Several years ago I read these words written by a pastor: “When hard times come, say to yourself, ‘Now is the time to use my faith in a new way.’”
I had to wonder, What might that new way include? He didn’t say.
But while considering my own hard times I remembered a few new-to-me strategies God brought to my attention that did indeed strengthen my faith.
First, he led me to a new way to read scripture, recording any thoughts, insights, or prayers in a notebook. Writing helps slow my thinking so I can absorb more of what God would have me understand.
A few questions, prayerfully considered, might help our pens begin to write. For example:
- God, what do you want me to understand and embrace from this passage/verse?
- How would you desire this insight to impact my attitudes, beliefs, and/or actions going forward?
- What does this passage teach me about you, as God the Father, Son, and/or Holy Spirit? How might this knowledge impact my current frame of mind?
During one time of upheaval I wrote the following, based on Psalm 62:5.
You are my hope, O God. Your plan is to prosper me, to help me grow in faith and Christian maturity. My eternal hope in you can help keep this present difficulty in perspective. After all, when compared to eternity, any hardship here on earth is brief. Someday I’ll live forever with you and the problems I’ve faced will seem insignificant in the light of heaven!
God also introduced me to a new way to pray: spend less time rehashing the problem, and more time rejoicing with gratitude. It’s the kind of praying Paul encouraged (Philippians 4:6-7):
We can thank God for each of his attributes at work on our behalf: his wisdom, power, goodness and more. We can also thank him for graciously upholding us, surrounding us with encouraging family and friends, and allowing us to sense his presence more palpably.
Consider also the positive impact on mind and spirit if we pray with anticipation, affirming God will act to fulfill his highest purpose. If we thank God that it will be so before it is so—that’s faith!*
Such a prayer might be:
I praise you, O God, for your power that can fulfill grand purpose even through (name the situation.) I praise you for being a creative God who solves problems in amazing, miraculous ways.
I thank you for being an involved God who takes an active, loving role in the lives of his children. I thank you that you are faithful and trustworthy, that when we commit our way to you and trust in you, you will act (Psalm 37:5)!
God also led me to a new way to embrace the promises, by acquiescing to his plan for fulfilling them.
For example, when a beloved fellow believer is diagnosed with cancer, our prayer is for a complete restoration, of course. We might site the promise of Psalm 41:3:
And sometimes God’s answer is yes. Even the doctors are surprised how quickly the patient recovers. Sometimes God’s answer is wait, as the patient endures radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. And sometimes the answer is no.
But isn’t that complete healing as well as the patient is taken home to heaven where no sickness exists?
Life-experience and a growing relationship with God teach us:
It is then we turn to promises like these—promises we can count on no matter what:
- He will guide us along the right paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- He will provide peace of heart (John 16:33)
- He will bring good out of every situation (Romans 8:28)
- His grace will see us through (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- He will provide everything we need (Philippians 4:19)
These are among the promises to hold especially close.
And as we exercise such ways of faith presented above, they lead us to know God more, trust God more, and experience more of the spiritual blessings he longs to bestow.
And now, what new way of faith have you discovered that strengthens you during hard times? Please share in the Comments section below!
*Arnold Prater, Bonding with God, 81.
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“But isn’t that complete healing as well, as the patient is taken home to heaven where no sickness exists?” Absolutely! The Resurrection is the final healing – the only healing that lasts.
Thanks for an encouraging message, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Annie. I’m so glad you found encouragement here. Praise God for the promise of perfect and eternal healing for ALL that ails us–mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically!
Thanks, Nancy. I haven’t read your writing for a while, and, as usual, it’s really helpful.
Thank you for stopping by, Chris. Praise God you found this post helpful!
Nancy, the scriptures and your thoughts always encourage me in the faith! Thank you,
Pam
Praise God you find encouragement here, Pam. That warms my heart!
Your prayer suggestions to “change it up” are very helpful. Your timing is spot on-I was ready for a nudge! 🙂
So glad you found this post helpful, Nancy! Praise God!
Nancy, I love this post and the ways God helped you to embrace faith in a new and fresh way. Reading each point was very inspiring, and reminded me that we have opportunities to keep our faith active and alive. No matter what comes our way, may we do our part to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. ♥️
I too am so thankful for the opportunities God brings my way to refresh my faith. Indeed, Bridget, may we do our part to seek Him wholeheartedly!
With Danny’s recent emergency pacemaker replacement, and in the upcoming heart ablation he is facing, I feel that God is challenging us in our faith and belief in His ability to provide. We are of the mindset that we will accept His will, no matter what may come to us down the road, and trust in Him completely for our healing and health. After all, isn’t He the only one in control? How could we think otherwise?
I’ve surrendered to His will with gratitude and gladness. Blessings, Nancy!
I know YOU know of what you speak(!), Martha, after your serious bout with pneumonia a few years ago. With you, I pray to be surrendered to God’s will with gratitude and gladness. May Danny’s ablation go as well as that of a friend of ours. He experienced immediate relief of his symptoms. / I do appreciate the way you put gratitude and gladness together. They make a worthy set to keep front and center, especially as we face uncertainty! (I’ll be praying about Danny’s procedure; I just wrote it down.)
Thanks for your kind and heartfelt reply to my comment, Nancy. I will let Danny know that you’ve put him on your prayer list.
Blessings always!
I’ve learnt during hardships a new way to trust, accepting His promises for my life and that of my family
Praise God for the numerous promises that apply no matter what we face! They do offer such comfort and hope.
