To the world, Christians often appear to march to a different, seemingly irrational drum. In our commitment to Christ, many of us face not just external ridicule but profound personal sacrifices. Relationships may strain or break, career opportunities might slip away, and in some parts of the world, the cost of discipleship can even mean losing one’s home or facing physical harm. And while persecution can sometimes be overt and harsh, more often in our daily lives, it manifests as subtle mockery, exclusion, or being taken advantage of.
Indeed, when facing such trials, it’s not the external challenges that are most daunting; rather, the fiercest battle is often internal, occurring in the quiet depths of our hearts. It’s there that a piercing question can arise: “Is this faith or foolishness?”
This question can echo in our minds during times of disappointment or when our circumstances seem to mock our integrity and choices. How do we respond internally when the path of righteousness leads us into storms rather than calm waters?
Faith Tested Is Faith Strengthened
Our spiritual journey is peppered with these moments of profound questioning. Is our adherence to biblical principles and our refusal to compromise merely folly in a world that prizes self-interest and pragmatic success? Such doubts are not just theoretical—they touch on our deepest fears and insecurities about our purpose and the worth of our spiritual convictions.
However, it’s crucial to remember that our faith is not validated by the absence of difficulty, but often through it. The Christian faith, contrary to the prosperity gospel some preach, does not promise an easy ride. Instead, it forewarns of hardship, assures of companionship, and guarantees victory through struggle. It is in our most challenging moments that we are called to draw even closer to God, to seek His face with more fervor, and to rely on His strength rather than our own.
The Unseen Hope
To those who do not share our faith, our actions can indeed seem foolish. After all, how can one rationalize peace in the midst of turmoil, joy in periods of mourning, or hope when circumstances seem hopeless? The world cannot understand because it does not know the sweet assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit—the quiet but profound presence that comforts and guides us, the powerful words of Scripture that can suddenly alight our hearts with hope and courage.
What the world calls foolishness, we recognize as the path of faithfulness—a daily, moment-by-moment walk with Christ that molds us, strengthens us, and deepens our reliance on Him. It is not about a blind leap into the dark but taking deliberate steps toward the light, even when that light seems faint.
A Call to Persevere
As believers, we must brace ourselves for these moments of doubt and weariness. We will face them, sometimes unexpectedly. Yet, our call is to persevere, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before Him. In the same way, we too are called to endure, not for the promise of earthly rewards but for the eternal joy and the unshakeable kingdom that awaits us.
So, when you find yourself wondering if your faith is in vain, remember that you are in good company. The saints of old, the reformers, the missionaries of centuries past—all faced similar questions and yet pressed on, compelled by a vision of the Kingdom that the world could not see. Let their perseverance inspire you, and let the Holy Spirit empower you.
This isn’t about foolishness; it’s about a faith that holds eternal promises, a faith that tests and refines, a faith that ultimately brings us closer to the heart of God. In this journey, we are never alone, and the rewards are infinitely worth it.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Faith Activist
Featured Image by Aritha from Pixabay
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