Persevering Through Challenges: Trusting God in the Struggle

Life is full of challenges. Some are small, like daily inconveniences, while others shake us to our core. As followers of Christ, we are not promised an easy road, but we are promised strength, wisdom, and guidance when we seek God in the midst of our struggles. Whether you’re facing obstacles in your personal life, work, ministry, or relationships, perseverance is a vital part of spiritual growth. When we stand firm in faith, God can use even our greatest difficulties for His glory. So, let’s look at persevering through challenges.

What Challenges Are You Facing?

Maybe you’re struggling with finances, feeling stuck in a job that drains you, or dealing with family conflicts. Perhaps you’ve poured your heart into serving God, only to be met with disappointment and resistance. Challenges come in many forms, and sometimes, they make us feel like giving up.

The Bible reminds us that trials are part of the Christian journey. James 1:2-4 (NLT) tells us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, we should see them as opportunities to strengthen our faith and deepen our dependence on God.

Answering the Challenges: Practical Steps for Persevering Through Challenges

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by challenges, but with faith and a strategy, we can move forward. Here are some practical ways to respond:

1. Take it to God in Prayer – Before anything else, bring your struggles before the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is not just about asking for solutions—it’s about seeking God’s presence in the midst of your struggle.
2. Seek Wisdom and Guidance – Whether it’s through scripture, trusted mentors, or biblical counsel, wisdom is key. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Sometimes, overcoming a challenge requires learning, adapting, and taking practical steps forward with God’s wisdom leading the way.
3. Surround Yourself with Encouragement – Challenges are harder when we try to face them alone. Seek encouragement from fellow believers who will uplift you in prayer, speak truth into your life, and remind you that God is at work.
4. Be Persistent and Keep Moving Forward – Break your challenge into smaller steps and move forward with faith. Trust that God will provide the strength you need each day, even if progress seems slow.

My Story: Overcoming the Impossible

Probably the worst thing someone can say to me is, “You will never be able to do that.” Years ago, my wife Wendy was the Administrator at Metropolitan Christian School, and I was volunteering as the Grant Writer. Our gym had a carpeted floor. While that was okay for the church, it wasn’t ideal for the junior and senior high school athletes. The constant carpet burns and difficult maintenance made it clear that we needed a better solution.

I told the school board I had secured a quote for a new synthetic gym floor: $55,000, and planned on submitting a grant request to secure the funding. The next day, a board member pulled me aside and told me I wouldn’t be able to secure a grant for years because it takes time for organizations to build trust with donors. He also reminded me that we were competing with hundreds of nonprofits for limited funding.

Challenge accepted. I devoured every book I could find on grant writing, scoured the internet for information, and—most importantly—I took it to the Lord in prayer. Six months later, God answered that prayer when a $55,000 check arrived at the school. Three weeks later, the first basketball games were played on that brand-new gym floor. While that was a huge challenge for me personally, it wasn’t for God!

Don’t Run From Challenges—Take Them to God – Persevering through Challenges

Challenges can feel overwhelming, but they are never too big for our God. Instead of running away, we should press in and trust Him. Author A.W. Tozer once said, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” Many of the greatest stories in the Bible—Moses leading the Israelites, David facing Goliath, Paul enduring persecution—came through perseverance in trials. The struggles you face today might be preparing you for something greater tomorrow.

If you are feeling discouraged, remember this: God is always bigger than the challenge before you. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep walking forward in faith.

Explore More in This Series

• • Leading Like Christ: A Call to Spiritual Leadership
  • Embracing Servant Leadership: The Power of Serving Others
  • Relying on God’s Strength and Wisdom
  • Discipling Others: Leading Like Christ
  • Biblical Encouragement: How to Uplift Others and Reflect Christ
  • Leading with Integrity: The Foundation of Godly Leadership
  • Courage in Leadership: Trusting God in the Face of Fear
  • Leading Like Christ (Without Tripping)
  • The Path of a Servant Leader
  • Walking in His Footprint: Leading Like Jesus
  • Leaning on His Strength
  • Passing the Torch of Faith
  • Lift Them Up: A Call to Encourage
  • Walking in Truth and Light
  • Through the Fire, I Press On

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