How to Have Faith When Everything is Going Wrong

by charlenekugler | Christian Lifestyle, Faith, Victory

How to Have Faith When Everything is Going Wrong

Have you ever felt like your faith was being tested? Do you wonder how to have faith when everything is going wrong? It’s like God pressed the pause button right when you needed Him most?

We’ve all been there – stranded in the middle of a stormy sea, crying out for rescue. In times of crisis, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and doubtful. Your prayers seem to float aimlessly to the ceiling. Fear and uncertainty creep in.

But friend, take heart! God hasn’t forgotten you. He hears every prayer and collects every tear. The truth is, adversity has a way of refining our faith and drawing us closer to Jesus. While the waves may thrash and roll, we have an anchor for the soul – one that keeps us steady no matter how crazy life gets (Hebrews 6:19).

How to Have Faith When Everything is Going Wrong

So how do we cultivate such faith when everything around us seem to be going wrong? Here are a few steps for victory in times of tribulations. Let’s break it down…

1. Remember Who’s In Your Boat

In Matthew 14, the disciples were stuck in a raging storm, fighting for their lives. While they panicked and bailed water, Jesus slept soundly in the back of the boat. Finally, they woke Him up shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus simply spoke to the wind and waves, “Peace, be still.” In an instant, the sea became “perfectly calm.”

Then He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Matthew 14:22-33)

When chaos strikes, we forget who’s on our side. We operate in survival mode, scrambling for fixes, as if we’re alone in this fight. But the Prince of Peace is always near, inviting us to be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). Even if He choose not to calm the storm, He’ll still calm our souls with His presence.

Remember, friend. You’re not alone in the boat. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not the waves.

2. Cling to God’s Promises

God’s Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, especially when the way ahead looks dark (Psalm 119:105). We can trust His promises because He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He assures us that…

– He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)

– He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28)

– He comforts us in affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

– He has overcome the world (John 16:33)

When doubt sets in, combat it with truth. Just as Jesus used Scripture to fend off Satan’s lies in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we can wield God’s Word against our fears. Read it, write it, speak it – let His promises penetrate deep into your spirit. They will renew your mind and remind you of His faithfulness.

3. Share Your Struggles with Trusted Believers

Christian community provides comfort, wisdom, and strength we can’t find alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Don’t isolate when adversity hits. Reach out to mature believers who can pray with you, speak truth, and offer godly counsel. Their support keeps us tethered to Christ amid the storm. You don’t have to white-knuckle through crisis. Let trusted friends help bear your burdens.

4. Recall God’s Past Faithfulness

David said to Goliath, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). His confidence came from remembering how God helped him before.

When faith wavers, reflect on times God came through. How has He shown His power, goodness, and presence in your past? Recall specific prayers He’s answered. Write them in a journal. Tell them often to strengthen your trust.

Remembering His faithfulness in seasons past renews our hope for today. We can boldly declare with David, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him.” (Psalm 34:6)

5. Give Thanks and Praise

Praise focuses on God rather than our circumstances. As we bless His name, our gaze shifts from the storm to the Savior. Psalm 34:1 urges, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). As we worship in the midst of affliction, we experience His presence in a profound way. Pain remains, but hope rises. Strength is renewed like the eagle’s (Isaiah 40:31).

So turn up a worship song. Lift holy hands. Sing praises in the prison like Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25). Let thanksgiving flow from a grateful heart. God will meet you with unspeakable joy.

6. Believe God Can

When blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus, “many rebuked him and told him to be quiet.” But Bartimaeus shouted even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:46-52). Even when others doubted, Bartimaeus believed Jesus could restore his sight.

Like Bartimaeus, we must be tenacious in faith. Don’t let fear or naysayers talk you out of God’s best. He is able do to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Ask boldly. Believe unwaveringly. Desperation draws His power. Remember, with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37).

Friend, storms will come. But as you walk with Jesus through deep waters, your faith will grow. You’ll realize He sustains you; that no wind or wave can sink His children. Fix your eyes on Jesus. God’s purpose remains – to transform you into Christ’s image so you reflect His glory. That process requires tribulations. But take heart…one day your faith will become sight. Until then, let us trust Him who holds the wind and waves. The storm won’t last forever.

Do you have any favourite strategy to help you to have faith when everything is going wrong? Share it with us in the comments 🙂

Transformation and Victory: Steps to Experiencing Victory in Christ

by charlenekugler | Christian Lifestyle, Faith, Victory

Transformation and Victory: Steps to Experiencing Victory in Christ

As Christians, we are called to live a life of victory – not one defined by worldly measures of success, but one marked by the joy, peace, and hope we have in Jesus.

