Navigating Life’s Tests and Trials
Faith isn’t just a concept we discuss on Sundays, it’s a living, breathing part of our daily walk with God. Throughout our lives, we face different seasons that test and refine our faith in unique ways. Understanding how to develop and maintain strong faith during these challenging times can transform how we navigate life’s storms.
Faith Gets Tested in Every Season of Life
Every decade of life brings its own unique testing of faith. As children, we might face challenges like poverty or feeling different from others. The teenage years bring hormonal changes and identity struggles. Young adulthood often focuses on success and achievement. Later decades may test our faith through health issues, retirement concerns, or caring for aging parents.
These tests aren’t punishments; they’re opportunities for growth. First Peter 1:7-8 reminds us that “the testing of your faith, which is much more precious than gold that perishes, and though that faith be tried with fire at the appearing of Jesus, may it be found unto his praise, his glory and his honor.”
What Does It Mean to Have Faith?
According to Hebrews 11:6, “without faith it is impossible to please Him. For he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” This verse reveals two essential components of faith:
First, we must believe that God exists. Second, we must actively and diligently seek Him—not just occasionally on holidays, but consistently in our daily lives.
God Can Do More Than We Imagine
Ephesians 3:20-21 tells us that God “is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Sometimes we limit God by thinking too small. Instead of asking for what seems reasonable, we should dare to think bigger and ask according to His will.
When we look back on our faith journey, we might wonder what God could have accomplished if we had just asked for more or believed for greater things. This doesn’t mean praying for materialistic things but rather seeking God’s kingdom purposes and His glory.
Learning from Abraham’s Example
Hebrews 11:8 gives us a powerful example of faith in action: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going.”
Abraham was incredibly wealthy, a multi-billionaire by today’s standards. Yet when God called him to leave his palace and live in a tent, he obeyed. He packed up everything and left without knowing his destination. This teaches us that God may ask us to step out in faith even when we can’t see the full picture.
How to Develop Your Faith
Hang Out with People of Faith
One of the most practical ways to strengthen your faith is to surround yourself with people who demonstrate strong faith. These might be family members, friends, coworkers, or fellow church members who consistently trust God and encourage others to do the same.
Think about who that person of faith is in your life right now. If you can’t identify someone, start praying for God to bring such a person into your circle. Avoid spending too much time with people who constantly complain or focus on negative circumstances, their attitudes can drain your spiritual energy.
Jesus himself demonstrated this principle. While he ministered to multitudes, he also had specific groups he spent concentrated time with: the 70, the 12 disciples, and his inner circle of Peter, James, and John. He invested deeply in those who would help spread the gospel message.
Understand That Faith Is a Verb
Faith isn’t something you simply possess, it’s something you actively live out. Faith requires action. When you stop doing things that demonstrate trust in God, you’re not exercising faith.
Living faith as a verb means asking yourself: “How can I use my degree, occupation, education, skills, or hobbies to help expand God’s kingdom?” Whether you’re a plumber, teacher, homemaker, or retiree, God can use your unique gifts and circumstances to impact others for His glory.
Faith in Action: The Power of Community
The story in Mark 2 illustrates the power of faith in community. Four friends brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus but couldn’t get through the crowd. Instead of giving up, they climbed onto the roof, made a hole, and lowered their friend down to Jesus.
The scripture says that “when Jesus saw their faith”, not just the paralyzed man’s faith, but the collective faith of his friends, He healed the man. Sometimes our faith combined with others’ faith creates the breakthrough someone needs.
When Storms Come
Even when we’re walking in faith, storms will come. Jesus and his disciples experienced this literally when a fierce storm hit while they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. The professional fishermen were terrified, throwing cargo overboard and fearing for their lives, while Jesus slept peacefully in the boat.
When they woke Jesus, asking if He cared that they were perishing, He calmed the storm and asked them, “Where is your faith?” This teaches us an important truth: if Jesus is in your boat, you’re not going down. The question isn’t whether storms will come, but where our faith will be when they do.
Life Application
This week, take an honest inventory of your faith. Identify one person of strong faith you can spend more time with, and consider how you might use your unique gifts and circumstances to impact others for God’s kingdom.
Ask yourself these questions:
Who is the person of strongest faith in my life, and how can I learn from them?
What gifts, skills, or resources has God given me that I could use to serve others?
In what current situation do I need to trust God more completely instead of relying on my own understanding?
Where is my faith right now, in my own abilities or in God’s faithfulness?
Remember, faith grows through exercise. Step out in trust, surround yourself with believers who encourage your spiritual growth, and watch as God does exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ask or think.