4-6 minute read time

I’m sure you’ve noticed that life is no respecter of persons, right? By this I mean life (the ups and the downs) comes to and every one of us equally. In the grand symphony of life, challenges are the unexpected crescendos that test our resolve, strength, and faith in a good and loving God. They can strike at any moment, affecting parents, seniors, students, and people from all walks of life. For those who hold their faith in Jesus Christ as central to their life, there is instantly an additional wellspring of hope and perseverance to draw upon.

In the book of James, we read the following, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4 (NLT).

In the following blog post, I’d like to offer some suggestions for how we can navigate life’s challenges with the level of perseverance that James seems to imply is available to us, while giving us some practical “handle bars” to hold on to. My hope is that this will be a benefit to you wherever you are in life’s journey.

For Parents: A Beacon of Resilience Anchored in Faith

Our lives as parents are a perpetual juggling act. Balancing careers, raising children, and managing household responsibilities can be overwhelming. Challenges may range from financial struggles, health concerns, educational hurdles with our children, marital crisis, and more. Yet, it’s our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ that provides the foundation for our perseverance to sail through these dark waters.

Tip: Lean more heavily on your faith as a source of strength.

• Pray together as a family or a couple.
• Attend church one time more often a month than you have previously.
• Consider joining a group or study option for your spiritual growth.
• Develop friendships with whom you can share the struggle with and understand.
• Meet with an older, wiser, and more spiritual mature couple who’ve navigated these waters, and learn from them.

For Seniors: A Lifetime of Wisdom Grounded in Faith

Seniors have journeyed through life’s ups and downs, accumulating wisdom along the way. Health issues, loneliness, and the loss of loved ones can be particularly challenging in our later years. With faith in Jesus Christ, seniors can find comfort in the promise of discovering a renewed sense of purpose in the “second half” of life.

Tip: Try new spiritual disciplines that you’ve heard of, but never practiced.

• Consider mentoring a younger person or couple and impart onto the next generation the collective wisdom you’ve learned throughout life.
• Serve in a church or community-based ministry you’ve heard of but hadn’t ever taken the step of faith to try it. See it as an opportunity to give your life away on behalf of others, which is what we’re made for.

For Students: Building a Foundation of Tenacity Through Faith

Let’s face it. Life today for our kids and students is nowhere near to what we experienced at their age. Students face a unique set of challenges, from academic pressure to navigating the complexities of adolescence, overcoming peer pressure, and the ever-present lure of seeing life through the lens of comparison, which is now amplified due to social media. These experiences CAN shape their character and teach them resilience, BUT they will need help along this journey. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, mentors, etc., can encourage the students in their life to anchor their perseverance in faith to Jesus Christ, knowing that they are never alone in their struggles.

Tip: Ensure your student is surround by a “tribe”

• Encourage students to seek spiritual guidance from mentors or youth groups within their church.
• Mom and Dad, why not start reading Scripture together? Don’t consider this a moral lesson opportunity, but rather a chance to read, ask questions, and get your student to open up a little and just talk.

For All Walks of Life: Uniting in Faith and Perseverance

Regardless of age, background, culture, or circumstance, our faith in Christ should be the unifying force in our walk toward perseverance. It’s our belief that through Christ, we can find strength and courage even in the most trying times. Our faith is a beacon of hope that guides us through life’s challenges even when there aren’t any easy answers.

Tip: Worship, Grow, and Serve

• Find friends with similar interests and start “doing life” together in community.
• Start serving and watch how your perspective of your own circumstances changes because of serving others.
• Cultivate a deeper prayer life by praying shorter and simpler prayers. Here’s one my favorite: “Lord, do something in me that is disproportionate to who I am.” Here’s another: “Lord, catch my heart and captivate my attention.”

In the face of adversity, maintaining a hopeful and positive outlook is essential for those who follow Jesus Christ. Remember that challenges, while daunting, always offer opportunities for spiritual maturity, and a deeper connection with our Lord who loves us and is working all things for good.

In this symphony of life, our individual journeys are uniquely composed. Challenges are the notes that give depth and richness to our stories. By embracing a perseverant faith in Christ, parents, seniors, students, and people from all walks of life can not only navigate these challenges, but also create a life worth emulating to others who are silently watching how we navigate them. With a solid faith in Jesus Christ, we can triumph over any obstacle that comes our way, knowing that Christ is a steadfast anchor in the storm of life.

At Church on the Hill, we want to equip you with resources to make space for God. Visit our Be With God content hub for more resources like this one that will help you to grow in your relationship with Him.

Share