Though we face daily struggles and trials, we can live as more than conquerors through the power of Christ in us.

What does this victorious life look like? How can we walk daily in the triumph Christ has already won for us? How will our lives be transformed as we experience this victory in Christ?

The key is found in an ongoing life of faith and surrender.

The Role of Faith

Hebrews 11 showcases heroes of faith who exemplified victorious lives, and Romans 1:17 declares “the righteous will live by faith.”

Faith is essential – it is the means by which we receive salvation in Christ, and it enables us to live empowered by His Spirit.

Genuine faith involves believing God’s Word and trusting in His promises despite our circumstances. It means clinging to truths like God’s sovereignty, goodness, and love when storms come our way.

Faith provides unshakable confidence that emboldens us to follow God’s leading and equips us to withstand enemy attacks. As 1 John 5:4 declares, it is our faith that overcomes the world.

The victorious life is grounded in taking God at His Word – trusting Him fully and living each day with an assurance that His way is best. We don’t trust primarily in what we can see and touch, but in the unseen spiritual realities that are ours in Christ. We live to please our King based on His promises, not earthly rewards.

By faith, we can have victory in all we do.

The Necessity of Surrender

Surrender goes hand in hand with faith. As Jesus said in John 15, abiding in Him as the True Vine is essential for bearing fruit. Daily surrender means laying down our own agendas and relying on the Spirit’s power to accomplish God’s will. It requires humility, obedience, and a willingness to follow where He leads.

The victorious life we have in Christ means we cannot live in our own strength but depend on His power to manifest the victory we need. Like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12, we are strongest when we boast in our weaknesses, allowing Christ’s power to shine through us.

Surrender admits our inability and casts ourselves completely on the Lord. Dying to self opens the way for His resurrection life to flow.

Living surrendered means giving up control of the outcomes. We walk by faith even when we can’t see where the path leads. With Job, we bless the name of the Lord whether giving or taking away.

Surrender motivates us to obey instantly and trust God to direct our steps. It enables us to cling to God’s purposes rather than demanding our own way.

Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles

While the victorious Christian life is characterized by faith and surrender, it is not without intense spiritual battles. Putting our trust in Christ and submitting to His Lordship inevitably provokes enemy opposition. We must be ready to stand firm.

As Ephesians 6 describes, we need the full armor of God for protection against spiritual forces of evil. Temptations will come, but God faithfully provides the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). He equips us to resist the Devil so he will flee (James 4:7). With His strength, we can conquer destructive thought patterns and habits.

Living victoriously means persevering through hardship and persecution, overcoming evil with good. We maintain joy in the midst of trials, keeping an eternal perspective. However bleak circumstances appear, we can trust God to work all things for our good. Our faith remains anchored in Christ’s finished work, not our personal comfort.

Standing firm spiritually requires vigilance and constant dependence on the Holy Spirit. We must take every thought captive and walk in step with Him. Prayer is vital – our lifeline for receiving grace and power. God wisely allows battles to teach us perseverance and drive us closer to Him. Our victory is assured as we cling to Him.

Running to Win the Prize

Ultimately, the victorious Christian life leads to an imperishable heavenly prize. Like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24, we run to win the race marked out for us. Our eyes stay fixed on the finish line – eternity with Christ.

This doesn’t mean perfection or ease on earth. It means straining forward in the power of the Spirit, becoming more like Jesus each day. It means living wholeheartedly for God’s Kingdom purposes rather than earthly comforts. Our lifestyles are motivated by treasuring Christ above all.

Living victoriously means embracing sacrifice and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. We pour ourselves out in service to others, following Jesus’ example. We are willing to surrender rights and ambitions that could hinder Kingdom advancement. Our earthly lives are offered as worship.

The victorious life is empowered by the endless supply of God’s grace. We don’t earn righteousness by works but walk in the dynamic life of the Spirit. Our old self is crucified so His resurrection power flows through us. We live in victory because His life has conquered our sin and defeated death forever!

The Journey of Faith and Surrender

While victory is assured through faith in Christ, we must continually choose to walk in surrender and trust. Our minds and hearts need renewing when we are weak or step out of abiding. Thankfully, our Father is patient, drawing us back into communion with Him.

