We will use James MacDonald's book, When Life Is Hard, for this study that shows how MacDonald's teachings came out of his personal struggles during a season of trials. His difficulties included a budget disaster in a multi-million dollar building project, a family crisis, friends’ tragedy, and personal health issues when James discovered he had cancer. In fact, he preached the heart of this message while going through treatment for prostate cancer. He shares the biblical truths and principles that helped him deal with the trials of life that can provide hope to all who deal with the difficulties of life.