Faith In Difficult Times Sermon

Today, we are going to talk about faith in difficult times. We all face challenges in life—whether it’s personal trials, health struggles, financial difficulties, loss, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s burdens. These moments can shake us, cause us to question, and even make us wonder where God is.

But I want to encourage you today with a powerful truth: Faith in God is not just for the easy times but for the hardest moments of our lives. Our faith grows stronger through trials, and God’s presence is most real to us when we trust Him during our darkest hours.

In the Bible, we are given many examples of men and women who faced overwhelming obstacles, but in each of these situations, they found that God was faithful. Today, we are going to explore three key truths about faith during difficult times that will help strengthen your trust in God, no matter what you’re going through.

1. Embrace the Testing of Your Faith

Scripture: James 1:2-4 (NIV):
"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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James tells us that trials are a test of our faith. It’s not about if we will go through hardships, but when we do, we can have joy because God is doing something deeper in us. Faith that is never tested is faith that never grows.

The apostle James encourages us to see trials as opportunities for spiritual growth. When we face difficulties, God is shaping our character. He is refining us, teaching us perseverance, and preparing us for what He has ahead. God does not waste pain. Every trial has a purpose: to make us mature, complete, and more like Christ.

In these difficult times, don’t lose heart. Instead, embrace the testing of your faith, knowing that God is working in ways that you might not fully understand yet, but He is preparing you for something greater.

2. Trust God’s Presence in the Storm

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):
"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."

When facing difficult times, one of the most common emotions we experience is fear. We fear the unknown, we fear the outcome, and sometimes, we even fear that we are alone in our struggles.

But God, in His Word, assures us that we are never alone. The key to overcoming fear is not in trying to control our circumstances, but in trusting in the presence of God. He is with us in every storm—and not just with us in a passive way, but with us in a powerful way. He promises to strengthen us, to help us, and to uphold us with His righteous right hand.

There’s a beautiful story in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus calms the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). The disciples were terrified, but Jesus was in the boat with them, and at His command, the storm ceased. You may feel like you’re in a storm right now, but Jesus is with you in that boat. His presence is your peace. When you trust God’s presence in the storm, your faith will be strengthened, and your fear will be replaced with peace.

3. Trust in God’s Plan and His Promise for Good

Scripture: Romans 8:28 (NIV):
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

In our hardest moments, we can feel like everything is falling apart. We may not see how anything good can come from the situation. But the truth of Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is at work in all things.

This verse doesn’t say that all things are good, but it says that God works for the good of those who love Him. Even when we cannot see it, God is always at work in our lives, using our trials, pain, and struggles for His purpose and for our good.

We may not understand why things happen the way they do, but we can trust that God is in control. His plan for us is not to harm us but to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). In the darkest of times, God is working things out for our good. You may not see the full picture right now, but trust that God is faithful to His promise.

4. How to Strengthen Your Faith in Difficult Times

Stay in God’s Word: When everything is falling apart around you, cling to God’s promises in the Bible. The Bible is full of examples of people who faced unimaginable trials, but they found strength in God’s Word. Meditate on the Scriptures, let them be a light in your darkness, and remind yourself of God’s promises daily.
Pray Without Ceasing: Prayer is the lifeline to God. Even when you don’t have the words, God knows your heart. He is listening, and He is near. Prayer brings peace, and it helps us refocus our eyes on God instead of the storm.
Lean on Your Faith Community: In difficult times, it’s important to be surrounded by fellow believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and lift you up. Don’t isolate yourself—share your burdens with others, and let the body of Christ support you.
Remember God’s Past Faithfulness: Reflect on times when God has carried you through past difficulties. Remember how He has been faithful, and let those memories strengthen your trust in Him for what you are facing now.

Conclusion: A Faith that Overcomes

Faith in difficult times is not about denying the pain or pretending that everything is okay. It’s about choosing to trust God in the midst of our struggles, knowing that He is at work, that He is with us, and that He has a good plan for our future. Even when we can’t see the way, we know that God’s love never fails, His presence is constant, and His plan is perfect.

So, when you find yourself in the midst of hardship, choose faith. Choose to trust God, and remember that He has promised to never leave you. Hold fast to the hope that He is working everything together for your good, and that He will see you through to the other side.

Closing Prayer:

Father God, we thank You for Your unfailing love and Your faithfulness. In the midst of our struggles, help us to trust You more. Remind us that You are always with us, and You are working everything together for our good. Strengthen our faith and give us the courage to lean on Your promises. We place our fears, our doubts, and our pain in Your hands, trusting that You will bring us through. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.