Enduring Faith: Secrets to Keeping Your Faith Strong When Life Gets Tough
As believers, we often speak about the importance of enduring faith. The apostle Paul talked at length about faith that withstands the test of time and trials. But how do we cultivate such a faith? How can we ensure that our faith lasts through all the ups and downs of life?
We will dive deep into the secrets of endurance, offering practical advice and spiritual insights to help you finish the race strong.
The Foundations of Enduring Faith
To have an enduring faith, one must grasp three essential truths about God:
God is for you.
God is with you.
God is in you.
God is For You
In a world filled with noise and misinformation, it's easy to doubt whether God is truly on our side. We might hear voices that suggest God is angry or disappointed with us. Such thoughts sap our spiritual strength and influence our actions if we aren't vigilant.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God reassures us, saying, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse confirms that God's intentions toward us are always rooted in love and purpose.
"Your Bible is a fact checker. Whatever you hear, whatever comes into your head, make sure that lines up with the word of God."
When bombarded with negativity, turn to the Scriptures. They are our ultimate source of truth and a powerful counter to any spiritual fake news.
God is With You
The presence of God in our lives is a comforting reality. David beautifully illustrates this in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." This assurance means that no matter where we go or what we face, God is there.
We are often led to believe that in our times of struggle and hardship, we are alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. God's omnipresence means He is never absent. He walks with us through our valleys and stands by us in our battles.
God is In You
One of the most profound truths we can internalize is the indwelling presence of God. As believers, we are temples of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Leonard Ravenhill, a noted theologian, said, "I no longer ask people, are you a Christian? I now ask, does God live inside of you?"
This shift in questioning underscores the importance of a personal, intimate relationship with God. It is not merely about identification with Christianity but about the living reality of God residing within us.
How do we keep going when we feel so lost?
The Challenges of Enduring Faith
Life's difficulties can often make our faith waver. The feeling of being unstoppable or unbeatable may seem like a distant dream to someone who is struggling in various aspects of life. Whether it's marital issues, financial struggles, or health concerns, the question that arises is, "How do I keep going when I feel so lost?"
Prayer: The First Response
In times of uncertainty and struggle, prayer should always be our first response, not our last resort. Philippians 4:6 instructs, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." When we pray, we invite divine intervention into our circumstances.
When answers to our prayers are delayed, it can feel disheartening. Yet, this is the "in-between" phase of our faith journey. This stage lies between the problem and the solution, between sowing and reaping. It is a time of walking by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Practical Insights for Enduring Faith
One illuminating example is found in the story of Israel's war against the Moabites in 2 Kings. To surprise their enemies, the Israelites decided to march through the desert. Seven days into their journey, they faced a crisis: no water.
In their desperation, they sought a word from God through the prophet Elisha. Elisha instructed them to dig trenches, with a promise that God would fill them with water, even though they would see no sign of rain. This command required faith and action before any evidence of God's provision appeared.
"Before God does anything, you have to do your part. God has a part to play, and you have a part to play."
This story teaches us two vital lessons: we must do our part, and we should not be moved by what we see or do not see. We stand on the promises of God, trusting His timing and methods.
Just keep going!
Keep Showing Up
Persistency is key to enduring faith. A story is shared about the lesson learned through running:
"How far you can go if you just start, if you just put one foot in front of the other, how far you can go if you just keep doing it again and again."
This principle applies to all areas of life, including marriage, parenting, and spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Lean on God
The journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone. Critics may say that Christianity is a crutch for the weak, but in truth, when we are broken and crippled, having Jesus to lean on becomes our strength.
Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
"Jesus is my crutch, and I don't mind leaning on Him. I don't mind anybody looking at my life and saying, man, you can't do this alone. Absolutely I cannot do it alone."
Apostle Paul’s words resonate here, boasting only in the cross of Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). Trusting and leaning on Christ provides the strength we need to navigate life’s challenges.
Summing Up the Secrets to Enduring Faith
Understanding and accepting that God is for you, with you, and in you are foundational truths that strengthen enduring faith. Prayer, persistency, and leaning on God, especially during the in-between phases, are practical steps to maintain an unshakeable faith.
Let's make these principles a part of our spiritual DNA. If you are in that "hallway" between problems and solutions, keep praising God, recognizing that the journey through the hallway is often the most refining part of our faith journey. Remember, as you trust in God and do your part, His part is already set in motion to bring about the victory and fulfillment of His promises.
