Strengthening Your Faith In Times Of Adversity Series

STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Text: 1 Peter 1:6-7

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Memorise: Isaiah 43:2

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

INTRODUCTION:

Adversity is part of life, even for believers. Jesus never promised a storm-free life but a storm-proof one. In John 16:33, He said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Faith is what keeps a believer standing when the storms of life come.

The enemy always targets your faith in times of hardship. If he can get your faith, he can get your destiny. That is why strengthening your faith must be a deliberate and continuous effort, especially when the heat of trials is turned up.

In today’s message, we will consider how to hold on, grow stronger, and come out better when going through adversity. Like gold refined in fire, your faith becomes purer and more powerful when it is tested.

1. STAY CONNECTED TO GOD THROUGH HIS WORD

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

During adversity, what you listen to determines whether your faith grows or shrinks. Feed your spirit daily with the Word of God. Study the promises of God, confess them, and meditate on them.

Illustration: When David was greatly distressed and his men spoke of stoning him, the Bible says “David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). How? He reminded himself of the God who delivered him from the lion and the bear.

2. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Luke 18:1 – “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Prayer strengthens your inner man. In times of adversity, your prayer life must be active. Talk to God. Cry if you must, but cry to the One who can help. Prayer connects you with divine strength that the world cannot see.

Illustration: Jesus, knowing the agony ahead, went into Gethsemane and prayed earnestly (Luke 22:44). As He prayed, angels came and strengthened Him.

3. REMEMBER GOD’S PAST FAITHFULNESS

Psalm 103:2 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

One way to strengthen your faith is to recall how God has helped you before. If He did it before, He can do it again. Testimonies are fuel for faith. Write them down and speak them out.

Illustration: In 1 Samuel 17:37, David told Saul, “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.”

4. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FAITH-BUILDERS

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Don’t isolate yourself during adversity. Join other believers, listen to faith-filled messages, attend fellowships, and speak with those who will encourage you in Christ.

Illustration: The man with the palsy in Mark 2:3-5 had friends who had faith strong enough to break a roof to get him to Jesus. He got his miracle because of the people around him.

5. HOLD ON TO GOD’S PROMISES UNTIL YOUR CHANGE COMES

Job 14:14 – “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.”

Delay is not denial. God is never late. Keep confessing the Word, keep praising Him, and keep trusting. Your night season will pass and your morning will come.

Illustration: Abraham waited for 25 years, but the promise came. Sarah laughed in disbelief, but later laughed in joy. You too will laugh.

CONCLUSION:

Adversity is not the end of your story—it is a process God allows to shape your faith, deepen your trust in Him, and prepare you for greater glory. Every true believer must pass through their season of testing, but those who hold on to God come out refined, strengthened, and victorious.

Beloved, don’t give up in your time of adversity. Strengthen your faith by staying in the Word, maintaining a fervent prayer life, remembering God's past faithfulness, surrounding yourself with godly people, and holding on to His promises. Your breakthrough is closer than you think, and your testimony will shake nations.

ALTAR CALL:

Are you going through adversity without Jesus in your life? That’s dangerous. Jesus is the anchor in the storm. Without Him, the storm will overwhelm you. Give your life to Him today. Say: “Lord Jesus, I surrender to You. Come into my life, forgive me my sins, and be my Saviour. Thank You, Lord. Amen.”