When Faith Feels Fragile

There is no question that life is challenging at times. Unfortunately, we will all deal with pain and suffering at some point. Whether you lose a job, or a serious disease affects you or somebody that you love, or you lose a loved one, or there is a house fire or flood, the list goes on and on. In these moments, you may wonder how you will survive. You might even question your faith. How can this be happening to me, God? Your life and your faith feel fragile. Each difficult situation has its own pain and suffering. But during these times is precisely when we need our faith to kick in! We need to trust that God loves us and is with us, always. Focusing on Him can and will help us overcome these moments.   

When Faith Walks on Water: Learning to Trust Jesus in Life’s Storms

Jesus Saving Fisherman Mural, Pixabay

Saint Peter, my favorite apostle, provides a great example for us. In Matthew chapter 14, Peter steps out of a boat during a storm and starts walking on water towards Jesus. In the beginning, he is sure-footed, focusing on Jesus in front of him. But then the surrounding storm rises, distracting him, and he becomes afraid. He took his eyes off Jesus and cried out as he began to sink, “Lord, save me.” The lesson here is that faith and focusing on Jesus strengthened Peter, while fear sank him. It is the same for us, faith will help us to go through the unimaginable, but fear will sink us. Of course, Jesus held out his hand and saved Peter. Jesus will do the same for us; we just need to ask. Jesus is present with us, and we can trust him to reach out his hand and calm the storm around us. 

We sometimes fail to recognize Jesus though as He comes alongside us during our own personal storms. Depending on the situation, we may feel alone and unable to pray.  I have found that when you feel like you can’t pray or can’t feel God in our life, just saying “Jesus, I trust in you. Help me, I can’t do this without you” is a most wonderful and powerful prayer.  In these moments, I am also reminded of that beautiful footprints prayer that says “’I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.’ The Lord replied, ‘My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.’” So, it is in recognizing that God is with us, He loves and desires us, that we realize we have support to persevere. Jesus says, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Praying Beyond Yourself: The Unexpected Way God Brings Peace

Another way to endure is by taking some advice I received after going to confession several years ago. For my penance, the priest told me simply to pray for others. He said that it is important to pray for others because it forces you to think of somebody else, taking the focus off what you’re going through. I have carried this with me ever since. I also truly believe that whatever we go through in life that God sends us people, signs, and situations to help us cope and heal, and survive, even in the most difficult situations. 

An example of this happened when my mother died.  I was quite distraught. I had lost both parents and

had no siblings. I felt very alone. I hoped and prayed to find peace through prayer and going to daily Mass. I hoped that by listening to how much God loves me and is there for me, it would heal my broken heart. I was very focused on myself. But shortly after the tragedy of 9/11 occurred. I was so moved by this event that I switched my prayer from peace in my life to peace in the world. As I did this, I found that God answered my prayer for peace in my life. I was praying unselfishly for others and God answered my prayers. 

Despite other similar examples, over time, I still find myself having shortcomings. The challenges today are different than yesterday, and life and faith again feel fragile. That is ok. No one is perfect. God meets us where we are at. We just need to continue to invite Him into our lives. In Corinthians 12:9 it says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Fragility isn’t failure it’s where grace shines the brightest. So, when I feel worried or upset, I continue to turn to God. For faith does not mean we have all the answers, it means we know that God does.  

Life is a journey filled with a whirlwind of experiences. When we face trials, temptations, and doubts, we can then hold onto the faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings. Sometimes that faith might be just a flicker, but it is still alive! Fuel it! We are called to persevere through challenges, trusting in God’s strength. If we call to Jesus in faith, He will lift us up above seemingly impossible situations. When our time is done and we are welcomed into Jesus‘ arms, we can say thank you for helping me and being with me through it all!