The Courage to Continue: How to Find Strength to Overcome

Hey Friend,

There’s a song that says, “I don’t look like what I’ve been through,” and thank God, I don’t. It’s easy to glance at someone’s appearance or a perfectly curated post and think, “They’ve got it all together. What could they possibly be worried about?”

But that perception can be wildly misleading. Behind the smiles and filtered moments, that person could be navigating an unseen storm, holding it all together while the world only sees the calm surface. 

Exhibit A:

Life has not felt EXTRAordinary lately. Since the beginning of September, it feels like life handed me the Premium “Trials and Tribulations” package. Every time I turn around, there’s another hurdle—whether it’s a financial blow, something breaking down and needing repair, or an unexpected demand draining my already limited time and energy. 

The mental load is heavy, suffocating at times, and there are moments when all I want to do is throw in the towel, hide under my blanket, and let the world crumble around me.

The Weight of My Own Expectations

I have so many plans and goals I’m determined to achieve by year’s end. But every time a setback hits, I’m forced to pause, pushing the vision I have for my life, further out of reach, especially as it relates to living my life through the EXTRA framework that I have created. It leaves me feeling inconsistent and inefficient, like I’m stumbling through a race I’m running by myself.

Even though I’m the only one keeping score, I can feel myself buckling under the weight of my own expectations.

Yet, somehow—despite the overwhelm, despite the exhaustion—

I find the Courage to Continue.

The Source of My Courage

What gives me the courage to keep going? It’s knowing that the Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want. Knowing He goes before me, to straighten the path ahead. These trials are not in vain—I know they’re building my faith and shaping my character. I am convinced that He will restore me, and His goodness and mercy will make my cup overflow.

It’s the unshakable confidence that the Lord is with me through every storm that brings me comfort. Despite everything happening around me, He still allows me to catch glimpses of His glory. And the best part? He can do the same for you.

The Courage to Continue

Another thing that keeps me going is looking at myself in the mirror, knowing I’ve fought countless internal battles before—and I’ve overcome. If I’ve done it before, I know I can do it again.

Then, I look into my daughter’s eyes and realize she’s watching me, studying how I navigate life’s challenges. Someday, she may imitate what she sees in me, and that fuels my determination to keep striving for the life I envision for our family—no matter how long it takes.

And finally, my support system. Just this week, as I shared my struggles with a dear friend, she told me she admires my tenacity and resilience. Her words meant the world to me and gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. I encourage you to do the same for your friends—offer them words of life and encouragement when they’re facing their storms. You never know how your words might give them the courage to continue.

Affirm yourself in this

I want you to know that you too, have the courage to keep going. I don’t know exactly what you’re facing—whether it’s a breakup, a lack of spiritual, physical, or emotional support, financial hardship, dealing with illness, mental overload, or simply feeling alone. But remember this: God is with you. Even when you don’t feel His presence, ask Him to open your eyes so you can see even traces of His work in your life.

And never forget these truths about yourself:

I do hope that you feel encouraged. I’d love to hear from you so that I can pray for you and encourage you, too. Please share this with a friend who needs this or have them sign up for their newsletter using this link. Until next Teatime —