16:33 – In the world you will have tribulation.

 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

As I shared above, the Bible is clear that you will face tough stuff in this lifetime. It won’t be easy, but you can survive it by the power of God working within you.

2. Philippians 4:13 – All things through Christ.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

This verse most inspires me to do hard things. I can’t do tough stuff alone, but I can do it by the power of Christ.

When I have doubts, I remember that God is at work in my life because of my baptism. Martin Luther says that if you doubt or fear, remember your baptism. God promises that with baptism, He gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit.

3. Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

This verse is an excellent reminder of why you can be strong and courageous. You don’t have to be afraid because God is with you no matter where you go.

Psalm 139 says, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.”

4. Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

What are you facing now that feels impossible, difficult, and hard? As you go through it, God says that He will uphold you.

You may be dealing with a difficult life circumstance, such as a relationship or financial struggles, or it might be the day-to-day problems of life. (Sometimes, the little life stresses are more challenging than the big ones because they wear you down and seem never-ending.)

5. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – God’s grace is sufficient.

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

This is a verse I have come back to many times in my life because it’s challenging and encouraging. The paradox of a life in Christ is that our weaknesses are actually our strengths.

The world tells us to hide our weakness. You are told to put your best food forward, make a name for yourself, and show your power.

Yet God tells us that our weakness is our strength because when we rely on Him, His strength shines in us. I’ve learned this is true because the times that I share my vulnerabilities, whether on a video, through this website, teaching a Bible study or chatting with a friend, those are the times that I make the most connection.

This is what My Mess Becomes My Message is all about. God takes our weaknesses, mistakes, and flaws, and He uses them for His good and glory.

6. Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

For many life situations, it seems impossible that any good can come from it. What about tragedy, child abuse, illness, trauma, and even death?

God promises that He is working all things for our good. This doesn’t mean that terrible traumas or evil acts are good. It means that God has plans for things to work together for His higher purpose.

Sometimes, you see those purposes right away, and other times, you won’t know until years later. There are times you won’t see the reason in this lifetime at all, but you can trust that God has a reason and a purpose.

7. James 1:2-4 – Count it all joy when you meet trials.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

James 1:2-4

I have to be honest. This is a tough one for me. While I know that trials and difficulties are growth opportunities, it’s tough for me to praise God in the storms of life.

Accept difficulties? Yes. But to take it one step further and actually praise God – I’m still working to do this.

8. Psalm 46:1 – God is your refuge and strength.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble

Psalm 46:1

Several years ago, my husband and I went through a tough time when we were wrongly accused of something we didn’t do. Even though it was a false accusation, we were taken to court. Talk about stress. Thankfully, the charges were eventually dropped.

During that time, I used this verse to rely on God’s strength to keep me going.

9. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your cares on Him.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

When I read this verse, a sense of calm and peace comes over me. I don’t have to bear the weight of all my problems. I can give God my worry, stress, and anxiety, and He will take care of it for me.

10. Matthew 19:26 – With God all things are possible.

But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’

Matthew 19:26

This Bible verse has been so impactful for me that I have it tattooed on the back of my leg. You can check out photos of my Bible verse tattoo here.

11. Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

12. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

13. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Run with endurance.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2

14. Isaiah 40:31 – Mount up with wings like eagles.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

15. Psalm 34:17-18 – The Lord saves the crushed in spirit.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:17-18

16. Romans 5:3-5 – Rejoice in suffering.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Romans 5:3-5

17. 2 Timothy 1:7 – God gave you a spirit of power.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

18. John 16:33 – Jesus has overcome the world.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

19. Psalm 23:4 – I will fear no evil.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

20. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God is faithful.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

21. Isaiah 43:2 – God will be with you in the fire.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

22. Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden on the Lord.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22

23. 1 Peter 4:12-13 – Do not be surprised by trials.

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

24. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Not destroyed.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

25. Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and salvation.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

26. Romans 8:18 – No comparing to the glory coming.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

27. Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6

28. Psalm 31:24 – Let your heart take courage.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Psalm 31:24

29. Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who are heavy laden.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

30. Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ has set you free.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Which Bible verse is most meaningful to you during difficult times? Share about it in the comments below.

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