Having Faith When Life is Hard: 7 Steps to Trusting God

Life throws curveballs. There’s no denying that. Whether it’s a financial crisis, a health scare, relationship problems, or the loss of a loved one, difficult times are an inevitable part of the human experience. But as Christians, we are not left to navigate these storms alone. We have a powerful weapon in our arsenal: faith in God.

This article explores how to maintain your faith during difficult times, providing practical steps, inspiring quotes, relevant Bible verses, and a foundation for understanding how to *trust God in difficult times*.

Why is Faith So Challenging During Hard Times?

When faced with adversity, our faith can be tested. We may question God’s goodness, His plan, or even His existence. Doubt creeps in, fueled by fear, pain, and uncertainty. It’s easy to feel abandoned, even when God promises never to leave us. This internal struggle is normal, but it’s crucial to learn how to actively combat doubt and cultivate unwavering faith.

The enemy often uses these moments to whisper lies and discouragement, seeking to separate us from God’s love. Recognizing this spiritual warfare is the first step towards reclaiming our faith and standing firm in the face of hardship.

7 Steps to Keep Your Faith in Hard Times

Here are *7 steps to keep your faith in hard times* and deepen your relationship with God even when life is difficult:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Don’t suppress your emotions. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Acknowledge your pain to God and allow Him to comfort you. This opens the door for Him to minister to your heart.
Immerse Yourself in Scripture: *Keeping faith in God during hard times Bible verse* passages are your lifeline. Read the Bible daily, focusing on verses about God’s love, faithfulness, and power. Verses like Romans 8:28 (“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.“) can provide immense comfort and perspective. Meditate on these verses, allowing them to sink deep into your soul.
Pray Without Ceasing: Prayer is a powerful weapon. Don’t hesitate to pour out your heart to God, expressing your fears, anxieties, and desires. Even when you don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you (Romans 8:26). Make prayer a consistent part of your day, setting aside specific times to connect with God.
Seek Christian Community: Don’t isolate yourself. Connect with fellow believers who can offer support, encouragement, and prayer. Attend church services, join a small group, or simply spend time with other Christians. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to neglect meeting together, as this helps us encourage one another.
Practice Gratitude: Even in the midst of hardship, there is always something to be thankful for. Focusing on the blessings in your life can shift your perspective and cultivate a spirit of contentment. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take time each day to reflect on the good things in your life.
Serve Others: Taking the focus off yourself and serving others can be incredibly healing. Volunteer your time, offer a helping hand, or simply show kindness to those around you. Serving others reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can make a difference in the world.
Remember God’s Past Faithfulness: Reflect on times when God has shown Himself faithful in your life. Remembering His past interventions can strengthen your faith and give you confidence that He will see you through this current challenge. The Israelites often built altars to commemorate God’s faithfulness; we too can remember and recount His blessings.

Faith in Difficult Times: Finding Strength in Scripture

The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced immense challenges and demonstrated unwavering *faith in difficult times*. These stories serve as powerful reminders that God is with us, even in the darkest of valleys.

Consider the story of Job, who lost everything yet refused to curse God. Or David, who faced constant persecution but remained faithful to the Lord. These examples remind us that faith is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of God *in* the hardship.

Faith in Difficult Times Verses

Here are some *faith in difficult times verses* to meditate on:

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“
Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.“
2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.“
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.“

Trusting God in Difficult Times: A Deeper Dive

*Trusting God in difficult times* isn’t always easy, especially when we don’t understand His plan. But trust is the foundation of our relationship with Him. It requires us to surrender our own understanding and rely on His wisdom, even when things don’t make sense.

*Trusting God in difficult times Bible study* can reveal the depths of God’s love for you. In addition, focusing on passages that highlight His character – His faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His mercy – allows you to know who He is. These are all essential to growing your trust.

Trusting God in Difficult Times Quotes

In addition to Scripture, here are some *trusting God in difficult times quotes* to inspire and encourage you:

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” – Elisabeth Elliot
“God doesn’t promise an easy life or an absence of pain. In fact, He promises the opposite. But He does promise to be with you in the midst of the storm.” – Billy Graham
“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie ten Boom
“When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.” – Unknown

Faith in Times of Storm: Finding Peace

*Faith in times of storm* is a testament to the power of God’s love. It’s about finding peace amidst chaos, knowing that He is in control, even when we are not. It’s about anchoring our souls in the truth of His Word and clinging to the hope that He offers.

Remember that the storms of life are temporary. They may be fierce and overwhelming, but they will eventually pass. And through it all, God promises to be with you, guiding you, and strengthening you. His love is a constant beacon of hope, even in the darkest night. This same idea is captured in *having faith in difficult times quotes*.

Faith in Difficult Times Sermon: A Message of Hope

Many sermons focus on the importance of remaining faithful during times of hardship. These sermons often emphasize God’s unwavering love, His promises to never leave us, and the power of prayer. They also encourage believers to find strength in community and to remember that even in the midst of suffering, God is working for our good. A *Faith in difficult times sermon* will often touch on the idea that trials can refine us, making us stronger and more resilient in our faith.

A Call to Action

Are you facing a difficult time right now? Take a moment to pause, breathe, and invite God into your situation. Choose one of the steps outlined above – perhaps reading a Bible verse, praying, or reaching out to a friend. Remember that you are not alone, and God’s love is always available to you. Trust in Him, and He will guide you through the storm.