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 🙂