Find solace with these powerful Bible quotes when you feel like giving up, through 15 verses to uplift and empower women during tough times.
“In this world you will have troubles…” Jesus tells His disciples in John 16:33, on the heels of explaining what kind of troubles they were in for.
Then He adds, “But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
The truth is that life can be incredibly overwhelming. No matter where you are in life, troubles will show up, leaving you feeling anxious, lost, overwhelmed, alone, etc. And it’s in those moments that you feel like giving up.
It’s all just too much.
“But take heart,” Jesus whispers in your ear, “I have overcome the world.”
You can also read that as: I have overcome your…
- finances
- fears
- relationships with family
- work situations
- weight and eating habits
- own personal struggles
- addictions
- …and so much more.
Jesus died on the cross, defeated death, hell, and the grave, and rose again, overcoming all of it—for you. When you become overwhelmed, anxious, and feel like giving up, remember that wonderful promise from Jesus.
But wouldn’t it be easier to not have troubles at all? What if life could simply be smooth sailing?
That does sound nice, and praise God, there will come a day when we won’t go through trials and tribulations.
Until then, James explains how to handle the troubles that come your way. In James chapter 1, he says you should count it as joy when you find yourself in the middle of trials. Why?
Because the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and perseverance brings you to maturity and completeness.
You will have hard times, and you need them in order to grow your faith in the Lord. But how do you get through them? What tools has God given you to fight through the struggles when you feel like giving up?
The best tool you have in times of discouragement, when you feel like giving up, is the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Bible is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, with the power to penetrate to your very core.
Opening the pages and reading God’s Word, written to you, will ease the anxiety in your heart and restore God’s peace to your mind. His Word will provide you comfort and strength to get through the trials you’re facing, and you will feel the love of God in your life.
His Word is the living water that will satisfy your parched soul and give you what you need to push through to the next day, and the next, and then the next.
Don’t give up, my friend. Jesus has overcome the world, and so can you, through Him!
Bookmark this page and read over these 15 Bible quotes when you feel like giving up.
15 Inspirational Bible Quotes for Women Facing Challenges
1. John 16:33 – Jesus Has Overcome It All
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Jesus assures His disciples and us, that while we will have trouble, He has overcome the world.
What a wonderful promise to know that nothing is too big for our God!
2. Isaiah 41:10 – Allow God To Be Your Strength
“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 41:10
God tells us here that we don’t have to be afraid or shaken up by the obstacles in our lives. He promises to help us, strengthen us, and hold us up with His hand.
3. Romans 8:28 – God Works All Things Together For Good
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
My life verse. I promised that no matter what comes into our lives, God is working it all together for our good and His purpose.
That doesn’t mean everything is good. Tragedy and sorrow are woven into all of our lives. But it does mean that God will work it all together for our good and His glory.
4. Psalm 23: 1-4 – The Lord Is Our Good Shepherd
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23: 1-4
The picture of the Lord being our Shepherd is absolutely beautiful. As a shepherd cares for his sheep, so does God care for us. Leading us, guiding us, and making sure we have sustenance.
God walks with us through the dark places and gives us the comfort of His direction and, at times, His discipline.
5. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Run With Perseverance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
I love this picture. Being surrounded by all those who have gone before, who stand there encouraging us to finish strong, throwing off the chains of sin and running the race of life, all the time keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
There will be times when it is harder to run, but don’t take your eyes off the One you run toward.
6. Philippians 1:6 – God Will Finish What He Started
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
I love the promise we have here. If God starts a good work in you, He will finish it. He hasn’t forgotten you and He hasn’t given up on you. He will finish what He started.
7. Psalm 36:7 – God’s Love Doesn’t Fail
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7
Have you seen a mother hen sheltering her little chicks under her wings? I love the imagery here. God sheltering us under His wings.
Keeping us safe and secure from whatever is going on around us. And reminding us over and over that His love never fails.
8. James 1: 2-4 – Joy In Trials
“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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1: 2-4
Having joy in the face of adversity may seem backwards, but remember that it’s God’s way of building up your faith. Praise Him during your trials, and have confidence that He is perfecting His good work in you.
9. Galatians 6:9 – Stay Strong
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”.
Galatians 6:9
God encourages us to remain strong and not grow weary. Continue to be faithful to Him and do as He has commanded. He wants to give you good things. Don’t give up.
10. Isaiah 43:2 – God Is With Us In Trials
“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.”
Isaiah 43:2
What a beautiful promise. God reassures us of His presence in our lives. Through the waters, through raging rivers, even through fire, He will protect and preserve His children.
11. Joshua 1:9 – God Is With Us Wherever We Go
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
God’s declaration that we should be strong in the face of trials and His promise that He will be with us wherever we go.
