We are living in difficult times. I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but feel like my faith is being tested no matter what subject is brought up. More and more it seems like this world wants Christ-followers to set aside our beliefs to conform to what the world thinks is right. As easy as it is to do that, we cannot compromise our faith.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

            For many Christians, this can be very difficult to do because of many external pressures. However, as Christ-followers, rather than listening to what the world says, we need to gain knowledge and understanding from God. How do we do that? By reading His word and by praying for understanding. God is the source of all knowledge. Without Him, we are nothing.

“There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.” – Proverbs 21:30

            A lot of times non-believers or even those who call themselves believers will try to use God’s word to justify their actions. The Bible was not given to us for justification. The Bible was given to us so that we may get to know God and so that we can learn right from wrong. However, keep in mind that only God can give you the understanding you need to gain knowledge from His word. We were given the Holy Spirit to interpret the word because, with our worldly knowledge, we cannot comprehend the things of God.  

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 2:11-14

            When we are confused and want some help, we tend to go to those closest to us for advice. There is nothing wrong with that. However, before you take your problems to anyone, take them to God first. Dive into His word and pray that He gives you the understanding you need to know what to do. If you still want to talk to someone, look for someone who knows God (not knows of God, but truly knows God). Don’t give up hope. God is with you and He will help you get through these tough times.

“Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips, so that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” – Proverbs 22:17-21