Understanding Challenges in Faith
At some point, we all face moments when our faith feels tested. Maybe it's a quiet doubt that creeps in unexpectedly, or maybe it’s a full-blown crisis that leaves you wondering where God is in the middle of it all. Whether it's personal pain, pressure from others, or questions we can’t seem to answer—these moments can shake us.
But here’s something important to remember: just because your faith is being challenged doesn’t mean you’re failing. In fact, it might be the very place where God wants to grow something deeper in you.
The Bible is full of real people who wrestled with God in the middle of hard times—and came out the other side with stronger, more genuine faith. Like gold refined in fire, our trust in God can become more real when it’s tested. And when we choose to face these seasons with honesty, humility, and a heart that’s open to growth, they can actually draw us closer to Him.
It’s a truth echoed in the lyrics of our Planetshakers worship song “Miracle Worker”:
"When I walk through valleys deep, I won't fear 'cause I know You're with me. I know You'll lead me."
"And when I walk throughout the fire, like finest gold my faith You're refining—this will define me."
Just because your faith is being challenged doesn’t mean you’re failing. In fact, it might be the very place where God wants to grow something deeper in you.
Faith refined through fire doesn’t weaken—it defines us.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about some of the faith challenges many of us face today, look at what Scripture has to say, and explore practical ways to keep standing strong. You’re not alone in this—and no matter what you’re walking through, there is always hope.
Faith refined through fire doesn’t weaken—it defines us.
Identifying Common Challenges
Faith isn’t something we live out in isolation. It’s formed and refined in the middle of real life—with all its mess, pressure, and pain. If you’ve ever felt like following Jesus comes with its own set of challenges, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the struggles many of us face as we try to live out our faith today.
Doubts and Questions
It’s completely normal to have questions about your faith. Maybe you’ve wrestled with big ideas about God, or maybe something personal—like an unanswered prayer—has left you wondering where He is in the middle of it all. You’re not alone in that. The good news is, God doesn’t shy away from our doubts. He welcomes our honest questions and meets us in them (James 1:5). When we bring those struggles to Him—in prayer, through His Word, and with the support of trusted people around us—those very questions can lead to deeper understanding and a stronger, more real faith. As Ps Russell often reminds our young people, when you’re facing doubts, questions, or challenges, that’s not the time to pull away—it’s the time to run to God, not run from Him.
Societal Pressures
Let’s be real—living out your faith today isn’t always easy. With so many cultural shifts and loud opinions in the world around us, it can feel like what you believe is constantly being challenged. Whether it’s through social media, the news, or even at work or school, there can be pressure to stay quiet, to compromise, or to just go along with the crowd. And honestly, the fear of being judged or left out is real. But you’re not alone in this. Let’s remember Jesus faced all of these same challenges when He walked this earth and yet He never compromised. Standing strong in your faith takes courage, wisdom, and the support of people who will cheer you on and remind you of what’s true.
Personal Trials and Suffering
Hard times hit all of us—whether it’s loss, sickness, money struggles, or broken relationships—and they can shake us to the core. In those moments, it’s so easy to ask, “God, where are You?” But the beautiful truth is, He is not far off. The Bible says He’s “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and I’ve found that to be true again and again. When everything else falls away, we learn what it really means to lean on His strength instead of our own. As painful as those seasons are, they often become the very places where we see God’s faithfulness the clearest and feel His presence the closest. I wouldn’t trade those moments in my life for anything!
Building Resilience Through Faith
When your faith is tested, it’s resilience that helps you keep going. It doesn’t mean you have to pretend everything’s okay or push your pain aside. It just means choosing to stay anchored in God, even when the storm hits hard.
It just means choosing to stay anchored in God, even when the storm hits hard.
Spiritual Practices
Sometimes, when everything feels like it’s falling apart, the last thing we feel like doing is praying or reading the Bible. But that’s exactly when we need it most. Prayer isn’t about having the perfect words—it’s just talking to God, even if all you can say is, “Help me.” Worship shifts our eyes off the problem and back onto who He is. Even a few minutes in His presence can bring a peace that calms the chaos (Philippians 4:6–7). Little by little, your heart gets reminded: God’s still here. He hasn’t let go.
