We all face tough times in life and leadership. But some people manage to rise above the difficulties, no matter what life throws at them. They reach their goals not because everything fell into place, but because they persevered even when everything seemed to be falling apart.

At the age of 13, Bethany Hamilton was a rising star in the surfing world when she lost her left arm in a shark attack. One month later, she got back on her board — and within two years, she won her first national surfing title.

Imagine the courage it took for Hamilton to step back into the water. Today, she still competes and uses her platform to share her faith.

“I have been able to overcome some of the most challenging obstacles because of the grace of God and because of His plan,” Hamilton says on her website.

Don’t Give Up

A biblical example of someone who remained focused on his calling through intense adversity is Joseph. Despite being betrayed by his brothers, wrongfully accused, and imprisoned, Joseph trusted God and never gave up.

Joseph did not wake up one day as a powerful leader with a vision to save Egypt. It took years before the dreams of his brothers bowing down before Joseph came true (Genesis 37:1–11).

God placed a dream in Joseph’s heart, but the dreamer faced considerable opposition. Joseph’s brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery. While in Egypt, Joseph served Potiphar and was imprisoned despite his faithful work. Even in prison, after interpreting the dreams of the baker and cupbearer, Joseph faced another setback when he was forgotten for a time (Genesis 40).

Whatever difficulty you may be facing, keep your eyes on Jesus, and trust Him to see you through.

Eventually, the time came when Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh, who placed him in complete charge of Egypt (Genesis 41:37–49).

Joseph always remembered the Source of his talents and strengths. When asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph attributed his abilities to God: “‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires’” (Genesis 41:16). Through trials and triumphs, Joseph glorified God.

Has God given you a dream? Waiting isn’t easy, but sometimes it takes years to see the fulfillment of God’s plan. In the meantime, don’t give up. Follow where He leads, while trusting His timing.

Do Keep the Faith

Despite the devastating things Joseph went through, he never let the circumstances define his faith. Instead, Joseph kept looking to God — and God always showed up.

Even in prison, God demonstrated His faithfulness to Joseph. Genesis 39:20–21 says that “while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”

The obstacles we encounter can help refine who God has called us to be. In the moment, it’s hard to believe the pain we feel can be used for good. But when looking back, we often realize why God let us endure certain situations.

Joseph reminded his brothers that God had a plan from the beginning: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

In Romans 8:28, the apostle Paul said something similar: “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.”

Whatever difficulty you may be facing, keep your eyes on Jesus, and trust Him to see you through. The past 12 months have been stressful in many ways, but God is still in control, and He still has a plan. Even in the midst of the difficulties, God is working in your life and ministry.

Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Stay faithful and committed to what God has called you to do.