It is difficult to trust when things are not going well; often, everything we love and wish to
control slips from our hands. However, faith derives from the term fidelity, and it could be
said that you have fidelity in having faith. For this reason, faith is not only about believing but
also about being faithful to whom or what you believe in. With this concept clear, if faith is
fidelity, it is extremely important to rethink our actions during difficult times because when a
crisis comes, our convictions can waver, and it is then that we must ask ourselves: "In the
crisis, does my faith increase?" While it is not easy to go through tough times, the Bible
teaches us that these times are meant to strengthen our faith and produce patience:
“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect
work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4
Many ask, "Does God send trials and bad times?" The answer to your question is NO; bad
desires for His children do not come from the heart of God, nor does evil come from His
heart. However, many factors can lead to difficult times:
1. Satan Attacks and Asks to Sift Us
“The Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as
wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned
to Me, strengthen your brethren.’” Luke 22:31
Satan cannot sift God's children without permission; however, evil desires do not come from
the heart of God, but the fire of testing purifies the heart and serves to bring us closer to
God. Satan wants to sift you to pull you away from your purpose, and God allows it because
He wants to strengthen you.
When the enemy attacks, we can counter it with prayer and fasting. We already have the
victory before the victory, and Ephesians 6 speaks of the armor we can use to counter the
enemy in our lives.
2. Our Decisions
God has given us free will, and our decisions have consequences. Many people blame God
for the consequences of their bad decisions because humans do not want to acknowledge
their mistakes. The Bible says that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour
you; he wants your downfall and for you to make bad choices. I once heard a preacher say,
“Satan wants you on the ground because he never knew what it was like to stand; God
wants you up because He never knew what it was like to be on the ground.” Satan wants to
see you fallen; that is why he wants to influence our actions. When we do wrong, it opens
doors for him to enter. Keeping our lives consecrated to God and in prayer will help us make
the best decisions in our lives.
3. The Fallen Nature
Colossians 3:5 speaks of all the sin and wickedness of a fallen nature. Many innocent
people suffer the consequences of those who act out of evil; wounds and the fallen nature
often lead us through difficult processes due to the decisions of governments, parents, or
individuals who directly or indirectly make decisions that can affect our surroundings.
However, we cannot change the decisions of others; we can, through God, heal and emerge
victorious from any adverse situation.
“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
4. For Purification
“Gold, though perishable, is refined by fire. So also, your faith, which is of greater worth than
gold, that perishes, is refined by trials, will prove to be genuine and may result in praise,
glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:7
5. The Test Will Bring Reward
The last two points need no explanation, for the word of God is clear; however, do not take it
merely as a teaching but as a promise to cling to with fidelity (faith) in the Lord. Although the
crisis may seem unending, it has an expiration date. Stay firm and do not stop, for you are
still running the race of faith (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). He did not say we would have a perfect
life without difficulties, but He did promise us an eternal end. Keep moving toward the goal of
the high calling.
Don’t be discouraged; don’t stop!
And always remember that 99% of the things you are worried about today will have answers
and solutions. Just trust and do not lose heart; one day you will see that what you are
experiencing today is not forever. And if you worry about the 1%, those are the things you
cannot do anything about, but God does EVERYTHING. Trust.
By Pastor Daniel Alfonso Cortes
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