God is never far away. All we have to do is call.
12. Proverbs 3:5-6 – God Will Guide You
“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
Don’t trust what you think is right, but seek out God’s will and trust Him. When you follow His commands and directions for your life, you will find ultimate joy and peace.
13. Isaiah 40:31 – Put Your Hope In God
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.”
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah makes the point that we all get tired sometimes. No matter how strong and athletic you are, place your hope in the Lord, and let Him give you His strength, one that never tires or grows faint.
14. Philippians 4:6 – Don’t Worry
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
The Bible commands us not to worry. Instead, bring your cares and concerns to God. He’s got this, and He’s got you.
15. Romans 15:13 – Be Filled With The Spirit
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
As you begin to trust God for all the things He has promised and rely more and more on Him and His strength, you are promised to be filled with joy, peace, and hope.
And when you’re walking in these Fruits of the Spirit, it’s hard to feel defeated and discouraged.
These verses are just the beginning of the encouragement God has for you. Bible Gateway is a great place to explore even more Bible quotes.
Interpreting God’s Word for Personal Strength
These Bible verses assure you that God is personally involved with your day-to-day life.
He isn’t sitting on a throne somewhere, checked out, and oblivious to what’s happening down here.
He loves you. He cares about you. He desires to be actively involved in every aspect of your life.
When you are feeling weak and defeated, remind yourself that God promises to be your strength. When you question what’s happening around you, recite Romans 8:28 and remember that God is going to work everything out.
When you’re feeling lost and alone, be assured that God is caring for you like a shepherd caring for His flock. And when you feel like you just can’t go on anymore, go back and remember Who you’re running towards.
God promises to uphold you, to stay by you, and to give you the courage and endurance to make it through whatever you’re dealing with.
Don’t allow yourself to feel defeated when you have the God of the universe on your side and in your corner.
For more encouragement, check out these daily devotionals from Crosswalk
Stories of Biblical Women Who Persevered
Ruth
One woman who overcame great adversity in the Bible was Ruth. Widowed young and with no children of her own, Ruth found herself at a crossroads. Against all odds, Ruth made the decision to follow her mother-in-law back to her hometown, a country completely foreign to her.
Once arriving in Bethlehem, surrounded by people who probably looked down on her, Ruth found herself a beggar in a stranger’s field. If ever someone felt like the odds were stacked against her, it was Ruth.
Yet not once do we see her wavered. She showed kindness, perseverance, and obedience in the face of many trials. And we see God in the midst of it all.
By guiding her steps, giving her strength, and showering her with His love and blessings, God changes Ruth’s life dramatically by the end of the story. She finds herself the wife of Boaz, mother to Obed, and a direct descendant of Jesus Christ.
Queen Esther
Another example we see is Queen Esther. Born a Jew in a foreign land, she finds herself queen of the country. Her life seemed to be looking up until her uncle told her of a plot to kill all the Jewish people.
Faced with the choice to allow her people to be murdered or risk her own life before the King, Esther found herself in a scary situation. She faced fear and doubt as she contemplated what her move should be.
Knowing she couldn’t do this alone, Esther fasts and seeks God for three days. Through her prayers and supplications before God, He strengthens her to go before the King and seek an audience with him.
We see that at the end of the story, Esther has saved her people from annihilation, and the true villain has been revealed and done away with. Again, we see God’s direction and strength on full display in the life of this young girl.
God’s Love and Support in Difficult Times
God loves you more than you will ever fully understand. He loves you with a perfect love that knows no bounds and is not constricted by time or place. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you so that He could have a relationship with you.
That’s a whole lot of love. And out of His abundant love for you, God wants to help you through the tough times you’re facing. Psalm 16:11 says:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11
God wants to direct your path. He wants you to find fullness of joy in Him. And when you experience the joy that comes from Him alone, everything else pales in comparison.
The Role of Prayer and the Holy Spirit
Lastly, remember in all things to seek out the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life through prayer. God speaks to us through His Word; we speak and commune with God through prayer.
“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Romans 8:26
When you are weak, ask the Holy Spirit to be your strength. He will. You don’t need fancy prayers or eloquent speeches; just ask in faith. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your comforter and your guide.
Whatever you are facing, remember that you do not face it alone. As a Christian, you have the Creator of the Universe on your side. And you’re not just an ally; you’re His child. God promises you His:
- Triumph
- Strength
- Hope
- Comfort
- Direction
- Shelter
- Joy
- Courage
- Peace
Even more, God promises you Himself.
As you walk this journey called life, don’t forget that these trials will grow your faith if you continue to lean on God. And remember to open His Word to find the source of your strength and peace.
Grasp hold of this promise God has for those that endure the trials set before them in 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.”
James 1:12
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