Trials knock at our heart and surround us. Temptations set in, hoping we’ll feel the pressure. Tough times come right after a moment of joy or small victory.
We toss and turn at night, wondering how these things work their way into our thoughts, into our dreams.
It starts to feel like we’re in a batting cage struggling to hit the balls being fired at us. It gets exhausting.
This is life in the world. It requires a continuous and active choice to choose God. To keep faith. To say, “I’m sorry.” To move ahead in hope rather than despair.
It’s the battle of living by faith.
Last week I had to do this over and over again. Unfortunately I allowed temptation to work on my mind and made choices based on emotions, feelings of “Who needs this?” and more, but I don’t write that to wallow in defeat.
I write that because there is so much hope ahead.
Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. When we ask Him into our heart, He showers us with His unconditional love and devotion. He does not leave us. He sees us start over again and again. He sees us struggle with the desire to grow closer to God.
We have nothing to fear.
Keeping Faith in Hard Times
Going by faith — or, really living by faith — is about the free-will choice to trust God and choose His way over our own.
And it’s about keeping that faith, not just in times of peace, but in times when life feels grindy. In times when we want to give up or choose another path.
I’d love to say I get this right all the time, but I don’t.
I want to.
In fact, just after writing two blog posts about living by faith and genuinely desiring it in my life, I felt riddled with jabbing trials and temptations.
In each situation it seemed like I could see the problem clear enough to choose otherwise. I could see there was a way out, but then temptation blew in over and over.
It whispered all the thoughts my “self” wanted to hear. Words like “just give up,” “feel bad” or “who needs that crap.” (Sorry — that’s how temptation sounds in my ear at times.)
And why are these defeating thoughts even tempting? Maybe because it feels like “someone understands” — Yes, right, just give up; I totally should!
But who is the “someone who understands”? Would God draw near in a trying time and whisper, “Just give up”?
Stay Strong in the Word
Even — and maybe even especially — when we most desire to live God’s way, battles attempt to set up camp in our heart.
In this same week, the Bible Verse of the Day dealt with keeping faith in tough times. GoingByFaith Facebook followers saw the updates:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
And then came this one…
“[Trials and Temptations] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
We wonder what “out” could come our way half-heartedly. We want to believe it, but we don’t know if we can.
And right there… right in that moment… that’s where a spiritual battle begins. In that exact moment, keeping faith means everything. Can I believe God? Or should I believe what I see based on the day-to-day world.
There’s that moment to choose. And often we have to go against everything that feels natural within us to choose good.
7 Bible Verses for Keeping Faith When Feeling Weak
Here’s the best part — Bible verses for keeping faith in weakness.
The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4)
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. (Isaiah 41:10)
So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (Acts 27:25)
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)
What a timely and good post – although I’m sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing trials and temptations.
I find the battle to keep my hope and optimism in trials and temptations is a challenge.
As soon as I feel that heavy ‘bleuch’, I fight to keep my hope and my joy. The awareness that the Devil is out to destroy, steal our joy, hope, faith and all.
When I lose those and peace, then I am in a vulnerable spot.
I love that you quoted Psalm 23 and Jesus the Shepherd here. I exhaled with relief. When we’re going through tough times we can react like a sheep in a field wandering off (we get confused, distracted, derailed), yet
the confidence we can have in knowing that Jesus is our Shepherd, watching over us, caring with a passion and going to find us again, is a restorer of peace and hope.
When it all feels ‘yuck’ I have to say those verses from Philippians “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is true? “(my abridged version).
Get eyes off the struggles, on the lovely, on the Lord. Lifts us back up
xx
Hey there, sorry to hear its still kicking off for you. You’re so right when you note how, after a victory or a precious time with God, a temptation can come in like the wind and knock us over. One minute we’re on the mountain top in faith, the next, we walking the valley floor.
But there is that whole choice thing and especially is ignoring what our feelings tell us. My feelings can lie so badly “God doesn’t care” or “if God did care then this…. wouldn’t happen” All lies. So you’re right to point us back to the Word that tells us the truth and points us back to God. At the moment, things are tough on the family front and yet, inspite of stuff going on God keeps telling me to keep my eyes focused on Him and reminding me that “the truth shall set you free”. Whilst He’s saying this for a family member, I think God also says this because He knows His Word is powerful enough to set us free from lies about our situation, how we should behave and to just give up.
In addition to reading the Bible and thinking on it, I also find talking with other Christians to be highly uplifting in that we can spur one another one, to persevere and press in.
So to you Jen I say, Keep going chick. Keep believing, keep reading His word and keep praying. If you fall down, just pick yourself up and keep going. Great post and thanks.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments @Karen and @BunnyB — I agree fully to stay in the Word and trust in God, especially in down times!
Though I love sharing the uplifting messages we watch, read and receive every week, it’s important to keep it real — we all struggle. And yet in our weakness, we see the strength of God.
Blessings 🙂
I need people praying for my mind and my body for total healing I’m facing a Divorce and my ex he is very messy please pray my stregnth
Thank you for reaching out for prayer Gloria. Yes, I will pray for you, it must be so difficult to go through that. Praying for the Lord’s warm embrace to cover you. God bless you.