The victorious Christian life is a journey, not a destination. Every day we are called to die to self, embrace the cross, and live for eternity. These are the steps to experiencing victory in Christ. Our faith will be tested, but the Spirit remains with us. He makes us more than conquerors – empowered to walk triumphantly no matter what comes our way. Christ leads us onward to ultimate victory!

Commit yourself to take hold of this victory you have in Christ. Surrender your whole life to Jesus and allow Him to transform you to be like Christ. It is in Him that you victory rest. And when things get tough, and you feel weak, remind yourself that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness. Rejoice! Pray! For the king is on your side!

Identity In Christ – Affirmations

by charlenekugler | Uncategorized

I am chosen to be a royalty. 1 Pet 2:9

The old me has passed away; the new me has come. 2 Cor 5:17

I am chosen to be a priest, made holy, and belong to God. 1 Pet 2:9

God has called me out of darkness into His marvellous light. 1 Pet 2:9

I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Gal 2:20

I live by faith in the Son of God. Gal 2:20

Jesus loves me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20

I’ve received Jesus and I believed in His name. I am a child of God. Joh 1:12

I’m an heir of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Rom 8:17

I suffer with Jesus and I also glory with Him. Rom 8:17

Jesus calls me His friend. Joh 15:15

I have died and my life is hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3

I’m God’s masterpiece whom He has created anew in Christ Jesus for good works. Eph 2:10

God has prepared my life and works beforehand, that I should walk in them. Eph 2:10

I put on my new self. Eph 4:24

I’m created in the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:24

Jesus is the vine and I am His branch. Joh 15:5

I abide in Jesus and He abides in me. Joh 15:5

Through faith, I am a child of God in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26

I am a member in the body of Christ. 1 Cor 12:27

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in me. 1 Cor 6:19

I belong to God who bought me at a high price. 1 Cor 6:19–20

I glorify God in my body and spirit. 1 Cor 6:20

I have no more condemnation because I am in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1

My citizenship is in heaven, from which I wait for my Saviour. Phi 3:20

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Eph 1:3

God chose ME to be in Christ before the creation of the world. Eph 1:4

I am holy and blameless before God. Eph 1:4

I am predestined to be God’s child according to His good pleasure and will. Eph 1:4

God has made ME acceptable in Christ. Eph 1:4

I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. Eph 1:7

I am forgiven of my sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Eph 1:7

God’s grace is lavished on ME. Eph 1:7–8

I am blessed with wisdom and understanding. Eph 1:8

I can approach God with freedom and confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. Eph 3:12

God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7

God has saved me and called me to a holy calling, not of my works but of His own purpose and grace. 2 Tim 1:9

God is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Tim 1:12

If I died with Christ, I will also live with Him. 2 Tim 2:11

If I endure, I will also reign with Him. 2 Tim 2:12

If I disown Christ, He will also disown me. 2 Tim 2:12

If I am faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. 2 Tim 2:13

In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body, and I am complete through Him, who is head over every ruler and authority. Col 2:9–10

I have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Col 2:10

God is rich in mercy and love toward me. Eph 2:4

Even when I was dead in sins, God made me alive together with Christ (by grace I am saved). Eph 2:5

God has raised me from the dead along with Christ and seated me with Him in the heavenly places. Eph 2:6

God has saved me by His grace when I believed. Eph 2:8

In all things I am more than a conqueror through Jesus who loved me. Rom 8:37

By grace I am saved through faith. It is not my own doing; it is the gift of God. Eph 2:8

In Him I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of my sins, according to the riches of His grace. Eph 1:7

For my sake, God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin so that in Him I might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21

I have been raised to new life with Christ and I seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Col 3:1

I think about the things of heaven not the things of earth. Col 3:2

I have died to this life, and my real life is hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3

Jesus Doesn’t Need An Invitation, He’s Already With You.

by charlenekugler | Prayer

Have you noticed how your faith tends to waver and falter in times of crisis? You feel overwhelmed and uncertain. You fast and pray for guidance and comfort but wondered if God heard your prayers.

I remember the intensity of tackling these challenges. The people you thought would understand, don’t. Like David in psalms 31:9-12

Have mercy on me, for I am in distress! My eyes grow dim from suffering. I have lost my strength.
For my life nears its end in pain; my years draw to a close as I groan. My strength fails me because of my sin, and my bones become brittle. Because of all my enemies, people disdain me; my neighbors are appalled by my suffering — those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see me in the street run away from me. I am forgotten, like a dead man no one thinks about; I am regarded as worthless, like a broken jar.

