Goals and Grace

#9 When the Road Gets Hard: Finding Strength in the Struggle

Listen Later

You’ve been following God’s lead, taking bold steps, and pursuing growth—but what happens when the road gets hard? In this episode of Goals & Grace, Juliet dives into how to stay faithful and strong when the journey feels heavy. Through story, Scripture, and strategy, you’ll learn how to reframe your struggles, trust God’s plan, and see the hard seasons as a setup for growth—not a setback.

🕊️ Key Scriptures “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

💬 Key Takeaways

  • Struggles don’t mean you’re off track. Resistance might be the clearest sign you’re right where God wants you—lean into it.
  • Shift your focus from “Why me?” to “What now?” Instead of analyzing the pain, invite God into it and ask, “What is this moment teaching me?”
  • Don’t confuse resistance with redirection. Hard doesn’t mean halt—it might mean you’re being prepared for what’s next.
  • Let others help carry the load. Even Jesus didn’t walk alone, reach out to your community for support. Grace isn’t about escape—it’s about endurance. God’s grace equips you to grow through the struggle, not avoid it.

    • ✨ Coaching Moment

    When the road gets hard, ask yourself: “Is this a stop sign, or a stretch mark?” Hard doesn’t mean halt—it’s often a holy invitation to grow deeper roots.

    🧭 This Week’s Practice

    1. Start your day with surrender. Pray, “God, I don’t have to be strong today—I just have to stay connected to You.”
    2. Keep a “Strength in the Struggle” journal. Each evening, write down where you saw grace show up, no matter how small.
    3. Revisit your “why.” Reflect on what God called you to do and why you said yes in the first place.

      4. 💬 Key Quote “The road may be hard, but you’re not walking it alone. God’s grace isn’t just sufficient—it’s the strength that’s building you into the leader you’re meant to be.”

      🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

      • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
      • Themes of perseverance, surrender, and grace in leadership and faith-based growth

        • 🙌 Connect with Juliet

        If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that they’re not walking alone. And hey, I’d love to hear from you! DM me on Instagram @Rev_Juliet_Spencer and let me know how this episode spoke to you—or how I can pray for you this week!

        You can also:

        • Subscribe to Goals & Grace wherever you listen to podcasts
        • Visit www.revjulietspencer.com/home to explore coaching opportunities and free resources

          • 🎶 Faith Over Fear Playlist
          This week, I’ve added 'It Is Well (LIVE)' by Bethel Music to the playlist. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in every season. Check out the full playlist on Spotify for songs that will encourage and uplift you throughout the week.  Listen here!

          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store
          Goals and GraceBy Rev. Juliet Spencer