Sometimes it’s just as important t keep the faith in good times too, and it can even seem more challenging. When we’re “drunk” in comfort we must never forget where our true comfort comes, from the Lord God and not from the TV, tax-return, or vacation in Hawaii. Of course every good gift is from God, and we can take comfort in that, but the point is that we shouldn’t forget God in good or bad times, be we should always hope in Him and keep faith, worshiping Him in our deeds, words and heart. Because when the vacations, TV’s, money, hardships, temptations, and difficult trials go away, God’s love is there to stay for all who will open the gates to life. “Open up you gates. Open wide, you aged doors and the glorious King will come in.” (Psalm 24:7)
Thanks brothers and sisters for your blogs,they are uplifting and moral boosting when we feel down and out.if we keep the faith there,s always light at the the end of the tunnel.Our God is a loving God.We should continue loving each other as he loved us.The biggest gift that Jesus left us was love,
Did u get my email i sent recently about my husband? I didn’t c a reply on ur site or in my email.
Ty, Lord bless…
Dear Jackie…thank you for reaching out. Just sent you an email. Keep your faith. God is good, he will never leave you or forsake you.
I don’t know if this will be of any comfort, but when I experienced hospice and the death process with my grandfather, I learned more about God’s plan. https://www.goingbyfaith.com/end-of-life-beginning-of-life/
How to maintain faith when the devil is out there trying hard to destroy the mind of your wife, as she is under major depression… The devil talks, acts and manipulate your life thru your wife? Is there any faith at all to confront this? Help me!
All i can say is thank you so much for your encouraging words. I try to encourage myself like the word tells me too..but what do you do when you are just to extremely physically..spiritually..and emotionally drained to encourage yourself? So i decided to search for encouragement, and i found you.
2011> I got a call from my sister in the U.S Army crying telling me she needed me to relocate from Georgia to Colorado Springs to help her because her health was so poor she could no longer care for her 1yr old daughter. I sold everything i had in my house at a giant yard sale. I left my job as a manager, pack me and my 4 kids up and drove 2days to Colorado to take care of her. 2 months later she told me her EX husband wanted her back, but he said the house was too crowded and that we would have go..so she told me and my 4 kids to go. we slept in my truck. while living in my truck my husband of 4 years which at that time we were just separated, told me he wanted a divorce, and that he had gotten a girl pregnant with twins. I finally have saved up enough money to come home to Ga..i didn’t know ANYONE in Colorado, I just wanted to come home…but as i’m home..it hurt worse, because I’ve come back to nothing.
Infact,i realy appricate ur love for other. Thanks keep it up and the Lord wil see you through.(AMEN)
These stories of faith and strength have really touched my heart. I myself have a difficult time having true faith in the Lord and my thoughts are often covered with doubt. I am trying hard though to combat all this doubt and negativity and truly trust in the Lord.
Just to share my story I am about to start my college education in August and I am facing some obstacles. Its been really hard in terms of funding and I am just praying that I get my student visa as my intentions are good and I have the potential to succeed. Recently I have been faced with alot of tough decisions and I can only truly do one thing…trust in the lord and keep faith. If it is to be it will be and the Lord knows best I just have to keep faith.
For everyone else who is going through a rough patch just remember the Lord. He gives you no more than you can bare and it is all a part of the christian walk to a better life with Christ.
Thank You
Mark — praying for you. And yes, God prevails over all evil, so keep seeking Him through this time and rely on Him, not on your own understanding, as the bible tells us. Thought: Have you read “The Bait of Satan” — it may be just in time.
Danielle — this is heartbreaking. Sister, I’m so sorry.
You asked what do you do when you are just too physically, spiritually and emotionally drained to encourage yourself.
When I get there, here’s what I remember: Turn it over to the Lord. (Over and over and over). Give it to Him because He’s the one who can give us the right kind of strength, the supernatural strength that goes beyond ourselves and our human limitations. We get burned out. We can only take ourselves so far. It’s not something we can understand and so we can only trust in Him. Keep taking every thought captive, and keep trusting Him to guide your feet and get you through one more day. When we seek Him, he uses our lives for mighty, mighty purposes. There is a reason you’re here, and I pray for your protection.
I am going through a difficult time. Did something stupid and turned to God. I am facing jail time. Could lose my children, family, job. I try to be strong but doubt sets in. I am so afraid. I keep praying, reading the Word and praising and thanking God. Will He help me because I did wrong? Is there any hope for me? I feel changed in my heart. I feel like the ice has melted. I am now more patient and loving towards others. Do you think God causes things to happen to bring you back to him?
May God bless all that contributed to this site , i got some relief…… I have always wanted to be a source of hope
GOD bless you God really does use people, this was very helpful the Lord commands us to be strong and courangeous. Joshua 1v9
….know that im weak ..and surrender to God..then Rebuke…:) claim that we are together with Christ overcome the world…:) keeping faith..
