In your own journey of faith, have you ever found yourself caught in the tension between the promises of God and the problems you face? How do we face the challenges and trials of life in a way that doesn’t "brush them under the carpet," yet still stand in faith as we put our hope and trust in the Lord?

We have to be real. Bill Johnson once said, “Faith doesn’t deny a problem’s existence; it denies it a place of influence.” It's important to start by acknowledging the reality of the problem we are facing. Whether it's a health issue, financial strain, relational conflict, or any other trial, pretending that everything is fine does not align with the authenticity Jesus called us to walk in. Jesus Himself acknowledged the difficulties His followers would encounter, saying, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Faith is honest about the problem but refuses to become a victim of it. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28). 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on the Lord, for He cares for you.” We get to come to Jesus and cast our burdens and fears, in all their raw reality, at the feet of the Promise Keeper.

One of the most powerful promises we have as Christians is the assurance of God's presence with us through every trial. He promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you" (Isaiah 43:2). Today, may you know that though you go through difficult times, you are never alone. God is not just with you; He is within you. There is nothing you go through that God doesn’t bear along with you. Isaiah 53 says He has borne your griefs and carried your sorrows, and He will carry you through the valley into a place of resurrection, triumph, and victory.