I can do hard things

So I've been mulling this post around in my head for about a month. And since my mind keeps pulling it to the forefront I thought I'd post about it. I hope it doesn't turn into a big jumbly mess.
From a young age I've had a testimony of the scripture 1 Nephi 3:7 I've always believed that the Lord will provide a way for us to accomplish his commandments. If we're trying to do what's right the Lord will help us to reach that far destination. I still believe this but recently I've learned that more times than not, the way the Lord has provided is no walk in the park. The way is hard--sometimes really hard.
As we studied the birth of the Savior as a family last month I noticed something I'd never really thought about before. Joseph and Mary were on their way to Bethlehem. They were part of an event that had been prophesied of for hundreds of years. The Savior of the world was going to be born. Such an event is certainly deserving of a little "spoiling" right? Yet as we know there was no room for them in the Inn and our Father's only begotten Son was born in a humble stable and layed in a manger. Mary and Joseph didn't have it easy even though it would seem "fair" for them to.
The more I ponder this point the more I see it in other examples around me--Joseph Smith and the early Saints for one. And I've seen it in today's world as well, especially in events that occurred this last year in our ward family and community. The Lord does require us to do hard things--and when my brain first thinks that thought it scares me to death. Instantly the question rises, "what hard things will the Lord require of me?" But I know the Lord doesn't want us to be filled fear, but with faith and steadfastness to his commandments. The refiners fire has a purpose. And I also realize that this is easier said than done. I pray that the Lord will write these truths upon my heart that I might have the strength to lean on them in times of need---and remember that I CAN do hard things.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6