Last year, around Christmas, 50 year-old Idaho native Paul lost his job. His company experienced a downturn, their funding dried up, and suddenly, he was back on the job hunt, beating the bushes and turning over every stone in pursuit of employment that would enable him to continue taking care of his wife and children. Questions swirled through his mind. Would he be able to provide for them? Would they need to move? What about their health insurance? Did God see them struggling? Did He care?
It took months of searching, hundreds of applications, and dozens of interviews, all while watching their savings dwindle to nothing, but eventually he was offered a position with a larger salary than he’d been making before, and in a field that excites him. Just when he thought the well was dry, God filled his cup to overflowing once more. But he will never forget the months he spent in the valley — how he worried and worked, prayed and waited, swinging wildly between faithful optimism and hopeless fear as he peered into the unknown of the future.
Have you been there? As Christian men, we all face seasons of hardship — whether it’s financial struggles, the weight of family responsibilities, career setbacks, or the loss of a loved one. Life can hit us hard, and when it does, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, or even question our faith. We wonder how to stay spiritually strong when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart.
But over time, and with the help of Christian brothers, we often learn that it’s precisely in those difficult moments that we have the greatest opportunity to grow our faith.
Lean on God’s Strength, Not Your Own
Sometimes our first instinct when life gets hard is to push through using our own strength and ability. We think, “I’ve got this. I can handle it.” But the truth is, we weren’t meant to carry these burdens alone. God invites us to rely on His strength, not ours.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), Paul shares the Lord’s words: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This verse is a lifeline for anyone who is struggling. It’s in our weakest moments that God’s strength can shine through. When we finally let go of our pride and ask God for help, we find a peace that we can’t muster on our own.
One thing that’s helpful during these times is prayer, the raw and honest kind. Pouring out our fears and frustrations to God is a game-changer. This relationship we have with God is not about saying the perfect words; it’s about being real with Him. Bring Him all your anger, your confusion, your pain — He can handle it. In fact, He wants us to come to Him with everything we’re dealing with.
Stay Connected to Your Brothers in Christ
Another mistake we make in our struggles is trying to go it alone. Men, we were not created to live in isolation, especially during hard times. We need other men of faith around us, holding us accountable, encouraging us, and reminding us of God’s truth when we’re tempted to give up.
We can’t stress enough the importance of having a strong community. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Being part of a men’s group or having a mentor who’s walked through similar struggles can be a huge encouragement.
Focus on God’s Promises, Not Your Problems
During tough times, it’s easy to become fixated on the problems right in front of us. But what we focus on has the power to either strengthen or weaken us, so we must choose wisely. When we focus on our circumstances, fear and doubt creep in. But when we focus on God’s promises, our faith grows.
God’s Word is filled with promises that remind us of His faithfulness. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse offers a solid rock to stand on when everything else feels shaky.
Stay rooted in God’s promises by spending time in His Word. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, soaking in God’s Word can shift your perspective and give you the hope you need to keep going.
Use Your Struggles as a Testimony
Finally, understand that our struggles can be an opportunity for God to work in and through us. When we trust Him through the tough times, our story becomes a testimony to others who are going through their own challenges. Your witness, the true tale of what Jesus has done in your life, has the power to build someone else’s faith, reminding them that God is faithful in every season.
We know it’s not easy. There are days when it feels like you’re barely holding on. But we want to encourage you to stay spiritually strong by leaning on God, staying connected to your brothers in Christ, and focusing on His promises. No matter what trouble has appeared at your doorstep, you don’t have to face life’s struggles alone.
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If you’re ready to grow your faith to the next level, we invite you to check out the Man in the Mirror website. You’ll find everything from Bible studies to men’s ministry programs that can help you deepen your faith and develop spiritually rich relationships with other men who are committed to growing in Christ.
