Faith in the Dark

Depression, health problems, heartache, loneliness, and financial problems are common issues that can take a toll on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. There is no question that the world is full of people who are facing enormous difficulties in life. Some people have given up and others are close to throwing in the towel.

One thing is for certain: life can be downright tough! You may be that person who is in a dark place, not knowing how or when you will see the light of day. You may be hurting, sick, or feeling overwhelmed with a multitude of issues in your life. Whatever hardships you are facing, one of the most important things you need to have during this time is faith.

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Simply put, faith is believing in something you cannot see. Throughout both the old and new testament, we read about the countless miracles and breakthroughs that occurred all because of a person’s faith in God. When living in dark times, having faith is not an option. It is an absolute necessity.

Five Reasons You Must Have Faith

1. Faith Pleases God

One thing you should know is that your faith is extremely important to God. Hebrews 11:5 states, “We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” As our Heavenly Father, God desires for us to trust Him. He does not want us to doubt His promises.

In Luke 1, you will read about Zechariah who lost his ability to speak for nine months because he did not believe what God said would happen. Nothing seemed to frustrate Jesus more than a person’s lack of faith. When interacting with others, Jesus often questioned, “Where is your faith?” or made the statement, “You of little faith.” No matter what you may be dealing with in your life, continue to place your faith and trust in God.

2. Faith results in breakthroughs, miracles, and healings.

You have been dealing with hurt, pain, and tribulations for a long time. You feel stuck and are in need of deliverance. You must know that your faith has the power to produce great victory in your life. In the Bible, you will read about those who conquered great things because of their faith.

One popular story of faith is of the woman who suffered with blood issues for twelve years. She had sought out help from every source available to her. However, no one could help her. She was tired. She was desperate. Her breakthrough finally came when she made contact with Jesus. Before touching the clothes of Jesus, she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” (Matthew 9:21)

She truly believed she would be healed, and her faith caused Jesus to stop and take notice. Jesus said to the woman, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48) My favorite version of this scripture comes from the Amplified Bible which reads, “Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) into peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).”

In Hebrews 11, you will read about those who some consider to be heroes of faith. Among those heroes was Abraham, a man who had what I like to call, “crazy faith.” Not only did Abraham have faith to believe he would have a child in his old age, but was willing to sacrifice that child when God tested him.

Abraham was prepared to slay his own son, Isaac, even though God had promised that it was through Isaac, that he would bless Abraham with an entire nation of descendants. Abraham had an unshakable, confident assurance that God would fulfill His promise, no matter what.

3. Faith increases your joy and peace.

If I can be transparent, last year was one of the most difficult times of my life. I suffered and experienced tremendous emotional pain. I often had no joy, no peace, and no happiness. I cried a floodgate of tears, and at times, felt like giving up. It wasn’t until one day that I realized I really didn’t have faith that things would change. God showed me that if I believed in Him, I would have joy and peace. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

As you can see, joy and peace come through believing. It’s kind of like the Scandinavian proverb that says, “Faith is like a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark.” The bird sings because it knows dawn is coming. If you are in a dark place right now, are you hopeful enough to start singing with joy?

4. Faith is a powerful weapon against Satan’s attacks.

Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” This scripture reveals the extraordinary power of your faith. Satan is an enemy to God’s children and will throw darts in every area of your life to stop you. Your faith gives you the power to extinguish any fire he sends your way.

5. You are blessed when you have faith.

The definition of blessed is favored or fortunate. It is wonderful to know that we are considered blessed if we have faith in God. It states in Luke 1:45, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Psalm 146:5 states, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”

As we go about our lives this year, let us be determined to walk by faith and not by sight. In life, you will experience suffering, heartache, and tribulations. It is through faith in our Lord that we are delivered and set free. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.

Moreover, Jesus said, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) That’s a promise. If you continue to believe in Jesus, The Light, you WILL come out of your dark place.