How to Keep Going When it Gets Hard | Onward episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 12, 2026 · 23 MIN

How to Keep Going When it Gets Hard | Onward

from The Pioneer Assembly · host Bethany Barr Phillips

Life is hard. Loss happens. Prayers go unanswered. Relationships fracture. Diagnoses appear. Questions linger. Sometimes faith feels vibrant, and sometimes it feels like you're merely putting one foot in front of the other. In the first episode of our series, ONWARD, we're talking about what it means to keep moving toward Jesus when following Him becomes more difficult than expected. Drawing from Philippians 3:12-14, we'll explore Paul's determination to "press on" even though he hadn't arrived, hadn't figured everything out, and hadn't seen every promise fulfilled. You'll be reminded that the mark of mature faith isn't perfection. It's persistence. It's learning to keep praying when you're tired... to keep trusting when you don't understand. to keep showing up when growth feels invisible. to keep pursuing Jesus when nobody is pushing you forward but Him. If you've been discouraged, exhausted, frustrated, or wondering if your slow progress even matters, this conversation is for you. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is pursuit.   00:00 When faith becomes more difficult than expected 02:43 Life Is Hard: Why shallow Christianity doesn't prepare us for real life 09:20 Philippians 3: Why mature faith isn't struggle-free 12:15 How to Keep Going When Faith Gets Hard 12:16 Stop Expecting Perfection 14:23 Remember Why You Started 15:39 Stop Living Backward 16:44 Keep Moving When Growth Feels Slow 19:26 Practical Ways to Keep Going 21:46 Encouragement for the Tired   Follow Pioneer Assembly.  Follow Bethany.  Book Bethany.   

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 12, 2026

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Life is hard. People walk through loss. Prayers go unanswered. Growth feels slow. Eventually, every believer reaches a moment where the question is no longer, ”Do I believe in Jesus?” but ”Will I keep pursuing Him when it gets too hard?” In the first episode of ONWARD, we explore Philippians 3:12-14 and Paul’s determination to keep pressing toward Jesus despite hardship, struggle, and uncertainty. This conversation is for anyone who feels tired, discouraged, spiritually dry, or frustrated with where they are in their faith journey. It’s to encourage you that faithful people aren’t those who never struggle. They’re the ones who keep going. Gather. Go. Onward.

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How to Keep Going When it Gets Hard | Onward

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