, that we can turn to Jesus Christ and our trust in God for solace and strength. In this article, we will explore how to cultivate and sustain faith amid adversity. From practical strategies to spiritual practices, we will navigate the turbulent waves of crisis with renewed hope and unwavering trust. Together, we will find the courage to rise above our circumstances and embrace the unwavering love and support that Jesus Christ offers, even in the darkest of times. Let us embark on this journey of faith and discover the power it holds to transform our lives in times of crisis.

It’s Not About Your Faith

Faith is the most powerful weapon in the universe.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

When you have faith, your hope isn’t a thing left to chance. It’s substance! You know you’ll get what you hope for. It’s a sure thing! You may not see it yet, but you know it will happen. If not today, it may be tomorrow, or the next week. Whatever the time, you are sure you’ll receive what you’re hoping for!

It might tempt you to think I’m so sure because I have great faith. But that isn’t true.

I remember witnessing miracles at SCOAN by Prophet TB Joshua as a young Christian. I was thinking about how great faith he has. As though reading my thoughts, he said: “What you see isn’t because I have great faith, but my faith in Jesus because I know the healer.”

To have substance of the things you hope for doesn’t depend on you and the measure of faith you have.

It’s based purely on how well you know God. Don’t be mistaken. It’s not in you knowing God can do it. Most Christians who claim they trust God know He can do it. The problem lies with knowing whether God WILL DO IT!

When you know God intimately, how He is faithful, how He is love, how He is merciful to help you in your time of need, demons will flee. All things will be possible for you because you know your Creator is with you. That is the evidence of things not seen. You can’t see God, but you know He is the God who loves you. If He can give His only beloved Son to save you, what else will He not do to help you? He will surely save you from all your troubles!

Daniel 11:32 ….but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

How to Have This Faith

It comes through relationship
God is a person. Most of us know Him as God. Even unbelievers acknowledge there is God, which explains their particular form of worship. But only Christians can know God as Father, because of our adoption through Jesus Christ.
Whenever Jesus taught us to pray, He always taught us to pray to our Father in Heaven. Praying to our Father makes all that difference. A father has a relationship with the child. Even earthly fathers do everything they can to care for and help his children, how much more our heavenly Father. The child who knows the Father’s love is secure because he/she knows the Father is stronger and He has the power to resolve all problems.
Cultivate this beautiful relationship with God the Father. Spend quiet time each day with Him. I love to put on worship songs, since it helps me to block out the noises of this world and focus on Him.
Read the Word daily. The Word is God, and God is the Word. The book itself isn’t God, but the words in the book reveal to you Who He is.
It comes through testimonies. I love testimonies! They strengthen your faith. The Bible is full of wonderful testimonies. These are true stories of faith leading to victory. One of my favourites is the story of David and Goliath. The giant Goliath struck fear into the hearts of the Israelite army, taunting them day after day. But David, a young shepherd boy, had faith that the God who delivered him from lions and bears would also deliver him from the Philistine. David proclaimed he came against Goliath in the name of the Lord, and with a single stone and slingshot, struck down the giant. David’s faith and courage against all odds led to victory for God’s people.
It comes through personal experience
David’s trust in God through experience, when he fought off animals, made him certain he could defeat Goliath. These personal experiences gave him assurance of victory when confronted with a giant like Goliath.
Personally, I’m aware my trust in God has grown stronger each time God comes through for me in my crisis. One story that comes to mind is when my family was facing financial hardship. I had $15 left, which was enough for my sons’ dinner and bus fares for school the next day. I do not know what to do except pray. It was a simple prayer I prayed on my way to work. I said to God, “Father, I don’t know what to do. But you know what we need and I trust you to bring it because You’re my loving Father.”
Miraculously, someone handed some money to Denis, my husband, that afternoon during a prayer meeting. God miraculously provided, just as He promised in His Word. I have an entire book of testimonies on provision if you’re interested. (Bankrupt for Christ on Amazon)

Faith is your greatest weapon against every work of the enemy. Through faith, you can take down every mountain, every obstacle that stands in the way of your abundant life.

If you want to access the power of faith, you must

Fix your eyes on Jesus and not on your circumstances.
Stand on the promises of God’s Word, which is “the sword of the Spirit”.
Pray bold prayers, believing that God will do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within you.

When you exercise faith, you step into a realm of limitless possibility and allow God to work miracles. Faith is a victory that overcomes the world.