Life doesn’t ask for permission before turning everything upside down. One moment, things are going smoothly and the next, it feels like the rug is pulled out from under you. Maybe you’re facing a personal loss, a health crisis, a relationship that’s falling apart, or a season of deep loneliness and silence. Whatever form it takes, hardship can shake even the strongest person’s faith. When we go through these trials, it’s normal to question everything, even the beliefs we once held tightly.
If you’re in that place right now, I want to tell you: you are not alone. Doubt is not the opposite of faith, it’s often a part of it. Struggling doesn’t make you weak. In fact, some of the most faithful people in history wrestled with their faith when life got difficult. It’s okay to not have it all together. It’s okay to wonder why things are happening. And it’s absolutely okay to bring those honest, raw questions before God.
In moments of pain, the most powerful thing you can do is be real. You don’t have to hide your emotions behind a mask of “everything’s fine.” God doesn’t require perfect prayers or polished thoughts. What He wants is your heart, broken, tired, questioning, and all. Read through the Psalms and you’ll see that King David, a man after God’s own heart, often cried out in desperation: “How long, O Lord?” Your pain isn’t something to hide, it’s something to bring to the One who sees and understands.
When your faith feels fragile, lean into community. It can be tempting to withdraw when we’re hurting, but isolation often deepens our struggles. Reach out to someone you trust a friend, a spiritual mentor, a pastor, or a support group. Sometimes, when you can’t find the strength to pray or believe, others can believe for you. Let them carry you, even if just a little, until you’re strong enough to stand again. Faith was never meant to be a solo journey.
It’s also important to look back on what God has done before. In the middle of a storm, it’s easy to forget the times you were rescued before. Reflect on moments when you felt God’s presence, when prayers were answered, or when you were unexpectedly comforted. Keep a journal if it helps write down the blessings you’ve seen, no matter how small. Reminding yourself of God’s past faithfulness can be a lifeline when the present feels overwhelming.
In difficult times, Scripture can be both a refuge and a guide. Even if it’s hard to open your Bible, try reading just a few verses each day. Let stories of real, imperfect people remind you that struggle is part of the journey. Joseph was betrayed and imprisoned. Job lost everything. Ruth faced grief and uncertainty. Paul was beaten and imprisoned for his faith. And yet, God never abandoned them. His presence remained, even in their lowest moments and the same is true for you.
Another crucial reminder: don’t rush your healing. We live in a fast-paced world that pushes instant fixes, but spiritual growth doesn’t work that way. Some seasons of suffering are long, and they often feel like silence. But silence doesn’t mean absence. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even if you can’t see it right now. You may not feel better overnight, and that’s okay. Every step you take, no matter how small, is a victory.
When everything feels heavy, look for beauty in the small, everyday things. A kind word from a stranger. A quiet morning. A deep breath. The sound of rain. These aren’t coincidences, they’re whispers of grace. God is often present in the details we overlook. When your heart is hurting, these small reminders of hope and life can become sacred.
Finally, give yourself grace. You are not expected to carry unshakable faith every day. Faith is not a constant high; it’s a choice to keep going, even when you’re unsure. Some days, that faith will roar like a fire. Other days, it will flicker like a single candle in the dark. Both are faith. Both are enough.
If you’re walking through a hard season, know that it will not last forever. It may reshape you, it may change you, but it will not destroy you. Hold on, even if it’s just by a thread. Whisper your prayers, even if they’re broken. And trust that this pain has a purpose, even if you can’t yet see it. Your story is still unfolding, and this chapter, no matter how painful, is not the end.
Holy mess 