I as well, life is throwing my past in front of my future. when you do bad things and make bad choices it starts to haunt you. especially when you sit back and realize life and regain composure and structure back into your life. you seek GOD and you hope and pray you can be forgiven, however many people need to hear this and confirm it through their priest, pastor, or a church member. pray for me ,GOD BLESS you all. your in my prayers
Reading this blog is bringing me peace I am going through tough times right now and as many of you said before the devil is working hard to bring us down by twisting our minds, thoughts and hearts….but we all must continue to look to God for he has all the answers
God bless you all
i am blessed. God bless you as you abide in Him come what may
Rejoice when you go through trials. It’s in James 1: 2-4.
I’m about to go on a great adventure God has prepared for me. He’s been preparing me for it for a long time now. I have to go through a trial now to learn how to handle it later; kind of like how you have to learn how to drive a truck to be a truck driver. I’m learning to drive a truck tonight, metaphorically.
Does anyone have any good verses that show that God is bigger than everything? Like, that shows He’s bigger than the humans He created? I could use that right now.
Hi @Ngaifong! I love how, through the Spirit, God’s word builds us up and gives us the courage we need to face trials with a pure heart. Praying for you. There are some verses in this post https://www.goingbyfaith.com/overcome-anxiety-what-10-verses-from-the-bible-keep-teaching-me/ including:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I am so glad I found this site. I am currently going through the most difficult tribulation in my life. I wish to express myself on this site because everyone with exception of my immediate family has abandoned me. Friends I thought were friends became strangers. I was set up by my childhood best friend in a way that I could never imagine for the sole purpose of being exonerated from criminal charges. This person tested my sympathy as he pretended that his life was in danger in order to place me in a situation God knows I would have never been involved in. From the time we were just teens we were best of friends considered ourselves brothers for many years. As years passed we ended up taking separate pathways in life he was unfortunate and found himself in trouble with the law throughout the years. I blindly observed my life excel and the Lord blessed me in many ways. Now I’m fighting for my life for the sake and mercy of my son as everything I have earned and been blessed with is on the line to include my freedom. The other reason I was targeted was because he had a criminal record and was my friend and there were some who disagreed of our relationship due to my career status and felt it necessary to end our relationship, but why in such an evil way. I ask myself that every day, and I will never know the answer. I have climbed many mountains in my life, gone through many tribulations, defeated many challenges, proved many wrong, and now its all been wipped way with the push of a button. I have never been what I am being accused of, never would have been, had no reason to be but I made a mistake orchestrated by someone else and God knows this would have never occurred. One never knows or believes that such a betrayal could happen to you, but I am living proof that anybody can manipulated and lied to for the sole reason of inflicting malice and pain into someone for no reason at all. I pray to God every single day and ask to forgive them for what they have done to me and my family and ask him to give me the strength and peace as I go through this storm. My life long career dream has transformed into my nightmare and my dreams are only nightmares. I pray that they find it in their hearts to accept that I am not the person they created for one day of my life for their personal fufilment and exoneration of another person who indeed brought himself into trouble which did not need to be created for him. The lord is my shepherd and I am his chikd
I am so glad I found this site. I am currently going through the most difficult tribulation in my life. I wish to express myself on this site because everyone with exception of my immediate family has abandoned me. Friends I thought were friends became strangers. I was set up by my childhood best friend in a way that I could never imagine for the sole purpose of being exonerated from criminal charges. This person tested my sympathy as he pretended that his life was in danger in order to place me in a situation God knows I would have never been involved in. From the time we were just teens we were best of friends considered ourselves brothers for many years. As years passed we ended up taking separate pathways in life he was unfortunate and found himself in trouble with the law throughout the years. I blindly observed my life excel and the Lord blessed me in many ways. Now I’m fighting for my life for the sake and mercy of my son as everything I have earned is on the line to include my freedom. The other reason I was targeted was because he had a criminal record and was my friend and there were some who disagreed of our relationship due to my career status and felt it necessary to end our relationship, but why in such an evil way. I ask myself that every day, and I will never know the answer. I have climbed many mountains in my life, gone through many tribulations, defeated many challenges, proved many wrong, and now its all been wipped way with the push of a button. I have never been what I am being accused of, never would have been, had no reason to be but I made a mistake orchestrated by someone else and God knows this would have never occurred. One never knows or believes that such a betrayal could happen to you, but I am living proof that anybody can manipulated and lied to for the sole reason of inflicting malice and pain into someone for no reason at all. I pray to God every single day and ask to forgive them for what they have done to me and my family and ask him to give me the strength and peace as I go through this storm. My life long career dream has transformed into my nightmare and my dreams are only nightmares. I pray that they find it in their hearts to accept that I am not the person they created for one day of my life for their personal fufilment and exoneration of another person who indeed brought himself into trouble which did not need to be created for him. The lord is my shepherd and I am his child I know he his walking with me every step of the way, but at times many thoughts run through my mind which seem to sink me down and I have to constantly speak to God and ask him to strengthen me and forgive them for what they have done. I was betrayed by a person my mother once considered a son and treated him as one of her own..I was judged by authorities based on the fact I knew this person….and they did not approve of it, but there were other ways to cease this if they deemed it wrong in leui of destroying my life and family….why judge someone based on someone else for the purpose of destroying all my accomplishments…I will never know…they should think about everyone else like mothers, wives, brothers, and more importantly children prior to inflicting so much pain and sorrow on someone for no reason at all….they have repossessed everything I’ve ever earned in my life, destroyed my character, ended my career, but the one thing they will never take is my faith in God……because nobody can lie to him and he knows right from wrong, good and evil, and the ones who commit evil will not hide from him….a part of my life has died forever….and I will forever bare this scar that will never heal completely…..I was a good cop……..lord knows…
Hi Jesse — thanks for posting this. It sounds like a deep trial of faith, and you and your family will remain in our prayers that the truth will prevail and you will be exonerated.
