“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV).

Resilience is the ability to bounce back after adversity. Life can hit you like a ton of bricks. I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Recently, it seemed that everything that could happen to me happened, all at the same time. Tuition increased at the daycare. All four tires on my truck needed to be replaced. The refrigerator stopped working. Between my husband and the kids, we had several trips to the hospital within a two-month period…and the list went on.

I was barely catching my footing from one blow before the next one hit. Life was getting the upper hand, and I was undoubtedly in the valley.

“Where are You, God,” I cried. “When will You show up for me? How long will I have to endure all this suffering? Don’t You think I’ve learned my lesson? Come on. I need a break.”

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever questioned how long your storm would last? Have you ever contemplated throwing up your hands and saying, “I’m done. I’ve had enough. I can’t do this anymore. It’s just too much. I’m over it.”

Thanks be to God, storms don’t last forever. We suffer, but only for a little while.

I’m a living testimony that the darkest nights inevitably see the breaking of dawn. Don’t lose hope—God’s joy does “come in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). A brighter day is ahead.

Here are some promises that can help you through those dark valleys. They have helped me.

• God will give you His strength when you get weary. You will experience increased power after being weak (Isaiah 40:30–31).
• The trying of your faith will develop patience and the ability to persevere (James 1:3–4).
• God has already overcome everything the world and the enemy can send your way (John 16:33).
• God is always with you, and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38–39).

Don’t lose sight of these and other promises from God. They build resilience and will help you stay the course and keep the faith until the end.

Look back at all the storms you’ve encountered. They were bad, weren’t they? But look—you’re still here! You’ve made it through your trials before, and with God, you can do it again. You can overcome anything with God on your side (Philippians 4:13).

The valley you’re walking through won’t last forever. Take the journey with God,  and you’ll be stronger, better, and wiser than you were before.

What storms are you battling that have tested your faith or caused you to be frustrated, doubt-filled, or afraid? Give them to God. Cast every care over to Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Trust Him as you face the storm or move through that valley. Take one step at a time. God’s track record is proven.

According to Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles” (NIV).

Don’t ever stop praying to the Lord. Keep crying out to Him. Your words are not in vain. He hears you, and He will deliver you from all your troubles.

Na’Kedra Rodgers is a Southern belle with sass. She enjoys empowering women as a speaker, author, and podcaster. Her mission is to inspire, encourage, and point lost souls to Jesus. Connect with Na’Kedra at www.nakedrarodgers.com.