Very good post! I find it helpful to write things down as well when I read passages from the Bible. In our faith walk, it is good to embrace new ways of praising God and reflecting upon His word. When I work in the garden, it is a prayerful time for me…God’s provision is so evident in the garden. If I am having a rough day, just looking at the garden is inspiring. It reminds me that God is always at work in His creation.
Thank you for that worthwhile (and timely!) reminder, Linda, to turn yard work into prayer-and- praise time. An excellent suggestion!
The Oswald Chambers quote is a discovery of sorts for me, Nancy. Such a refreshing approach to prayer (and puts aside our tendency towards “wants”). Also the “Anonymous” quote about faith; not so much a discovery as a reminder. It speaks to a bigger, grander plan, which helps put the happy/sad details we face in encouraging perspective.
You make a good point, Dave. By praying with our eyes on God, we’re much less likely to present self-seeking requests. And thank you for adding your own interpretation of the anonymous faith-quote. We’re wise to keep in mind that God’s plans are always bigger and grander than our own, if only because he sees the impact of events on others–in a ripple effect that probably reaches farther than we realize!
Love this approach, Nancy, faith-engaging focus on attributes of God as we commend each need to His care.
I learned this from the Mr. Rogers movie: while engaged in a physically repetitive activity like walking, jogging, biking, dancing (Fred swam laps), speak a name as part of your rhythm (silently or aloud), be it a person or circumstance, and simply commend them to God. A modest dance of intercession.
I forgot about that habit of Fred Rogers. I’ll have to try it! Thank you, Laurie!
wonderful inspirational quotes and message here, especially the wisdom from your pastor.
So glad you found inspiration here, Jean! Just to set the record straight, it wasn’t my pastor who wrote that opening statement; I found it in a book written by another.
I received some news this week that shook me yet I also knew that this was an answer to a prayer for this person that God laid on my heart several years ago. Sometimes God’s moving hurts and we must be willing to face that. When I am in a troubling situation, I go my Bible and ask God to speak to me there. He always does! I also take Scripture and pray it back to God for that person for whom I am praying. You have given me great encouragement yet again, Nancy, with your insights. Thank you!
Thank you, Patty, for adding the strategy of praying back to God the Scripture. I do the same for a number of people I pray for. Upon discovering verses that specifically apply, I write them on the person(s)’ prayer card in my stack of requests. Using God’s Word as OUR words does fuel our faith!
These are all such great reminders. God is our ever present help in time of trouble. I have a family issue I’ve been praying about for years. I know God is working behind the scenes and that he will intervene and heal on this earth or in his heavenly kingdom–in His time and in His way. The only thing I would add to your insightful list is to pray with prayer partners. I gather with a group of 5 other ladies once a week via Zoom. We support each other in prayer and see God working in so many of our concerns. To God be the Glory!
Thank you for adding the strategy of praying with partners, Linda. It’s wonderful to feel the support of others through their prayers. Plus, I always feel uplifted after such a session with caring friends!
What encouraging ideas to remind us that God often shapes our perspective in ways that allow us to see our circumstances through His eyes and not our broken view. It’s the reminder to me of His sovereignty–it may not feel good in the moment, but He is in all that touches our lives. And He wastes nothing. You’re so right about writing slowing down the process to allow my thoughts to come together in a way that reflects wholeness and hope. And I’m so grateful for your comments on how His answers of yes, wait, or no are always purposeful for our good. Wonderful blog, my friend.
Thank you, Dayle, for your affirmation that these three strategies can greatly impact our faith. I think you’re right: just affirming God’s sovereignty and his loving faithfulness to bring good purpose out of every experience, greatly encourages our spirit!
Hey Nancy, this is very insightful and so helpful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, I’ll definitely read it again and again. I love that part of writing down to slow down and process everything. God has His ways of working in our lives and I appreciate you for taking your time to teach us!
You are so welcome, Irene! And thank YOU for your encouragement!
I love this encouragement to keep our faith in Jesus fresh, alive, and vibrant. It’s too priceless (literally) a relationship to allow to go ho-hum or same old, same old.
He is worthy of our creative efforts in worship, learning, prayer.
Amen, Linda. You make such good points about doing our part to keep our faith in Christ vibrant. Thank you!
Please refer to my email to you. Once again my comment failed to register on your blog. Ha! I must be doing something incorrectly. Love you!
Again, how strange that this comment as come through but not your original. I can’t imagine you’re doing something incorrectly–you’ve been commenting faithfully here for years. I’ll check my email now!
I’m always amazed at how the Lord walks each of us through our unique journey – a journey that matures us. Great reminders.
Our infinite God works in infinite ways, doesn’t he!
Great points on what will help keep our faith strong. I have found journaling to be a big help to me. Sometimes trying to write out a verse in my own words. Especially when I read the Psalms. “Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.” I firmly believe in that statement. God is still God – no matter what.
Oh yes–writing out scripture in our own words can be very helpful, prodding us to think more carefully about the meanings of words, and giving God more opportunity to instruct, inspire, and strengthen our spirits as we meditate. Thank you Barb for adding that strategy to our list!
Nancy,
Amen. I hope we feel Him near always. Thank you, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
You’re welcome, Gary. You might remember this line from an old hymn: “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God.” Praise God he not only allows but invites us into his presence!
In a mad world, that’s huge.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
INDEED!
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