You mentioned at the end that nobody can lie to God, and this is exactly where the truth hits our life. Jesus said that whoever is bent on securing his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for Jesus’ sake, and for the sake of the Good News, will secure it (Mark 8:35). While I don’t know the details of your situation, it’s great to hear that you know you’re living for something more than this life.
Thank God i finally found this site.I really need your prayers as i am preparing for my school plans. I am supposed to start school in August but still have to get enough funding and also apply for my study permit. I hope everything will goes well because i really want it so bad.
Be Blessed.
Hi Jennifer,I experience those same things to,anxiety,fear,depression.What i do is pray.I also read encouraging articles on faith and grace.I also think it is when we are drawing close to God and to Christ that we are attacked by the spiritual forces of darkness.The enemy doesnt want us to trust God,so its freak out time for them when we draw near to God.God promises that if we draw near to Him,satan will flee.Satan tries to cut off that connection.Nip it in the bud so to speak.Its when we need to be determined all the more to draw near to our God.Thanks for your blog,its another way to find comfort and encouragement from people of like minds.
Hello,
Im going through my own trials and tribulations. I chose to leave a man who controlled everything about me….the way I talk, what version of the bible I should read, how t dress, clean, etc. I was unhappy but he was my provider financially. I left him with nothing literally. I have no phone to communicate with anyone. I have no car. The car I had he bought and he wanted it back, I lost my job and have no way to continue paying for school, I lost my place so I had to move in with my parents after 10 years…Im 28 years old. Im trying to keep faith, that things will get better but honestly I feel lost. I dont know what Im going to do with nothing. My faith is dfinitely being tested. Ive found myself considering options that goes against my morals. LORD i ned help
After reading some of the tests, what I am allowing myself to deal with is a light affliction. God opened a door for me, however the person behind the door wanted me out of the job, it has been more than a year and I am still there. God is my source for everything.
Trust Jesus, that’s what I feel the Spirit just keeps telling me 🙂 Trust Jesus- Through tough times-
Trust that He is the Lord of creation and can get you through this- lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Cling to Jesus, trust that He is our Shepard and that He will get us through tough times 🙂
Its so true about Jesus being our strength through our weakness- “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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I can tell you that I’m struggling though this time but sharing this is so cool- I just sense that I’m totally unable to do anything to change this situation I find myself in but its defiantly strengthening my trust in Jesus Christ to just say ”I choose to trust you Jesus Christ” even tho my mind and emotions feel I’m in trouble- Jesus is putting trust in my heart and giving me the strength in Him to continue!
Praise You Jesus Christ-
Thank you
i have been out of work since getting laid off in february.i feel as if everything but the kitchen sink has been thrown at me.there is evil and temptation in this fallen world.i have prayed hard like never before and have asked for absolution through heart felt repentance.and now i feel a sudden peace and a relaxed state of mind i never thought i had.we can overcome our worldly ways but we must walk by faith and not by sight.the lord is my shield of strength .i can do nothing without him.i thank thee with all of my heart.
When I am down and discouraged, I have a Psalm like to read. It helps comfort me and lets me know, I am not in this situation alone.
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalms 91: 14-16NLT
“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you.” Psalms 37:3-4 NLT
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret abouy their wicked schemes.” Psalms 37:7 NLT
“For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.” Pslams 37:17-19 NLT
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
I ask that everyone that reads this keeps me lifted in prayer. I born again believer, recently accepted Christ as my everything. Blessed with his presence but I kinda sstruggle with putting all my faith & him giving all my troubles to him especially times like this when I really need to seek him on keeping faith.
Pray fervently for others and myself.
Thank you for taking the time to write this article. Today I had finally excepted god as my savor but I to have hard times with temptation and I feel at my weakest with everything going on in my life lately. But I really do like your choose of strong words. I hope everything goes well and may this new year be a positive life change for the better.^_^
thanx for the article it really makes me feel better. im going thru a tough at the moment my husband walked out on me during xms. i hv a two year old baby ad i hv been looking for a job i cnt find it im behind on rent might face eviction. ad i hv no idea wat my baby will eat tomorow or the other day its like all doors r just closed on me sometyms i feel like committing suicide
Florence, please take suicide off the table and do not consider it. Jesus died for your sins; do not reject that by taking your own life. What would become of your baby? Turn to and rely solely on the Lord. Pray fervently and earnestly that He will open doors for you, and that you will have a clear path to employment and some financial security. Seek out blogs like this for encouragement and direction.
