“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The first thing believers must know to enhance our faith in God in times of trials is that “God is a Spirit” and ‘faith’ is a “fruit of the Spirit” of God in believers. (John 4:24; Galatians 5:22; 2 Corinthians 4:13). God’s spirit of faith in you is completely devoid of a reality experienced by sight, and rests on conviction of the unseen truth that GOD IS POWERFUL TO ACCOMPLISH ALL THINGS!
As challenging as faith trials may be, they are to test the state of one’s heart on their belief in God. Such trials work to purge us when we forsake God and His paths of righteousness, or to save our souls from wanton material lust, or to bring us to a place of spiritual wealth; and to ensure a more perfect spiritual relationship with God. Therefore only “faith” itself can sustain one to overcome its trials.
1.1. REGARD FAITH AS A SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Now what should be our reaction when we face faith trials? Do we mummer, despair, or fear, be confused or cast blame? These are the common reactions in trails. But faith trials work to test the resilience of one’s faithfulness to God. (Hebrew 11:6). So, the exercise of faith in God in times of trials is a spiritual endeavour because faith itself is under attack and the trial could enhance or break one’s spirit depending on the resilience of the faith.
Believer’s faith during trials, should therefore not rest on what we physically perceive of the trying circumstances, but on the hope in God’s word and in His power – the HOLY SPIRIT. We must believe and hope in God’s command with reverence. Although the things He may command may be unseen as yet, we must convince ourselves as did Noah and Abraham, that His power makes perfect His will and His works on the earth. (Genesis 1:1-3; Genesis 6:13-22; 12:1-4 & Hebrews: 11:7-8).
Thus, if we desire to attain the “more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” after the momentary “light affliction” in trials, we should “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Since “faith” derives from the Spirit of God, sowed as a “fruit” in believers, it is prone to lust against one’s flesh or worldly tendencies, as the flesh also lusts against the spirit; and both are contrary one the one to the other (Galatians 5:17). So that when we are faced with trials or temptations the instinct is to sow to our flesh and react negatively to our trying circumstances. The “spirit of fear” is usually the catalyst of our negative reactions.
1.2 DISPEL THE SPIRIT OF FEAR
But we must resolve to dispel fear and “do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”; nor be anxious for anything. “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. We should endeavour to react positively to the “fruit of the Spirit” of faith in us – the unseen truth that God who is powerful to accomplish all things shall see us through.
Thus, commit to praying and present the situation before God; while also remaining thankful and praising God for his continued mercies as you go through the trials. (John 14:27; 2 Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:6-9; 2 Chronicles 20 :21-22). And whatever you ask in prayer, ‘In the Name of Jesus Christ’, you will receive, if you have this faith (John 14:13; Matthew 21:22).
We also faint not, knowing the excellency of the power of GOD (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 and 13-17)
This hope will not put us to shame, because God’s love reigns in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5). The affliction of the trials should condition our minds to have trust in the power of God and yield to the Holy Ghost.
2. TRUST IN THE WORD OF GOD
