Turbulent times require tenacious faith. Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT) There are two ways our faith is made stronger.
Paul said to the people in Rome, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12 NLT) Prayer produces intimacy and intimacy with God produces tenacious faith. Strength. Confidence. Deeper love. Hope. Hope is the complete confidence that God will keep His word. Intimacy with God increases our faith, increases hope.
We build resilient faith in times of intimacy, and our faith is also strengthened in adversity. Jesus said we would have adversity in our lives. His half-brother James experienced mounting trouble. James saw his brother crucified. James was persecuted. James knew the sting of betrayal.
We build resilient faith in times of intimacy, and our faith is also strengthened in adversity.
In the midst of turbulent times James wrote, “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.… When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT) James basically said, “Obstacles make you stronger.” He knew the result of facing adversity was increased strength, a courageous heart and tenacious faith.
Our faith is in Him – not in government, institutions or leaders – our faith is fixed in the hope of Christ! Paul wrote this for you and me Romans 15:13 states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)
In turbulent times, in the midst of chaos and calamity – we remind ourselves, it’s all about Jesus. He is with us in times of intimacy, he is with us in times of adversity, he is there in the garden and in the storm. He is never far from us – and his love is – tenacious.
![“So may you walk in the way of good men, and keep to the paths of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God).” Proverbs 2 #stalwartman #maximizedmanhood](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/4fe92c42c4aa49ccfa2b20b4/1520004343574-10S1PA70GRVFMJQ0200A/image-asset.jpeg)
