In our walk with God, we often traverse paths shadowed by trials and tribulations. It’s easy to falter, to lose sight of our destination when the storms of life buffet us with winds of uncertainty.
However, it is precisely in these challenging times that the true nature of our faith is revealed. As a pastor and a follower of Christ, I've seen many struggle with these tests, questioning where to turn when all ahead looks bleak. But here's the good news: Scripture offers us a clear blueprint for not only enduring these times but emerging from them with a stronger, more resilient faith.
Stay in Faith
Faith—true, unyielding faith—is our anchor (πίστις, pistis). It’s what keeps us steady in turbulent waters. The Bible says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). This isn’t a passive belief but an active, dynamic trust in God’s promises and character.
James challenges us with a potent reminder: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6). To stay in faith is to refuse to be swayed by the visible and transient troubles we face. Instead, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), firmly holding onto God's promises, knowing that "he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
Focus on God’s Promises
God’s word (δαβαρ, dabar)—His promises—are lights along the path of our spiritual journey. They are the divine assurances that illuminate our darkest days. Consider the profound truth in 2 Peter 1:4, where we're told that through God’s promises, we partake in His divine nature, escaping the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Every promise is a building block of our faith structure. "Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled" (Joshua 21:45). This historical testament stands as a beacon of hope for us today. His word will not return empty but will accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:11). In a world rife with broken promises, the reliability of God’s word is our perpetual assurance.
Do Not Be Distracted
The world throws countless distractions our way—wealth, worries, pleasures, all beckoning us to take our eyes off the prize. However, Scripture commands us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). It’s a directive to prioritize the eternal and spiritual over the temporal and material.
Hebrews 12:1-2 implores us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles," urging us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, ensures that we are not sidetracked by lesser goals.
Final Thought
In the tempests of life, let your anchor drop deep into the bedrock of God’s promises. Stay in faith, focus on the divine assurances gifted to us through Scripture, and resist the distractions that aim to veer you off course. This steadfast approach will not only safeguard your spiritual journey but also enrich it, imbuing your path with clarity, purpose, and unwavering trust in God.
As you face the uncertainties of this world, remember these anchors: your faith, His promises, and your focus. They are the keys to not just surviving, but thriving, no matter what storms may come your way. Let the certainty of what you hope for guide you through the unseen, to the fulfillment of every promise laid out before you in the holy Scriptures.