Faith Under Pressure

From Janine

I’ve been reflecting on the beginning of the book of James—where he speaks about faith under pressure. That kind of faith isn’t just a nice idea. It’s necessary. It’s what keeps us steady when life feels anything but.

Faith is easy when everything’s falling into place. When doors open, prayers are answered, and the road ahead looks smooth. I’ve had seasons like that. But they’re not the ones that built my faith. The faith that matters—the kind that holds you up when everything else is shaking—has been forged in pressure.

I’ve learned that pressure doesn’t break true faith. It refines it. It burns away the stuff that’s built on feelings or comfort, and what’s left is something deeper. Stronger. More honest.

There have been moments in my life where I’ve felt completely undone. Hanging on by a thread. Crying out to God and hearing nothing but silence. In those moments, faith didn’t roar—it whispered. It showed up in small, defiant choices. Choosing to worship when I felt like giving up. Choosing to pray when I wasn’t sure anyone was listening. Choosing to trust—not because I saw the outcome, but because I knew the One who promised to walk with me.

That kind of faith changes you.

It reminds me I’m never alone, even when I feel like I am. It reminds me I don’t have to be strong to be held. And it reminds me that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying close to the One who does.

That’s the kind of faith I want to live with. Not the kind that only shows up when life is good. But the kind that remains when it’s not. The kind that stays steady in the storm. The kind that believes—even then.