My world was turned upside down three years ago with a perfect storm of events. We are still struggling every day. The death of my precious dog set off this chain of events. My mother was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. My son decided it was time to end his ten year marriage. Mother died after 8 months and went to be with the Lord. Sons divorce was ugly beyond measure w/ his wife using my two grandsons as her weapons of choice. I began to probate my mother’s estate and got strong resistance from my two older sisters. The probate is done now and they haven’t spoken to me in over a year. I handled the estate in the manner in which my mother intended. My conscience is clear. Then, my husband’s business failed. His father had it before him and for 47 years it had provided a very good living to two generations. My husband contemplated suicide. We were/are both depressed, despondent over all this mess. We are $400,000 in debt from the collapse of business, our bills are behind and now my husband’s father is ill. The hits just keep coming. I pray every day that God will help me see that I don’t have the means to deal with this and will turn to him. I pray for mercies and grace to help us crawl out from under this mess. It has been three years. After a rather charmed life, we are both being tested beyond anything I ever thought I’d have to endure. I know this burden will not take me down because I know God will not give me more than I can handle. I pray for the courage and faith to simply let go and let God. It is a walk of faith and a surrender of any ideas I might have had that I am in control.
Florence, I hope your situation has improved. Please put your faith in God and pray with every fiber of your being that doors of opportunity will open. I will pray for you also.
God bless you for your wonderful message to the world. I have really had a hard time “Keeping Faith in Trials, Temptation and Tough Times” but the Lord who sees his servants and never let them fall a prey unto the wicked one redeems and always establishes their feet upon a rock. By the discovering of your website, I have also learnt to keep up the faith and be steadfast so that the glory of God would be shown around the life of his children.
Bless you Jenny
It’s amazing how the enemy uses the same tactics on each one of God’s children especialy as you say to attack just after a high, but I am moved by your words here:
“It requires a continuous and active choice to choose God.”
I think this shows a lot of growth and maturity in your faith walk, the realisation that enduring faith is a moment by moment experience which needs re-affirming through good and bad. I recently had this realisation myself but worded it a bit differently, I said:
we continuously go through a cycle of learning to lean ever deeper into the bosom of the Father.
So I guess what I’m saying is that I see this faith walk as waves or cycles that go higher and higher, closer and closer lifting us up and deeper into the beloeved arms of our saviour. This stops me from beating myself up knowing that it is a process and I am on my way there, I am still not perfect but being perfected and that’s OK.
Thanks and shalom
Please pray for me, I am going through depression and stress, I feel that I failed in life and the Lord. Cause I made bad decisions. That I wish I can changes. Now my life might be on the line. Please Pray that God can get me through this, sometimes I feel like just ending my life.
The greatest thing in life is to always remember that God is with us and he will never abandon us. Lets keep doing good at every opportunity and thank God in all circumstances. Trials, temptations and tough times will always come and go. It took Joseph 16 years to see his dream come true, and this happenned in a foreign land where he never thought he will set feet even in his dreams. It took the woman with the issue of blood many years to battle with her disconfort but when her time was due a second was too long for her to completely heal without even requesting for it verbally. Her FAITH on that particular day was enough. A second, a month, a minute or a year are just a period of time. Lets keep our faith high and God who is the master of circumstances will set us free. We just have to surrender to him and the rest will be history. HE IS OUR GOD.
Although I do try to keep Faith in trials, temptation, and tough times, sometimes I would like to have a break.
.
My whole life has been / is trials, temptation, and tough times.
If not my whole life, then the greater majority of it, which makes it more profound than any breaks, if indeed there were any.
.
My sufferings have always been over-lapping from as far back as the age of memory.
Yes, there were some happy or light occasions, but they were always over-shadowed by some kind of difficulty or challenge.
I guess that I came out stronger, but it’s still mentally and physically exhausting….which is another difficulty or challenge in itself to over-come.
.
Yet, I realize that what I went through and what I am going through, is not as terrible as unfortunately some others have to deal with in their lives.
By praying and believing. Asking god to help me believe when my faith is very weak as it is now. I am experiencing a lot of doubt and tempted to just want to throw in the towel. Reading inspiring articles such as this one help a lot to know I am not alone. I guess I’ll just be happy for baby steps for now in the right direction. Thank you.
I just overcomed one of my trials to be a leader of a prayer . God used my very mother and and it was hard, I tossed all night about to give up but God answered my prayer TO HAVE strong faith and hope ,but just as the tide turn that’s when God clarified everything. I have to keep in mind that if we want to be a disciple we have to take up our cross and always trust in God and HUMILITY IS A KEY INGREDIENT OF A LEADER. I WAS INSPIRED FROM THIS WEBSITE
Thank you Jen for this share. One thing that I will always cherish about the Word of God is that it shall forever remain relevant even after thousands of years, for there are circumstances that are happening all over the world needing that very Word. Going through the difficulty that I am going through right now, I have been encouraged and I sincerely thank you. I will make it through the day after all. God bless you! 🙂
Thank You.
