As Jesus’ mission on earth was ending, He gave His disciples both a warning and some much-needed encouragement. “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.” John 16:33. These are words we can cling to when obstacles litter our path. Do you wish for peace in the struggle? There are many Bible verses about overcoming obstacles to help us in the trials of life.
I underlined Jesus’ words- “in me you may have peace” to remind us of what He is offering us when we go through life’s challenges.
He doesn’t promise us a peaceful life. But He says we “may” have peace- His peace- to comfort us when we accept it.
None of us escape trials, difficult times, and struggles; they are a part of life. What obstacle or difficult situation are you struggling with today?
Is it a health issue?
Relationship problem?
Loss of a loved one?
Financial struggles?
Balancing work and family obligations?
Mental health issues?
Would it surprise you to know that women in Bible times shared the same struggles?
Female Bible Characters Who Overcame Obstacles
Considering the low status of woman in Bible times, it amazes me how many stories the Bible contains about faithful and courageous women who valiantly struggled through obstacles and challenges.
May their stories encourage you and show you a different way of looking at obstacles.
Story of Ruth
Ruth’s story tells of her journey from Moab to Bethlehem after both she and her mother-in-law, Naomi, become widows.
Ruth was raised in a pagan country but married an Israelite. As Naomi readies to return to Judah, she encourages Ruth to return to her people, but Ruth replies:
“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and Your God my God.”
Ruth 1:16
Ruth is blessed for her strong faith, dependence on God, and her kindness to Naomi. She eventually marries a wealthy man, Boaz, and bears a son.
God guided Ruth throughout her struggles and does the same for us today. We can depend on Him for strength and guidance.
How? By putting our trust in Him and believing He walks beside us.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22.
Are you trying to carry the load yourself?
Story of Hannah
Hannah struggled with infertility for years. Her story shows us how the sovereignty of God worked in the life of an intensely faithful and prayerful woman.
“I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.”
1 Samuel 1:15
Hannah poured out all her concerns and left them with God. This is the remedy for discouragement in our trials.
She finally gives birth to a son, Samuel, at the perfect time God ordained. She never gave up hope and completely trusted God with her life’s dreams and disappointments.
Her story reminds us that laying our desires at the feet of God in fervent prayer can give us comfort, hope, and peace.
Prayer brings a sense of deep connection with God and can reduce anxiety and fear.
Story of Esther
Esther was a courageous Jewish woman who was orphaned at a young age. The king of Persia searched for a new queen and chose her.
When her uncle and all Jews were in peril, she risks her life to plead with the king for their lives. God had placed her in her royal position to deliver His people.
Her uncle asks her:
“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14
To prepare, Esther asks that all the Jews fast and pray for three days and nights. During this time, God reveals a plan to her.
When circumstances look dire, where do you go for help? Do you “lean on your own understanding”, or go to God in fasting and prayer along with your prayer partners?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
You can trust God’s plan.
Bible Verses about Overcoming Hard Times
It’s important to remember to turn to God in hard times. He understands what you are going through and wants to love and support you.
What does the Bible say about overcoming obstacles?
Here are some of God’s promises to cling to-
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:13
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
God is taking you by the hand to lead you and give you strength over any fear or doubt you are struggling with.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”
What action is He calling you to take as you battle through this obstacle?
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Don’t let life’s difficulties cause you to drown- let them make you stronger.
Bible Verses about Hardships and Trials
You are not alone in facing challenges. We’ve all been beaten down and broken. Jesus wants to lift you up in these times and set you at His feet. It is there He will show you strength for the journey.
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
Psalm 62:5-6
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.”
Hebrews 13:5-6
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’”
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Bible Verses about Struggle and Perseverance
Tough times are not the end for us, but a faith building path. These verses encourage and inspire us with their wisdom and guidance.
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Romans 5:3-4
“We know that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
What a radical way to respond to trials!
James isn’t speaking about having a positive attitude or being “happy.” He is describing our response to what we will learn from our trials and the spiritual growth that will come from them.
Proverbs 4:25-26
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”
When facing uncertainties, your first step should be the next best step to move forward.
Hebrews 10:36
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Faith means trusting in Him for the now and in the future.
Bible Verses about Overcoming Adversity
1 Chronicles 16:11
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always.”
2 Corinthians 4:8
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.”
John 14:27
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
We find true peace only in the person of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
Bible Verses about Coming Back Stronger
When we walk through our struggles with Jesus by our side, we come out stronger. Our faith is renewed, we’ve learned important lessons that bring spiritual maturity, and recognize strength we didn’t know was possible.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“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.”
1 Peter 5:10
“And 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.”
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Sometimes waiting for our comeback isn’t easy. We wonder why our prayers aren’t being answered. Does He understand the weight of our situation?
God is always fair, on time, and in control! He uses the waiting times to refresh, renew, and teach us something new.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Hurting people have a special place in His heart. Hearts are broken for many reasons, but He is our divine cardiologist, providing the best healing medicine.
Comfort in Christ
As Jesus was speaking words of comfort and peace to His disciples, He was facing the utmost of all obstacles.
Jesus was aware His arrest was imminent. He would be rejected by His people; the ones He came to save.
He would be mocked and rejected in a very public forum, then tortured, and crucified. Abandoned, yet still experiencing comfort and peace.
How?
“I am not alone, for my Father is with me.” John 16:32.
Will you find comfort where Jesus found His?
We are never alone when we have Jesus. We have a firm foundation no one or any obstacle can take from us.
If you feel like giving up, know that Jesus is with you and is praying for you.
Romans 8:34
“Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak and facing a major obstacle:
Romans 8:26
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
We are never left to face our problems alone or rely on our own strength. Jesus is by our side, standing in the storm with us.
The power of the Holy Spirit equips us with His guidance and wisdom. We have God’s Word at our fingertips to bring us His Biblical truths and abounding love and peace.
God’s love is stronger and mightier than anything life throws our way. He can conquer and carry us through anything this world throws at us.
Rest in that truth, and may these verses bring you exactly what you need to overcome obstacles in your everyday life.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
You can access this printable version of all the Bible verses in this post in my Resource Library. Click on the image below and scroll down to “Printable Bible Verses.”
Related Posts: Characteristics of Ruth in the Bible, The Story of Queen Esther, and The Story of Hannah and Samuel.
Would you like to go deeper into this topic? Click on the image below for a printable reflection question worksheet
Photo Credit: Canva
So many great scripture verses!
I need every one of them!
Thanks, Ann
You’re so welcome! I need them too! Thanks for reading and for the comment 🙂