Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” Along these lines, when we think about courage, we tend to imagine that it means taking a big leap of faith or a giant step in the right direction, but when we’re working hard for something, progress happens gradually and sometimes imperceptibly. Though we may feel like we’re “spinning our wheels” and find ourselves tempted to give up before we get there, we’re usually closer to the finish line than we realize. In fact, when we persist in doing the hard things, there are great rewards for staying the course. Take Mandy Pursley, for example. Mandy was an interview guest on Hour of Power a couple years ago. She was born without an arm, and she used her difference to encourage others. I’ve met many people like her — broken people, people who have gone through really challenging times — whom God has empowered in phenomenal ways to get through incredible circumstances. Many of those I talk to have endured tremendous amounts of suffering, yet when I’ve asked them whether they would choose to forgo difficulties if they could repeat their lives, I’ve yet to hear someone say yes. This is because they’ve realized that their trials are not only an irreplaceable part of who they’ve become, but that their pain has illuminated a path to help others.

My friend, Jesus can do a lot with your little! If you’re feeling full of despair and wondering if things are ever going to get better, remember that this season won’t last forever. Even if the trouble you’re experiencing seems meaningless and you see no end in sight, your victory is not far off. There’s always morning after a long, dark night, and soon you will look back and see that God had a purpose for your pain. He will take what the enemy meant to harm you and turn it around for your good. Your Heavenly Father is in your midst and He is on your side, so keep hope alive and know that with your hand in His, you will always overcome!