For some, faith comes easily and holds strong. For others, lasting faith requires an abundance of discipline and awareness. No matter which side you land, faith pitfalls have the potential to derail your journey. Here are three factors that impede deeply anchored faith, followed by scriptures and advice to survive the fall.
1. Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion. It can limit progress and stunt growth. Fear can divert the curious and uproot the grounded. It can make us question facts we were previously sure of and worry unnecessarily about things to come. When dealing with faith, fear can be downright detrimental. It’s a tool the enemy uses against believers to make us apprehensive and skeptical of God’s ability and wisdom. 2 Timothy 1:7 reassures, “God has not given us the spirit of fear”. When your leader is all knowing and all powerful, you should feel comfortable relying on His strength. Instead of using fear as a deterrent, let it motivate you to draw closer to the only true sustaining source. Always remember there’s no need to worry if you truly believe God is in control.
2. Weariness
It’s common to experience fatigue when navigating rough terrain. No one said life would be easy. Matter of fact, the word explicitly states that our days are few and full of trouble. Along your walk of faith, endurance may feel impossible. But Galatians 6:9 encourages people of faith not to become weary in well doing and even promises reward for enduring. As humans it’s only natural to occasionally feel burdened by life’s trials. But as believers it’s our job to fight the temptation to surrender. Strong faith anticipates tribulation and prepares to withstand through prayer, fellowship and daily devotion.
3. Lack of Understanding in God
We sometimes allow our faith to become dependent upon how well we are able to decipher God’s motives and actions. But because God works in ways beyond our capabilities, doing so can only lead to disappointment. There are countless biblical miracles we accept and celebrate despite not fully understanding how God accomplished them. So why do we struggle to use that same logic when it comes to the downs of life? Why must we first understand God’s purpose behind our problems before exercising faith during tough times? Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the lord and lean not on our own understanding, no matter what God allows to happen in our lives. Don’t limit your faith by only extending acceptances to the decisions that fall within your comprehension. Instead, seek peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the worst of times.
Faith is one of the most integral parts of your personal relationship with God. Although it can be fragile during times of trouble, strong faith always has the potential to recover. If you stay invested in studying your word, remaining focused and living honorably, renewed faith will follow. Remember that God is always bigger than your biggest fears; trust Him to be your guide.
