On the path of faith, we will always face times that test our strength, make us question our views, and sometimes even make us wonder if we can keep going. During these times, it feels like we’re going through a very dark and deep valley, with no way out in sight. During these times, we need to learn how to stay strong, even when it looks like everything around us is falling apart.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about spiritual THRESHOLDS and the patterns that show up when we’re about to break through. I’ve noticed something very important: there are often a lot more strikes right before you enter a new level or season. These attacks come in many forms, such as relationship problems, health problems, and financial stress, and the times they happen aren’t random. The enemy knows that he can delay your promotion if he can get you to pull back just before you make your breakthrough. This trend shows up over and over again in the Bible and in the lives of Christians today.
We’ll have to deal with these problems; that’s not the question. The question is how we can stay strong when we want to give up. Through prayer and studying God’s word, I’ve learned five things that help us stay strong when things don’t seem possible. These aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re real-life anchors that have helped many Christians get through their darkest times.
The first thing you need to do is learn to spot darkness. Even though it may seem clear, a lot of people go through emotional turmoil without figuring out what’s causing it. They don’t know why they feel worried, sad, or stressed. Before we can get past our problems, we need to name them. No matter what kind of darkness we’re facing—grief, fear of failing, rejection, or something else—the first step to freedom is to recognize it. I say this a lot: “You can’t fight what you don’t see.”
Putting your trust in someone bigger than you is the second key. In Isaiah 40:31, it says, “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” When you say “wait” in Hebrew, you mean “to bind together” or “to expect.” When we bind ourselves to God and keep our hopes in Him, He keeps us stable when our own strength fails. This isn’t just a one-time meeting with God; as Psalm 91 says, this is about making the secret place a way of life.
Refusing to be alone is the third key. Being alone makes pain worse. When we shut ourselves off during hard times, like Elijah did under the juniper tree, we leave ourselves open to sadness and hopelessness. Instead, we should reach out to other Christians who can help us. We take strength from others until we can stand strong on our own again.
The fourth key is to learn how to enjoy small wins. During long battles, progress may not be obvious, but it is built up over time by taking small, steady steps. We should remember and enjoy God’s provision even when we haven’t reached the Promised Land, just like the Israelites did when they got manna in the desert. Being thankful changes the way we see things and gives us the drive to keep going.
The last thing we need to know is that the seasons change. Things might not be the same tomorrow as they are today. In Psalm 30:5, it says, “Weeping may last all night, but joy comes in the morning.” We must hold on to the truth that change has happened and progress is on the way, even if the new season doesn’t look very different from the old one at first. The strength you’re gaining today will help you fight and win bigger wars tomorrow.
Galatians 6:9 tells us not to give up when we are doing good things, because we will reap if we don’t give up. Not all followers will be given this promise; it’s only for those who refuse to give up. God admires people who don’t give up, even if they aren’t doing everything correctly. There is hope because He sees your hard work and will “bump you up” and see you through.
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