Keeping Your Faith Strong in Difficult Times: When God Feels Far
Introduction
Life is filled with difficulties and hard times, yet we are encouraged by the words of Jesus, who declared, "In this world, you will face difficulties and hard times, but cheer up because I have conquered the world for you" (Emphasis added). Difficulties are not our enemies but opportunities for growth.
Sometimes, during our most challenging moments, it may feel like God is distant, and His presence seems elusive. However, remember that hard times are temporary, but faith is eternal.
In this blog post, we will explore how to strengthen our faith, especially when it feels like God is far away.
Understanding Faith
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It's the foundation of a life worth living, a firm handle on the unseen.
Faith is the act of relying, trusting, hoping, and knowing that what you have yet to receive will come. It's total dependence on God to accomplish all things for you.
Faith may not always come easily to us, as we often desire to see tangible proof. However, faith requires one crucial element: hearing the truth. Romans 10:17 confirms that "faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God." You must listen to the truth, specifically the Word of God, to have faith.
How to Maintain Your Faith in Times of Trouble
Preserving your faith during challenging times is a demanding but crucial task for believers.
1. Avoid Fear: Fear is your faith's greatest adversary during tough times. Fear is often the result of fake things appearing real, leading to worry. It adds no value to your life and can make you lose focus. To maintain your faith, you must steer clear of fear.
2. Rely on God: Even when everything appears bleak, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and avoid leaning on your own understanding. Rely on God entirely to mend what needs fixing.
3. Be Positive: Positivity is essential during trials. Maintain a positive mindset about the situation, believing that it may take time but will eventually be resolved. Joseph's unwavering belief in the fulfillment of his dreams kept him going, even in challenging circumstances.
4. Continue Hearing God's Word: Faith is nurtured by hearing and meditating on the Word of God. In difficult times, immerse yourself in God's Word—read, speak, confess, believe, meditate, and pray in alignment with it.
5. Surround Yourself with Faith: Seek the company of people of faith as your partners and advisors. Job's faith was tested because he was surrounded by faithless companions. Maintain close relationships with fellow believers who will inspire your faith.
Conclusion
Strengthening your faith during difficult times requires intentionality and persistence. Even when God appears distant, stay sensitive to His presence and His voice. Trust and rely on Him. Keep listening for His guidance.
While this article offers guidance on maintaining faith during trials, remember that there are countless strategies not covered here. Faith is a journey, and God is always closer than you think. Stay faithful, trust in Him, and listen to His voice as you navigate through tough times.
God of the Valleys: Finding God in Life’s Lowest Moments
"Sorry, you have not been offered admission."
I had heard this same response five times over four years. Every rejection letter felt like a dagger to my heart, a painful reminder of my unfulfilled dreams. I had done everything I could to secure admission into a university, yet each year ended in disappointment. It was exhausting. The rejection emails became more refined, their language polished, but their message was the same: You didn’t make it.
Many nights, I cried myself to sleep, hoping for a different outcome. But after that fifth rejection, I had enough. I told myself I was done. No more applications. No more hope. This was the lowest point of my life, and I gave up.
But in the middle of my despair, something changed. God stepped in. What seemed like a dead end became the beginning of a new path. The situation I thought was my downfall became the setup for something greater.
Maybe you’re reading this right now, feeling stuck in your own valley of disappointment. Maybe you've been hit with setback after setback, and hope feels distant. If that’s you, this message is for you: Even in your lowest state, you can find God there.
David’s Lowest Moment: The Cave of Adullam
The Bible gives us a powerful example in the life of King David. He was once celebrated as Israel’s hero after defeating Goliath. His victories over the Philistines and other enemies made him famous, and the people even sang:
"Saul has killed thousands, but David his ten thousand."
But that praise became the catalyst for David’s troubles. King Saul saw him as a threat and sought to kill him. David fled for his life and ended up in the Cave of Adullam—a dark, lonely, and discouraging place.
Yet, it was in that cave, in his lowest moment, that God began a new work in David’s life. God didn’t just rescue him—He sent people to him. The Bible says:
"So David got away and escaped to the Cave of Adullam. When his brothers and others associated with his family heard where he was, they came down and joined him." (1 Samuel 22:1)
"Not only that, but all who were down on their luck came around—losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts. David became their leader. There were about four hundred in all." (1 Samuel 22:2)
God transformed David’s cave experience into the foundation of his kingship. Those who came to him became his mighty warriors. His lowest point became the turning point of his destiny.
Finding God in Your Lowest Moments
Like David, we often don’t recognize God’s presence in our struggles because we are too focused on the pain. But God is always there. He is El-Roi, the God who sees you. Even when it feels like no one understands, God sees, God knows, and God cares.
So, how can you find God in your lowest moments?
1. Acknowledge that God is Able
The first step is believing that God is bigger than your problems. He sees what you’re going through and has a plan beyond your current struggle.
2. Seek Him in Prayer
Prayer is not just a religious exercise; it’s a conversation with God. Pour out your heart to Him. Be honest about your struggles, and trust that He is listening.
3. Immerse Yourself in His Word
The Bible is filled with stories of people who found God in their darkest times. Reading and meditating on Scripture reminds us that God has always been faithful—and He will be faithful to you too.
4. Surround Yourself with Godly Community
David didn’t stay alone in the cave. God sent people to him. In your lowest moments, don’t isolate yourself. Seek fellowship with those who can encourage and uplift you.
5. Declare God’s Faithfulness
Even in hardship, make it a habit to declare what God has done for you. Gratitude shifts your focus from the problem to the One who holds the solution.
Don’t Wait Until You’re at Rock Bottom
God doesn’t want you to wait until everything falls apart before turning to Him. He is always near, closer than your best friend. The wise words of a mentor once reminded me:
"God is the closest person you can ever find. He is closer than your bestie."
If you can see God that way—if you can recognize that He is always with you—your approach to life’s struggles will change.
So, no matter how deep your valley feels right now, know this: God is not wicked. He sees you, He loves you, and He is ready to intervene beyond your reasoning. Trust Him, surrender to Him, and watch Him turn your valley into a testimony.
Shalom!
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