Seeing God’s Mercy in Hardship | Finding Hope This Advent

Post #7: Seeing God’s Mercy in Hardship

Reminder: This Advent season, I am walking through the Just as He Promised study, reflecting on God’s faithfulness and His fulfilled promises. Throughout December, I’ll share my reflections as we journey through the heart of Christmas with hope and anticipation. Today we are talking about seeing God’s mercy in hardship.

Mercy in the Wilderness: Trusting God Through Hardship

Advent is a season of waiting, hope, and reflection. It’s a time to look back on God’s faithfulness and forward to His promises. As I’ve reflected on this season, I’ve been struck by how God’s mercy has shown up in my own life—not just in salvation, but in the ways He has met me during hardship, discipline, and wilderness seasons.

I want to share some personal reflections with you, not just as a glimpse into my story but as an invitation to see God’s mercy in your own life, even in the hard places.

God’s Mercy in Hardship

This year has been incredibly challenging for my family. Just today, I heard a possible diagnosis for a loved one that felt heavy and overwhelming. Yet even in the midst of this uncertainty, I find hope in knowing that God will get the glory. He is the only one who can move in this situation, and because of that, I can trust Him completely.

Hardship often feels isolating, but it’s also a place where God reveals His power. When we face situations we cannot fix on our own, we see just how much we need Him—and how faithful He is to carry us through.

God’s Mercy in Discipline

There was a season in my life when God mercifully pruned relationships that were not leading me closer to Him. At the time, the loss of these friendships felt deeply painful and confusing. But now, looking back, I can clearly see His hand in it.

God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and in that season, He was drawing me back to Him. The friendships that ended weren’t aligned with His purpose for my life. In His mercy, He removed distractions and influences that weren’t helping me grow in faith. Though the process hurt, I’m thankful for it because it brought me closer to Him.

God’s Mercy in the Wilderness

In wilderness seasons—those times when we feel lost, alone, or unsure of what’s ahead—God is often preparing us for something greater. The hardships of this year and the lessons from past seasons are not wasted. They are shaping me, teaching me to trust Him more deeply, and drawing me closer to His heart.

I can see now how the wilderness seasons have prepared me to better serve my family and others. They’ve strengthened my faith and given me a deeper understanding of God’s mercy, even when life feels overwhelming.

Mercy in Scripture: Elizabeth, Zechariah, and Judea

The mercy God has shown in my life mirrors the mercy we see in Scripture, especially in the lives of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and the people of Judea. In Luke 1, Elizabeth and Zechariah’s story reveals God’s mercy in such a tangible way.

After years of waiting and longing for a child, God miraculously gave them a son, John, who would prepare the way for Jesus. For Elizabeth, God’s mercy removed her shame and transformed what felt like a barren season into one of joy and purpose. For Zechariah, God’s mercy lovingly corrected his doubt, silencing him but later restoring his voice to proclaim God’s goodness.

Their story didn’t just stop with them; it overflowed to the people of Judea. John’s birth was a beacon of hope, pointing to the coming Messiah and reminding the nation that God’s promises never fail. His mercy always brings glory to His name and draws others to Him.

How Can We Respond to God’s Mercy?

As we reflect on God’s mercy during Advent, we are also called to respond by showing compassion to others. Here are a few ways we can do this:

Offer Grace to Others: Be intentional about encouraging someone who feels burdened or overwhelmed. Your words could be the reminder of God’s love that they need.
Forgive Freely: Remember how God lovingly forgives us, even in our doubts and struggles, and extend that same forgiveness to others.
Pray Intentionally: Lift up those in your life who are experiencing hardship, asking God to show them His mercy in their situation.
Serve With Compassion: Look for ways to meet practical needs during this season, whether through volunteering, sharing resources, or simply being present for someone who is hurting.
Testify to God’s Goodness: Share your own story of how God’s mercy has shown up in your life, just as Elizabeth and Zechariah proclaimed His faithfulness.

Gratitude for God’s Mercy

As I reflect on the mercy God has shown me this year, even in hardship, discipline, and wilderness, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Every challenge has drawn me closer to Him. Every pruning season has prepared me for His purposes. Every wilderness moment has deepened my trust in His plan.

How has God’s mercy shown up in your life this year? Take some time to reflect on His faithfulness and ask Him how you can extend that same mercy to others.

God’s mercy, displayed in the lives of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and the people of Judea, continues to work today—transforming hearts, pointing people to Jesus, and bringing glory to His name.

Stay wildly faithful. xoxox, Erin

Want to Dig Deeper?

If you’re following along with this Advent Reflection Series, we highly encourage you to check out the Daily Grace Co Advent Digital Study to enrich your understanding of this season. It’s a great way to deepen your connection with the true meaning of Advent.

Purchase the Digital Advent Study from Daily Grace Co (non-affiliate link)

Did you enjoy this post, Seeing God’s Mercy in Hardship? If you missed our previous posts in our Advent series, click here to read more reflections on this study.

Find all of Erin’s favorite Bible study supplies on her Walmart Storefront.