I find this a tonic for the race ahead. We live in an ever changing world.
We are never aware of the Omnipotence of God especially when we pride our self of His Grace. We need to be HUMBLE!
Surround urself w strong believers
I want to share this , even I the dark valley he is still faithfully to me.Because of his favour I still alive his love I still have hope of good tings he promised to give me.
I lost my house a two months ago, I lost my job 3years back , I been trying to save this house , I lost my 56.000 robbed by a person who was he
Helping to save my house he took my money and never buy the house back,today I am renting in house that s very expensive not safe for me .
2. On the 18th May 2015, they broke in and took every thing I very got , I praised my lord I was inside the house with my son , they got in the rooms took linen and shoes but God hide us cover us
3.on the 24 of may 2015 I was buried my father whom I only knew him for 8 years
My car is with people dat I ask money from them , i give thembecause I was looking for money to rent ,by His grace I will get he money.
Now I don’t have anything I work hard for years but now no material things all r gone hard for me but all give all him,he s God of all situations.
But in all this I sing a song and witnesses love of God I still say he is my father his is my Provider and he is my rock.
I am leaving by faith
He gave my children jobs I thank him for that .
Tomorrow I am going for a training of three days that will give me money ,
He hears my prayers I will praise him all the time ,
Don’t give up in wht ever you are facing he is with you.
I WILL PRAISE AND GIVE HIM GLORY ,NO GOD WILL BE LIKE HIM.I WILL PRAISE NO OTHER GOD ONLY HIM
I am really thankful to have found this site. Your articles have been a wonderful encouragement in an area that I am being strengthened in. I was just wondering how I can get ahold of the comments. It shows how many there are but I cannot access any of them. Thank you for the Word you share. Blessings.
Please pray for my son Ronald he has had a cough for 3 months took him to doctor gave him antibiotics and still has cough our health insurance expires today from his dad, my husband who passed away unexpectedly he was hit by a car while on vacation. We are so scared and hopeless since he passed I worry about finances as being alone is totally new to me, now the worry of my sons cough. Please pray for my son to be in excellent health and for this cough to go away never to return. I feel like God doesn’t hear my prayers and I worry so much all the time I feel hopeless alone and unloved by God. Please help me/us
Thank you so much for a wonderful inspiring spiritual courage, i was undergoing some challenges in life, falls forces from my church where i fellowship every sabbath, my God you are faithful am blessed this morning…….
lord u are truly our king u are above all i am sorry whole heartedly for my sins forgive me……..you are my rock and my fortress…you are my saviour…i honor your name and thank you for all the blessings you hae given me….amen..save us from all evil…for you are my GOD.
Thank you……..i really needed this been feeling really down.
How are things going Rena? Praying for you even now. We all struggle. We all have trials. God bless you.
Very inspiring especially when you’re down
God bless you Audrea. Sending you a big hug! I pray the Lord wraps His arms around you in a way you can feel His presence and comfort.
On the floor. Thank you. Satan destroys my good days. The bitter sweet symphony of life
Hi Robin… How are things?
Satan will try to convince you of many things, but remember he is called the Father of Lies for a reason. Have you ever read the book The Bait of Satan? It’s an interesting perspective on how to stay out of the trap.
I’m praying for you Robin. God bless you.
This is really a message that has given me peace and hope MaycFos bless you.
I needed to hear this today .I have been going through a tough time in my life .I keep praying and fighting to do gods will .me and my fiance are growing every day and God s how’s us something new .we have had bad demonic dream s for about 2 months now not every nite just every other we pray and the more God shows us the stronger the battle gets .we are under attack with enemy .I know God has great things for us and his blessing is all over us .so no mater how bad it may seem the power of God reveals in our life.Staten is a liar and thief trying to steel our joy and blessings .if anyone reads this just know that the . Power is real and so is the battle .the victury is in our life and in the face of God through Jesus Christ our savour .
Amen Michael! And please know I’ll be praying for you both.
Thank you soo much!
God is good! Thanks for stopping by Patricia 🙂 God bless you
Thank u so much fo words and testimonies on living by faith during hard times..i just want to encourage someone that God loves u and there is nothing u can go through that surprises him He is aware of it hold on to Him ..provebs 3 v5 says trust …thats a command that we find in the unchanging word…when we continue to trust Him he is going to direct all yr ways … I was in hard time fo a long time applying fo a job could not get it but one day God remembered me was called to an enterview ..in the natural was not qualified fo the job but by Gods favour they employed me …as a chef God sent a patient man to teach me from stage one…God is faithful i can cook now and i share Gods word with the whole stuff…if He did it fo me He can do it fo u….continue to trust Him He is faithful
Amen, and thank you Godfrey! God provides for our needs and prepares us in all the right ways. He is faithful indeed.
