Life is rife with challenges, uncertainties and moments of extreme doubt. These trials can seem insurmountable, leading us to question our path and our faith — sometimes even paralyzing us from taking action. Perhaps we have received a cancer diagnosis, lost our job, experienced the unexpected death of a loved one, or have battled chronic depression. It is precisely these moments of hardship that call for a deeper trust in God and an unwavering faith in His plans for us. When we face trials, fear and doubt are natural human responses. Even Jesus, in the face of His crucifixion, expressed deep anguish. In John 12:27-28, He cried,

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Jesus knew the suffering that awaited Him, yet, He embraced His fate because He trusted in God’s plan. He faced an agonizing death because He understood that His suffering would bring about an eternity of glory.

Similarly, God uses challenges in our lives to reveal His power and to deepen our faith. If life had no problems, there would not be a need for faith or miracles. Challenges may feel overwhelming, but they are not without purpose.

True Faith and the Action It Produces

One of the stories in the Bible that most clearly illustrated this is that of Moses and the Israelites. God had a clear plan for them, but they still faced challenges. Although their calling was evident, they were in uncharted territory, and fear had gripped their hearts.

This mirrors our own journey; no matter how clear our path might seem, we will encounter obstacles that test our resolve and faith.

In our own lives, we are called to follow and serve Christ actively. This requires belief — an intentional, living faith that compels us to take action.

The Israelites, cornered between the Red Sea and an advancing Egyptian army, faced a seemingly impossible situation. God’s command to Moses was simple: “Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it” (Exodus 14:16). This simple act of faith connected them with God’s miraculous power, parting the Red Sea and providing a path to safety.

The story of the parting of the Red Sea beautifully illustrates that our smallest actions, driven by faith, can connect us to God’s grace. It wasn’t Moses’s rod that parted the sea, but God’s power responding to an act of faith. The Israelites’ journey through the parted waters — and the Lord’s hand in stopping the Egyptian army through the process — serves as a present reminder to us that, despite all opposition, the Lord guides us through times of hardship and uncertainty, clearing the path of enemies and making a way where there would be none otherwise.

This action-oriented faith involves picking up our Bibles, spending intentional time in prayer, listening for God’s voice, obeying His commands and seeking out wisdom in Christian community. These basic first steps of faith lead us into a deeper relationship of trust in and guidance from the Lord.

Learning to Trust

God’s protection over His people remains ever-present, even when we cannot see it. He works in mysterious ways, shielding us from danger and confusing our adversaries. Just as He did for the Israelites, the Lord leads us into tough situations to grow our faith, as well as into seasons of victory. However, we must do the walking. Just as Moses lifted his rod and the Israelites marched across the sea, we too must take steps of faith, trusting that God will provide and protect us.

Our challenges are not mere obstacles; they are opportunities to demonstrate our faith and witness God’s miraculous power. By taking even the smallest steps of faith in remembrance of how God has rescued us in the past, we can strengthen it and connect with His mighty power, leading us to victory and fulfillment in His promises.

We must remember that we serve a God who consistently shows up for His people. During times of hardship and doubt, He is never far away. Jesus cares about us and wants the best for us. He is more than enough, all-powerful and capable of making miracles happen in our lives.

In the deepest moments of doubt, I encourage you to reflect on the moments when God showed up for you personally. Acknowledging these moments will only strengthen your faith, empowering you to step forward into His presence, trusting the Lord and overcoming life’s trails with confidence and courage in Christ.

For more than twenty years, Pastor Troy Gramling and his wife Stephanie have led Potential Church, a fast-growing congregation with more than 20,000 members at locations in the United States and Latin America. A former teacher and college basketball coach, Gramling is passionate about partnering with people to reach their God-given potential to impact the world for good. Hi latest book, Potential: The Uncontainable Power of God Within You, released on June 11, 2024.