“It’s Too Hard!” – A Lie That Keeps You Stuck
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Life Can Feel Heavy… But You’re Not Meant to Carry It Alone
Over the years as a pastor, one of the most common things I hear from people when we talk about following God, changing habits, forgiving others, or stepping out in faith is this:
“Pastor Ras, I know you’re right… I know what God is saying… but it’s just too hard.”
And you know what? I get it. I’ve been there too.
There was a time in my own walk with Jesus when I read scriptures like “love your enemies” or “walk in holiness” and thought, “Lord, I want to obey You, but I honestly don’t know if I can do this.” It felt like trying to climb a mountain with weights tied to my legs.
But here’s what I’ve come to learn, and it changed my life:
The enemy loves to whisper, “It’s too hard,” to stop us from stepping into the life God has called us to.
But God never calls you to do something without giving you the strength and grace to do it.
A Grace-Filled Reality
Let’s be real. Trying to live the Christian life in your own strength will wear you out.
I’ve watched people try to break addictions, walk in purity, be patient with their kids, or trust God during financial storms, all in their own effort. And it doesn’t work. They burn out, give up, or settle for less than what God intended.
But Philippians 4:13 is not just a nice memory verse for posters and mugs. It’s the truth.
You really can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Let me break that down for a moment. The apostle Paul, who wrote this, wasn’t sitting in a nice café sipping coffee when he penned these words. He was in prison. Not for doing something wrong, but for preaching the Gospel. And still, he said, “I’ve learned to be content whether I’m rich or poor… hungry or full… free or locked up.” Why? Because his strength wasn’t in his situation. His strength was in Christ.
Real Strength for Real Struggles
Let me share something that happened a few weeks ago. A brother in our church came to me after the service. Tears in his eyes. He said, “Pastor, I know God is calling me to break up with my girlfriend because we’re not walking in purity… but it’s just too hard. I love her.”
I looked him in the eye and said, “You’re right, it is hard. In fact, it's impossible in your own strength. But you’re not alone. If Jesus is asking you to do this, He will strengthen you to follow through.”
We prayed together. He surrendered it to God. And the following week, he came back with peace on his face. “I did it, Pastor. It wasn’t easy, but I feel free.”
You see, when we lean on Jesus, the hard things become possible. Not necessarily easy, but possible. And His peace always follows obedience.
Don’t Fall for the Devil’s Lies
The enemy is crafty. He won’t come at you with a red pitchfork. He’ll come with a whisper:
“You’ll never change.”
“Everyone else can do it, but not you.”
“God understands. It’s too hard for you.”
That’s a lie. Full stop.
Deuteronomy 30:11 says, “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach.”
God doesn’t give you instructions that are impossible to follow, not when His Spirit lives in you.
The Holy Spirit is not just a comforter. He is a strengthener.
He gives you the power to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness.
He gives you wisdom to make decisions that glorify God.
He gives you courage to walk in truth when everyone else is compromising.
Think of Peter
Remember Peter walking on water?
He stepped out of the boat in faith, eyes fixed on Jesus. But the moment he looked at the wind and the waves, he started to sink. That’s what happens when we look at our circumstances more than our Saviour.
But here’s the good news: Jesus didn’t let Peter drown. He reached out, pulled him up, and walked him back to the boat.
That’s grace.
You might be halfway out on the water right now. You’ve obeyed God, but it’s getting scary. Listen, keep your eyes on Jesus. Don’t fall for the “it’s too hard” mindset. Reach for His hand.
Practical Steps to Walk in Strength
Let me give you a few simple ways to overcome the “it’s too hard” trap:
1. Start with Surrender
Stop trying to live the Christian life in your own strength. Say out loud:
“Lord, I can’t do this without You. Fill me with Your strength.”
Every day, surrender your will and ask for His grace. His grace is power, not permission to stay stuck.
2. Declare the Word
Speak Philippians 4:13 over your life. Don’t just read it — declare it.
“Through Christ, I can forgive.”
“Through Christ, I can be free from fear.”
“Through Christ, I can live holy.”
Your words have power. Speak life, not defeat.
3. Stay Connected to God’s Presence
You can’t stay strong if you’re disconnected.
Spend time in worship. Read the Word daily. Be around people of faith.
One of the reasons the church is so important is that it reminds you that you’re not doing this alone.
4. Ask for Help
The Holy Spirit is your Helper, but He also works through people.
If you’re struggling, talk to someone. Reach out. Don’t isolate.
There is no shame in asking for help; there is power in community.
A Final Word of Hope
Let me say this to your heart:
It’s not too hard. Not with Jesus.
Yes, life is full of challenges. Yes, obeying God can stretch us. But that’s the point — it’s meant to bring us to the end of ourselves so that we can begin to walk in His strength.
I love how Corrie Ten Boom once said,
“Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”
That applies to all of us, not just pastors and missionaries.
Whether you're raising kids, fighting addiction, walking through grief, rebuilding your marriage, or trying to stay faithful in a difficult job, His grace is enough.
So, Let Me Ask You…
What is one thing you’ve been telling yourself, “It’s just too hard”?
Would you give that area to Jesus today?
Would you let Him fill you with power from on high?
Would you dare to believe that what’s been too hard in your own strength is absolutely possible through His?
Because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Don’t believe the lie. Believe the Word.
And keep walking… one step at a time… with Jesus.