What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do: Navigating Challenges in Faith

James 1:3 (KJV) – "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Faith is not tested when life is easy—it is challenged when everything seems uncertain, when prayers feel unanswered, and when doubt whispers louder than truth. There comes a point in every believer’s journey where they face a spiritual crossroads: What do you do when you don’t know what to do?

This essay explores how to navigate faith challenges, offering biblical wisdom and practical steps to find peace and strength in times of uncertainty.

1. Acknowledge Your Struggles—Faith Isn't About Perfection

One of the biggest misconceptions about faith is that strong believers never struggle with doubt. But even biblical heroes wrestled with moments of uncertainty.

David cried out in desperation: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" (Psalm 42:11)

Elijah felt alone: "I, even I only, am left." (1 Kings 19:10)

Job questioned his suffering: "Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery?" (Job 3:23)

Faith does not erase struggle—it teaches endurance through it. The first step is acknowledging that faith challenges are normal and that God does not condemn you for wrestling with doubt.

2. Seek God's Presence—Even When He Feels Distant

One of the hardest aspects of faith struggles is feeling as if God is silent. But silence does not mean absence—God is still working, even if His voice seems far away.

Psalm 34:18 (KJV) – "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart."

How to Draw Near to God in Times of Uncertainty:

Pray honestly—God welcomes raw and honest prayers, even if they contain frustration.

Worship despite emotions—praise shifts perspective, reminding you of God's greatness.

Keep reading Scripture—God’s truth will always override doubt.

Just as clouds may block the sun but never remove it, uncertainty may cover faith, but God’s presence never disappears.

3. Reflect on Past Victories—Remember What God Has Done

When faith is weak, look back at the moments God carried you through. Reflection revives gratitude and strengthens trust, reminding you that if He was faithful before, He will be faithful again.

Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV) – "The Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God."

Ways to Reflect on God’s Faithfulness:

Write down past answered prayers—seeing proof builds confidence.

Recall moments when you overcame hardships—God was with you then, and He is now.

Share testimonies—hearing others’ breakthroughs encourages your own faith.

Faith grows when remembrance replaces doubt.

4. Trust in God's Timing—Delays Are Not Denials

One reason faith is tested is because we want answers now—but God moves in perfect timing, not hurried schedules.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV) – "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

What to Do While Waiting on God:

Develop patience—God refines character through waiting seasons.

Stay obedient—continue serving God even without clarity.

Recognize that delays often lead to greater blessings.

God sees the full picture—even when we only see a fraction.

5. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Encouragement

Faith grows in the right environment. When doubt attacks, having faith-centered people around you is crucial.

Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) – "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

Ways to Strengthen Faith Through Community:

Join a Bible study or prayer group—collective faith strengthens individual belief.

Talk to mature believers—learning from others prevents spiritual isolation.

Limit negativity—faith cannot thrive in a toxic environment.

The company you keep either weakens or strengthens your faith—choose wisely.

6. Let Go of the Need for Control—Faith Requires Surrender

Faith struggles often stem from wanting control, but true faith is trusting God even when life feels unstable.

Psalm 46:10 (KJV) – "Be still, and know that I am God."

Steps to Surrender Fully to God:

Release your fears to Him—trusting His plan brings peace.

Stop trying to "fix" everything—some battles belong to God alone.

Accept that not knowing is okay—faith is trusting without seeing.

True peace comes not from knowing everything but from trusting in the One who does.

Conclusion: Faith Grows Through Uncertainty

Faith challenges do not mean failure—they mean growth. If you don’t know what to do, trust that God does, and keep seeking Him despite doubt.

Acknowledge struggles—doubt is part of faith’s journey.

Seek God’s presence—even in silence, He is near.

Reflect on past victories—God has never failed before.

Trust His timing—delays always serve a purpose.

Surround yourself with encouragement—faith thrives in community.

Let go of control—trust that God is always in charge.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

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A Prayer for Strength in Faith

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart that longs for unwavering faith. Lord, in times of uncertainty, when doubt tries to weaken my trust, I ask that You strengthen me. Help me to remember that You are my rock, my refuge, and my fortress. Your Word says in Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) – "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Father, when I don’t know what to do, remind me that You always know the way. When my faith is tested, help me to hold fast to Your promises. Renew my spirit, give me discernment, and let Your presence be my guiding light.

Lord, I surrender my fears, my uncertainties, and my struggles to You. Teach me to trust even when I cannot see, to believe even when I do not understand, and to stand firm even when life feels unstable. Psalm 46:10 (KJV) tells me to "Be still, and know that I am God." So, Lord, I choose to be still, resting in Your faithfulness.

Thank You for being my God, my refuge, and my strength. May Your peace fill my heart, and may my faith remain steadfast in Your love.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

All Rights Reserved