Faith Doesn’t Mean You’re Always Fine

After graduating second best in my class at university, I thought I wouldn’t struggle to get a job. Little did I know that thousands of other bright graduates were also unleashed into the job market the same way I was, so getting a job was going to be a major struggle. I spent several months applying for jobs and getting rejected, and even though my faith was still strong, every rejection felt like a stab in my chest. I felt guilty for feeling sad about my current state. Don’t get me wrong, I had faith, but I was not fine. 

Let’s face it, having faith does not mean that you will never experience pain or that you will always be fine. If you are wondering if you can have faith and still have low moments, the short answer is yes! Having faith does not make you immune to emotional or mental struggles. However, it means you have an anchor when the storm hits, not the absence of storms. What matters the most when you are hit by the harsh realities of life is that you hold on to your anchor, which is Jesus Christ, and trust in him.

You can cry or shout, but never walk away from HIs presence, if anything, run to Him. When Jesus was at Gethsemane, He went through very low moments before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-46). Matthew 26:37 describes Him as being sorrowful and deeply distressed. Jesus went with two of His trusted disciples, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and told them to keep watch with Him, but when He left them, they fell asleep. Sometimes those low moments also come with loneliness, even when you are around people. In moments like this, do what Jesus did: go to God in prayer and spend time there. Jesus spent time praying, and He eventually got the grace to submit to God’s will.

Practical ways to boost your faith when you are struggling

1. Read God’s Word

My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” For you, it might be different, but there is always a Word that speaks to your situation. Remember faith comes by hearing the word of God. Some Bible verses that help boost your faith are:

• Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
• Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
• Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
• John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
• Matthew 6:31–34 – Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
• Isaiah 41:13 – For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.
• Philippians 4:6–7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2. Remember things you are grateful for 

When you are down, it is a good time to remember things you are grateful for, list them out, and focus on them. Has God ever come through for you before? Why not have a flashback to those good times? This would help you remember God’s unconditional love.

3. Spend time in Prayer

In prayer, you can tell God exactly how you feel. He’s your Father, He can take it—He actually knows how you feel, so you do not need to hide your feelings from God. Don’t only tell Him how you feel, ask Him to increase your faith, too.

4. Talk to a trusted Christian

Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to someone whom you can talk to. You can also ask God to send someone to you.

5. Do not isolate yourself from the Church

In the church, you get the opportunity to fellowship with other believers, communally worship, and listen to God’s word. It is also a place where you can get accountability, encouragement, and support during difficult times. It is easier for the devil to mess with your mind when you are isolated, than when you are in a community of true believers.

Please bear in mind that you are not a failure if you are not okay, and God is not disappointed in your struggle; He’s present in it. Faith doesn’t always look like victory; sometimes it is holding on to God, the anchor that never fails.