How to have faith when your mountain is huge

Everyone has challenges in their life. Mine is pretty big. Last year in April I was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. The doctor gave me two years to live. I have three kids seven and under, one with autism. Many people look at me and think, well, my problems aren’t that big compared to yours. Please don’t do that. I remember what it was like before I had cancer, and I still had mountains. Sure, to God, and compared to me now they’re “mole hills,” but to me back then they were mountains.

The challenge of living this side of eternity is that we don’t see the whole picture.

The beauty of living with limited insight and wisdom (although we mostly forget that we don’t know everything about our current situation) is that we are required to walk by faith and trust in God. We forget sometimes that this was a part of His divine plan. Part of the reason He gave us free will and allowed suffering into this world. God is actually moved by our faith and it delights Him to see us looking to Him and trusting Him even when we can’t see the whole picture and our challenges are daunting.

When we get to heaven, we won’t need faith. It’s only on this side of eternity that:

¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (I Corinthians 13)

So while we are waiting for what is mortal to be swallowed up by life, how can we trust God without knowing the outcome? Faith is so difficult. How can we demonstrate it in the face of our mountains?

1. You only need to have a mustard seed of faith.

The reason why is that even when it comes to having faith, most of it is God. Remember the man who said, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief”? So even when we struggle with faith, we can ask Him to grow it. It just takes a tiny ember and God can fan the flame into something that brings Him glory.

2. Focus on the promise, not on your problem.

Lift your eyes up to Jesus. Hebrews 12 tells us to fix our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith. Psalm 121 says, “I lift my eyes up to the hills where my help comes from.” If you focus on the mountain you will experience discouragement, despair, anxiety and depression. Remind yourself that you are in God’s hands and God knows all your days.

3. Pray with friends.

When you meet with one of your friends, or even over the phone, take a few minutes to ask God for help together. It will stir your faith and build you up.

Whatever you are going through, God sees you and He loves you. He has not abandoned you. He knows the end from the beginning, and your story does not end in despair. Lift your eyes up to Him and run your race.

Click here to read Why God Lets You Wait.

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