Community Support
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who get it—who won’t judge your questions or rush your healing. God designed us to need each other. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a small group, or a mentor, having someone to pray with you and encourage you makes a huge difference. When you’re too tired to believe for yourself, let someone else believe for you. Like Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Don’t isolate yourself. Let people in. Make sure you stay planted in Church. We’re stronger together.
Scriptural Encouragement
When you’re going through it, sometimes the only thing that can hold you up is a promise from God. The Bible is full of stories where people faced heartbreak, loss, fear—and still saw God show up. Verses like “God works all things together for good” (Romans 8:28) or “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) can feel like a lifeline. Write them on your mirror. Speak them over your life. Let them sink in. Because His promises don’t change—even when everything else does.
Overcoming Modern-Day Challenges
Life today throws some pretty unique obstacles our way that can make living out our faith feel harder than ever. But we believe that with the truth of God’s word and the help of Holy Spirit—we can navigate and overcome these challenges, even flourishing in the midst of them.
Navigating Secularism
We live in a culture that often celebrates independence, self-reliance, and chasing success—sometimes making God feel like an afterthought or even irrelevant. But the good news? The gospel meets us exactly where we’re at. It speaks to those deep parts inside us, the need for identity, purpose, and peace. Choosing to put God first, like Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, isn’t always easy when the world is shouting a different message. But it’s what our souls truly need.
Addressing Moral Relativism
Maybe you’ve noticed that truth today feels more subjective—“what’s true for you might not be true for me.” That can be confusing and make it harder to hold onto God’s clear and loving standards. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to live out biblical truth with grace and humility—not to judge or condemn, but to love well and stand firm on His word. Knowing God’s Word deeply helps us do this in a way that draws people closer instead of pushing them away.
Coping with Technological Distractions
Let’s be honest—our phones and screens can be a huge distraction. Endless scrolling, constant notifications, and the pressure to keep up can drown out God’s quiet voice. That’s why spiritual rhythms like quiet time, unplugging, and even digital fasts can be game-changers. Try making your tech work for you—follow faith-filled accounts, listen to worship music, or set reminders to pause and read the Bible. It’s all about turning distraction into devotion.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Faith
Think of faith like a muscle—it gets stronger the more you use it. Here are a couple of simple, real-life ways to help your faith grow deeper and last through the tough times.
Regular Worship and Fellowship
Being part of a local church isn’t just about attending a service; it’s about planting yourself where you can connect with God and others who will encourage you. Whether it’s Sunday worship, a midweek group, or a prayer night, these moments fuel your spirit. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to skip gathering together, especially when life feels hard. Showing up regularly can keep your faith alive and your heart refreshed.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Faith grows as we dig into God’s Word and learn more about Him. Read the Bible daily, pick up Christian books that inspire you, or listen to sermons and podcasts that challenge you. Don’t be afraid to wrestle with tough questions—that’s part of the journey. Growth isn’t always fast, but it’s always worth it. The more you know God’s truth, the easier it becomes to trust Him fully.
The more you know God’s truth, the easier it becomes to trust Him fully.
Connect with your Local Church
You were never meant to do life alone. In moments of stress, uncertainty, or transition, one of the greatest gifts God gives us is community. The local church is a place to grow, belong, and be strengthened by others who are walking out their faith too.
Wherever you are on your journey—curious about faith, returning after time away, or already following Jesus—there’s a local church ready to welcome you. It’s a place for powerful worship, real friendships, encouragement, and truth that brings hope.
If you're longing for connection, prayer, or simply someone to walk alongside you, we encourage you to get planted in a local church near you. There’s nothing like being part of a faith-filled community that will support you, believe with you, and help you grow in your journey with God. If you’re not already connected somewhere, we’d love to welcome you to one of our Planetshakers Church locations. Find the one nearest to you here: https://www.planetshakers.com/church/
God often moves through people—your breakthrough might begin with a conversation, a service, or a single step through the door. You don’t have to do this alone.
