Faith in Hard TimesSample

Fix your eyes on the unseen

Faith is an indispensable force for good in the heart and mind of the believer. Hebrews 11 says it is the evidence of our hope in the promises of God. Romans 10 says that it comes from the Word of God. The apostle Paul outlines his keys to real faith tested under real pressure. Firstly, he says, as bad as it gets it doesn’t break us. Secondly, because we believe, we vocalise our faith not our fears. Thirdly, we may lose a lot, but we don’t lose heart. And, finally, we don’t lose hope because we’re reminded of what is truly important in the context of eternal life.

At the age of 24, I was made redundant from work four days after moving into our first home, the gearbox failed in our very old and only car, the solicitor wanted more money for stamp duty, and our second child was due in six weeks. We survived these ordeals because, like Paul, we were learning to trust God’s Word and were surrounded by people of faith.

Faith for hard times is not a formula or a favourite Bible verse or wishful thinking. It’s a learned journey of knowing and trusting God and His Word, and of encouraging and being encouraged by other believers. Faith for hard times benefits from keeping our eyes continually on Jesus Christ and spending our time giving Him thanks.

Written by JOHN SCOTT