Please keep me in your prayers. I am at the lowest point in my life as I have ever been. I have been praying WITHOUT ceasing for my son, and now he’s reached the lowest point of his life too. I’m scared; I’m scared for him, but not for myself. I know I am ready to go, but he isn’t. Please pray for him. He’s facing a lot in his life, and may loose everything, even his life. Please pray that God will open his heart, give him the faith to trust Him, save him, and give him the strength he needs to face these battles. Please pray that I can be of encouragement; I’m so down now that I don’t think I can. Sometimes I pray for God to take me out, but I know he leaves me here for a reason, even though I don’t understand why! I can’t help my son! Only God can, and so far, he has chosen not too. Why? Why? I don’t understand. Have I done something to cause God to turn his back on me? I’ve searched, and searched my heart, and I am so confused! If only I could save my son myself, but I know I can’t .. Oh, please, Dear Lord, save my son .. before it is too late.
Holy Spirit please comfort and keep KJo with Your power, strength and love flowing through her. Lord Jesus let her and her son be more than conquerors in life right now in Your precious name. Father God please take her burdens and move Your strong right arm for her and her son. Let Your heavenly armies crush their enemies under Your feet and defeat this evil moving against them. In the name of Jesus please have mercy on her and her son. Amen.
KJo, I hope that you can enlist others to help with your situation and your son. If you are facing his death and it can be prevented use others stronger than you to help. Yes, the word says that “vain is the help of man” and “my help cometh from the Lord” but any help from Christians would be good. If your son is on drugs there are streetwise people who can FORCE him to stop and cut him off from his supply. Keep praying, everyone prayer for her please and Lord have mercy on what sounds like an awful situation. Pick her up and carry her Jesus!
Elizabeth this is so beautiful! Thank you for joining in to pray for KJo, your gift of prayer and encouragement is a true blessing.
I also wanted to tell you… I’ve been inactive on the blog for several years while my kids were babies and since just coming back a couple weeks ago, I’ve been going through hundreds of comments, starting with the oldest. Your recent comment drew me here, to this comment specifically, and I thank you for that. God knows. God bless you.
Dear KJo,
Thank you so much for reaching out with this prayer request. How are you and your son today?
God hears the prayers of our hearts. He listens to us when we cry out to Him. It says in Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Please know that I will be praying for you and will post for more prayer on the facebook page. God bless you. Lifting you up in prayer!!
Dear Kjo….., I read you post with such compassion as I am also going through the hardest test of my faith just now. I have always been a believer and Christian and trust in the Lord’s promises and the truth of the Bible…but this time I’m facing a ‘mountain’….my beautiful son has been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Our sister in law is in stage 4 cancer and my brother is surviving prostate cancer. I have always been the strong one who has given Biblical verse and encouragement….but now it is becoming so much harder. I know I am not alone and there are friends praying for me and my family, but I need something to hold on to.
Thank you! i need this in this moment
Love how God works like that! He gives us what we need when we need it. God bless you Kim. Thanks for reaching out 🙂
A timely message…I like it
Thank you for the encouragement! It’s a good thing when we can encourage one another. No time to quit!
No time to quit… love it!! God bless you Pamela.
I came across this encouraging piece whilst having my quiet time this morning. I don’t usually feel compelled to stray away from my routine, BIOY alpha readings but I think God wanted me to Google matters more on my heart!
I’ve been going through, what feels like, non-stop trials since my baptism in Nov 2014. I was warned of spiritual attack, but I was adamant now that I was wearing the armour of God I would somehow get through them better than anyone else!
But the trials kept on coming! My then church disapproved of my forming a relationship with one of their male congregation. They made it so difficult that, in the end, we sadly left.
I wasn’t getting along, or bonding with any colleagues in my new job.
My friends were falling dramatically by the wayside. Little hurts and disappointments made by those I thought were my nearest and dearest. From two, huge social circles I now, thankfully, have 2 special girls remaining.
Trouble and abuse from my neighbours followed by frustrating mediation meetings.
And now sadly, this week, I’ve had to undergo a miscarriage by surgical means.
Now I’m just tired. I do know however, God is right beside me, taking me through but sometimes it’s difficult to have hope amidst so many setbacks. It’s hard to thank him and ask for forgiveness when you’re hurting and feel abandoned.
And it’s hard to see the little blessings he slips into your life; to show you that he loves you more than anything.
The biggest blessing that has come out of these trials is now my husband! No man or church can interfere with the plans that God has in mind for you and for that I am grateful.
As I sign off now; I feel God giving me a new hope and a new strength for the future and I thank you again for an inspiring post. God bless!
God bless you too Jennifer.
Thanks for sharing this. I know others will read it, relate to it and find encouragement knowing it’s not “just” them going through spiritual hardship. You touch on an interesting point that sometimes in all the trials we miss the great little (or no so little) things God is doing in our lives. Thanks for that reminder today. You are in my prayers!
