We will often face challenges and obstacles that can feel overwhelming. It’s in these moments of adversity that we may question our purpose and wonder why we’re facing such trials. However, the Bible reminds us that the attacks on our lives are often an indication of the greatness and magnitude of the purpose that God has for us.
One of the most powerful examples of this is found in the life of Joseph. In Genesis 37-50, we read about Joseph’s journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to eventually becoming a ruler in Egypt. Despite facing betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and trusted in God’s plan for his life. In the end, Joseph was able to see that God had used all of his trials to position him for a greater purpose—to save his family and many others from famine.
Another example is seen in the life of David. Before becoming king, David faced many challenges, including being pursued by King Saul, who sought to kill him. In Psalm 57:2, David declares, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Despite the attacks on his life, David trusted in God’s plan and knew that his purpose would ultimately be fulfilled.
We are living in an age of disruption. Globalization, technological advancement, and the breakneck pace of modern life are changing the way we live, the way we work, and the way we relate to one another. As society is changing, so is the Church. There is a growing sense of disorientation and confusion as we seek to reconcile our faith in Jesus, our allegiance to the kingdom of God, and the way of life that we are being offered by the world. How do we hold fast to Jesus and the way of life that He teaches us in a culture that is moving further and further away from Him?
And when the disruption and disorientation becomes personal, how do we hold fast then? What happens when we experience a life event that causes us to question the goodness of God, or His love for us, or His very existence? How do we hold fast to faith in Jesus when the storm of life is raging, and we can find no sense of His presence with us, and no assurance of safety, and no hope of calmer seas? This essay is born of these questions. It aims to examine the ways in which the people of God have been encouraged to hold onto faith in tough times. This examination has thrown up some surprising, and even disconcerting results. We trust that it will be of some help to people who are in the midst of life storms, as well as providing a tool of understanding and assistance to those brothers and sisters who seek to help them.
