How to Keep Faith Strong During Trials

Introduction: The Inevitable Storms of Life

Jesus made a promise to his followers that is both sobering and realistic: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). He didn't say we *might* have trouble; he said we *will*. Trials, suffering, and seasons of hardship are not an exception to the Christian life; they are an expected part of it. We will face financial difficulties, health crises, relational conflicts, and unexpected tragedies. In these moments, it is easy for our faith to be shaken. We begin to ask hard questions: "Where is God in this? Does He care? If He is all-powerful, why did He let this happen?"

A faith that has not been tested is a faith that cannot be trusted. It is in the furnace of affliction that the genuineness of our faith is revealed and refined. The Bible does not offer simplistic platitudes or easy answers to the problem of suffering. Instead, it provides a robust, real-world theology that helps us anchor our souls in the character of God when the storms of life are raging. It teaches us that trials are not random, meaningless events, but opportunities for God to do His deepest work in us. This article will explore practical, biblical strategies for not just surviving trials, but for keeping our faith strong and even growing through them, so that we may emerge on the other side more like Jesus.

1. Adjust Your Perspective: Consider it Pure Joy

The apostle James begins his letter with a shocking command that seems completely counter-intuitive: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2). How can we possibly be joyful in the midst of suffering? James immediately provides the reason: "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

See Trials as a Gymnasium, Not a Prison

This command requires a radical shift in perspective. We must learn to see our trials not as a punishment to be escaped, but as a training ground where God is developing our spiritual muscles. A weightlifter doesn't rejoice in the pain of lifting a heavy weight, but they rejoice in the strength that the pain produces. In the same way, we don't rejoice *for* the trial itself (the sickness, the job loss, the betrayal), but we can rejoice *in* the trial, knowing the good and God-glorifying purpose that God is working out through it. He is using this difficulty to produce perseverance, character, and a maturity in us that could not be developed any other way.

2. Anchor Yourself in God's Sovereignty

When life feels chaotic and out of control, our greatest source of stability is the truth that God is in complete, sovereign control of all things. Nothing—not a random accident, not a malicious act from another person, not a devastating diagnosis—can touch us apart from His permission.

"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." - Romans 8:28

This beloved promise does not say that all things *are* good. It says God *works* all things—even the painful, evil, and tragic things—together for the ultimate good of His children. Our "good" is not always defined as comfort, health, or wealth. God's ultimate good for us is that we would be "conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29). Often, God uses our deepest trials to achieve this highest purpose, chipping away our self-reliance and making us more like Jesus. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that even when we cannot see or understand His plan, He is lovingly and wisely governing our lives from His throne.

3. Cling to the Promises of God's Word

In times of trial, our feelings are unreliable guides. Fear, anxiety, and doubt can easily overwhelm us. In these moments, we must anchor our souls not to our fluctuating emotions, but to the unchanging promises of God's Word. The Bible is a treasure chest of promises specifically for those who are suffering.

Find Your Anchor Verses:

• When you feel alone: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
• When you feel weak: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• When you feel anxious: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
• When you feel overwhelmed: "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Find these promises in your Bible. Write them on index cards. Memorize them. Meditate on them. Preach them to your own soul. When the waves of fear and doubt crash over you, speak the truth of God's Word out loud. It is the "sword of the Spirit" that pushes back the lies of the enemy.

4. Press Into Prayer and Community

Trials are not meant to be faced alone. God has given us two vital lifelines: prayer and the church.

Be Honest in Prayer

Don't pretend to be strong before God. Follow the example of the psalmists and pour out your heart to Him with raw honesty. Tell Him about your pain, your confusion, your anger, and your fear. This is what the Bible calls lament. It is a form of prayer that is deeply pleasing to God because it is authentic and demonstrates a rugged faith that continues to turn *to* God even in the midst of pain, rather than turning *away* from Him.

Lean on Your Community

This is where the body of Christ becomes so vital. Don't isolate yourself in your suffering. Reach out to trusted Christian friends, your pastor, or a small group. Let them know what you are going through. Galatians 6:2 commands us to "Carry each other’s burdens." Allow others to pray for you, encourage you, and provide practical help. Sharing your struggle with other believers not only lightens your load but also gives them an opportunity to exercise their spiritual gifts and grow in compassion.

5. Look to the Cross and the Empty Tomb

Ultimately, our ability to persevere through trials is rooted in the Gospel.

The Cross: Proof of God's Love

When you are tempted to doubt God's love in the midst of your suffering, look to the cross. The cross is the ultimate, undeniable proof that God loves you. He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). If God was willing to do the hardest thing—sacrifice His Son for your salvation—you can trust that He will be with you and sustain you in your present, lesser trials. He has already solved your biggest problem (sin and eternal death), so you can trust Him with your smaller, temporary problems.

The Empty Tomb: Guarantee of Future Hope

The resurrection of Jesus is our guarantee that suffering and death do not get the final word. It is the promise that this broken world is not our final home. A day is coming when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). This "living hope" (1 Peter 1:3) is not wishful thinking; it is a certain future reality. It allows us to view our current trials as "light and momentary" in the grand scheme of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Conclusion: Stronger in the Broken Places

No one chooses to go through trials. They are painful, disorienting, and difficult. But for the Christian, they are never pointless. God uses the pressures of suffering to squeeze out our self-reliance and pride, and to fill us with a deeper dependence on Him and a greater conformity to the character of Christ.

If you are in a season of trial today, hold on. Anchor your heart in the truth of God's sovereign control and His good purposes. Saturate your mind with the promises of His Word. Press into prayer and community. And fix your eyes on the cross and the empty tomb. Your King has already conquered your greatest enemies, and He has promised to be with you, to strengthen you, and to see you safely home.