“Lord, when will this end?”

When people encounter challenges and setbacks, they usually ask this question.

Do you find yourself asking this question, too?

We have three tips to help you grow in your faith in God, especially during hard times.

But first, let’s define what faith is according to the Bible.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

In the NLT version, it says, “Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.”

So, how can you exercise faith during hard times?

Tip #1: Focus on God

Life’s challenges seem small when you keep your attention on God because of how big He is. It’s not about denying your problems, but more about shifting your focus.

Focus on His Word, His promises, and His character.

This is what having faith in God means: Believing that He is greater and bigger than the problems you are facing.

“For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37, NKJV).

Tip #2: Invite God into your situation

Have you ever wondered why even after trying everything, still your best wasn’t enough?

Truth is, some battles are too big for you to handle so you need to invite God into your situation.

One important approach for overcoming setbacks and disappointments is to put more faith in God than in oneself.

According to YouVersion’s Bible plan titled Divine Time Management, “When people in the Bible trusted God, they experienced His best. When they trusted in anything other than God, they didn’t.”

“Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3, CEV).

Tip #3: Understand the season of pruning

This might be a difficult pill to swallow, but God never promised that life would be pain-free.

In fact, it says in John 15:2 that for a person to be more fruitful, pruning, or facing a challenging season, is necessary. And this is a painful process.

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2, NIV).

Sometimes, God cuts off unnecessary leaves in a plant to stimulate more growth and for the plant to be healthier.

The same applies to a person who follows God.

Every time you go through the pruning season, understand that it’s not because you’re a failure. It’s not because God doesn’t love you anymore. And it’s definitely not because He has forgotten about you.

It’s because He wants you to prosper and live an abundant life.

Faith on! Because this, too, shall pass. The promise is worth it, and the Promise Giver is with you always.

Are you having a hard time believing in God amidst failures and setbacks?

This Holy Week, be inspired by people who continue to have faith in God during difficult times.

Watch CBN Asia’s Holy Week special, Tanikala presents Tugon, this Good Friday, March 29, at 5:30 pm on GMA!