I still vividly remember the day my family was evicted from our house in the Philippines. My family’s business had gone bankrupt, and within weeks of my secondary school graduation, we lost everything - our house, car, and financial security. The future felt bleak, and I questioned how I could possibly afford to attend university.
Life is unpredictable, and as Christians, we are not exempt from hardships. In fact, Jesus Himself warned us that we would face difficulties in this life: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Difficult moments can shake us, but it is through these trials that our faith is tested and refined, deepening our relationship with God. According to Paul in the book of Romans, we can “glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope; And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3-5). Keeping the faith in times of difficulty means trusting in God’s plan, persevering through struggles, and surrendering fully to His will.
Through it all, my father’s unwavering faith was our anchor. He kept on reminding my siblings and me of Job’s steadfastness. He encouraged us to trust in God, and not in people or material things. He reminded us that though we had lost “things,” we had not lost our lives, and that we should focus on “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20). He would always lead our family to sing the hymn “Count Your Blessings.”
Even with my father’s encouragement, I often wrestled with doubt. It’s human to feel overwhelmed during trials, but we are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). In our doubt, God remains faithful.
Practical Ways to Keep the Faith
1. Pray Without Ceasing:
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) - Communicate with God constantly. Especially in times of difficulty, bring your fears, doubts, and hopes before God. Prayer helped me overcome my own anxieties. It is good to be able to talk to someone whom you trust, whom you know loves you and is listening to you (Jeremiah 29:12).
However, we must also take action. Prayer accompanied by faith-driven action moves mountains, but “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
2. Seek Community:
Surround yourself with fellow believers for support and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, as we are called to encourage one another. In the past, as I moved from place to place - from Gensan to Manila, and later to Singapore – I struggled to build meaningful and lasting relationships within congregations.
Looking back, I realise how much easier my challenges might have been if I had sought encouragement from the church. While congregations do reach out to support their members, it is important that we also take the initiative to be open and actively engage.
When my family joined LAPCOC, I made a conscious decision to be intentional in building relationships and participating in church activities. No longer passive, I committed to being involved. The warmth and fellowship of the congregation made a profound difference in our lives, reminding me of the strength and beauty of Christian community.
3. Meditate On the Scripture:
Find comfort and strength in God's Word. During difficult times, reading and meditating on God’s Word anchored my faith. Reading it makes me hear what God wanted to tell me. My favourite books of comfort are Psalms and Philippians. God’s Word offers comfort and wisdom in every situation: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
4. Continue To Worship in Spirit and Truth:
Even when life feels overwhelming, worship keeps our eyes on God. Praising God through worship helps us to focus on His goodness and faithfulness, shifting our focus away from our struggles and towards His promises. Worship reminds us that our challenges are temporary, and that we are created for a higher purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The reward for remaining faithful is assured: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8).
Perseverance in Faith
Perseverance is key to keeping the faith in times of difficulty. It is the determination to continue believing, hoping, and trusting in God despite the circumstances. Perseverance is not about being stoic or passive; it is about actively engaging with God, seeking His strength, and finding joy in the midst of trials (James 1:2-4).
By God’s grace, I was able to attend university thanks to the generosity of a stranger who sponsored my education. Afterward, I found a job here in Singapore, met my husband Lawrence and together, we built a family and a life. I am grateful to God for all the opportunities that He has given us - from finding a job here to having our own business. However, my greatest joy has been finding the right church community here and raising my family in faith.
Sometimes, difficult roads lead us to beautiful destinations. It is remarkable how the hardships we face can lead us to unexpected blessings. Just as Joseph’s trials brought him to a place of greater purpose in Egypt (Genesis 50:20), my eviction experience ultimately brought me to Singapore where I have seen God’s plans unfold.
He will carry us through
Keeping the faith in times of difficulty is a journey of trust and surrender. It requires letting go of our need for control and trusting in God's perfect plan. Even when the road ahead seems uncertain, we can find peace in knowing that God walks with us. Find joy in the midst of trials, and as we do, we will experience a deeper intimacy with God, increasing our faith and maturing spiritually.
Remember, God is always with you, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Keep the faith, and He will carry you through.
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