Hello to y’all… I am a new gal …. I browsed threw some comments, or testimonies… I will say y’all are strong willed, keep ur faith…. I am struggling with my income.. My, hubby, n I had a car given to us from my dad… I was very happy, n blessed… Joisey (my car) ran good… The she started giving us issues… My dad told me that he fixed what needed fixed. .. We’ll my hubby was getting new tires put on, n they noticed one control arm on the front was bad . . So when we buy tires the arm cause s that tire to go bald… So my hubby gets frustrated… I keep telling him, to keep his faith in God… He does, but bad vehicles, take over… I pray night, n day.. I was raised in church… There is nothing that OUR LORD CNT DO!! AMEN… I thank the lord for something before it comes… I sent my plate renewal out late.. We r still waiting for it… We got appointment with JD Byrider in the morning. Plz pray that the lord guides us there, n that we will become blessed with a nice vehicle, with cheap payments… We deserve a new vehicle that will last us for years…. Thanks for reading my testimony… If y’all need prayer, already done.
Thanks for sharing your encouragement and what’s going on for you today. I’ll keep you in prayer that God guides you and your husband toward what He has in store for you! God bless you sister 🙂
Sharing the good news! Love it 🙂 Thanks sister God bless you
Dear Kjo, God is with u, n ur son, because of your prayers… Don’t stop praying for him, no matter how difficult it gets… I will ask the lord to send someone by in his path to open his eyes, n encourage him to turn to God… I was raised in church … I am alive because of my lord n prayer…. YOUR SON, N U WILL BE HEALED, N SAVED…
I’m struggling with temptation of seeking another woman everytime the need comes around my wife and I have been married for over a year now and we still haven’t made love let alone even seen each other naked. 2yrs ago she lost her dad it might be that and the fact that we don’t have any medical aid and that money is also a problem . I recently had to go to the sex shop for a toy for men just to release myself from tempting a prostitute iv never thought that it can get so bad. I’m a farmer and she lives in town and works in town she stays with her mom we never get alone time 2gether and I’m being patient I love her very much I want to give her everything and be a good husband I feel like a failure and I don’t feel that I have anything more to give in life putting food on the table isn’t enough for a lady. My mother in law told me a week after our marriage that I’m not right for her daughter it is hurting me very much I’m struggliung with that. I love God and I’m trying to be a good christian. The draught in South Africa is severe too it doesn’t help me financially either but I want to keep moiving forward.
9 weeks of praying asking ,begging for help nothing if I give up who’s to blame all the people
who look the other way even the ones in heaven sad so sad
This site is awesome for me. I am glad to have found it by following God’s will and not mine. I have suffered anxiety and fear most of my life and this site helps me deal with it. I have dealt with addictions all my life and am now in recovery. This site will help me maintain my sobriety and led me to increase my involvement in ministries at my parish. I also read books on this topic, recently one about resisting happiness. I am a member of a mens group that has brought me closer to God and has taught us that ” He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30. I am thankful for the encouragement I get on this site. Bless you all!
Thank you so much for sharing Rick! I’m glad this is helpful and will keep you in prayer!
I’m struggling with anger and bitterness… it’s like it’s deeply rooted in me,I’ve tried so many times to uproot it but it’s like I’m loosing the battle… right now I feel so defeated and depressed… If only i can know the best way to deal with it completely out of my heart…I need prayers please…I’ve been asking God to fill with holy spirit but most of the times its like there’s something blocking it…can you e-mail me please I think I need help
I’m praying for you! It’s interesting that you mentioned feeling like something is blocking it… I used to feel that way at times. Keep praying, keep faith, keep reading the living word. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” I believe God–our Father who knows and created us–can uproot those places in the heart we cannot reach. I find when I’m feeling “blocked” it’s that I’m really feeling distant from the Lord and praying, reading and staying in the Word brings me back in touch in my heart. Not sure if that’s what you’re experiencing but I hope it helps.
Good Day,
My name is Lebogang Sishuba. And i’m in South Africa. I don’t have all the full details of the story i’m about to share with you but I would really appreciate your advise to this.
My big brother has been going through such a difficult time. He’s been suspended at work, he’s becoming emotionally dectached to his marriage, he’s almost like he’s shutting the world out. He loves God and prays a lot but since everything looks like it’s spiraling out of control I don’t seem to know how to pray for him or what to say to him especially now that I fear that he’s not interested in anything nor even saving his marriage.
I know he needs professional help but he wont listen to do this. How can I assist him and his wife?
Concerned little sister,
Lebogang
I have read so many comments here but still doesn’t understand why? I been on this battle field with the same test for ever, being homeless. My kids and I had a house fire in 2010 that’s when it all started. We been homeless twice since. I finally gotten on my feet no help barely from no one and purchase me a home . Now trying to do what is right still praying serving the Lord I am thinking anyway. On my job trying to still catch up pay for everything living pay check to pay check and a guy came in held me at gun point. I am afraid of my life not mentioning still trying to catch up. I couldn’t go back to work sorry I am not cut out for that kind of stuff. Now I lost this home. Now I am back to square one but worse shape no job, home, now in debt. Lights and water been off for days and weeks!! Why God? What did I do to deserve this and not hear from you. I am asking what directions to go in. People has did many of things but to try to find somewhere for you and three kids to go and no help helpless!!!