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Has your faith ever faltered? Of course it has! It happens to the best of us.

The question is, how do we get back on track when it happens?

Last December, my life was chaotic to say the least. I was wrapping up my MBA, it was reporting season at work, I had church ministries, my birthday, and a boyfriend that wanted to have introspective talks. Even typing the list now makes my head spin.

The week my faith came crashing down like a poor supported chandelier, I had my comprehensive exam, final group project, a birthday party I was planning myself, all while conducting 10 hours of daily data analysis for work. A few weeks earlier, I bombed two major homework assignments, so I had to ace the final exam and project. I was completely freaking out. 

While I knew the comprehensive exam was forthcoming, my teacher refused to share the test topics or what we needed to study to prepare. After talking to some classmates it was assumed we were taking a standardized test that covered definitions, formulas, and concepts we learned in each course. I started my MBA 5 years ago and all I could think was, “there is no way I’ll remember the shifts in the supply and demand curve from Economics.”

At that point I started to calculate how many points I needed to pass the class, I even had thoughts I might not graduate. Even worse, I started speaking this craziness out loud. This was a complete shock for not only me but others around me because I am the queen of “Yes We Can”. I believe the people can do anything and I’m there to give the positive support when needed.

In hindsight, I realized worry and doubt had set in because I was too busy to read my Bible, I was saying prayers from a place of anxiety, and I had not slowed down to allow His words to rest in my heart and give the peace it promises. 

So what should you do when your faith falters?

Reach out to your accountability or prayer partner

I have an accountability partner from a class I’m taking at church. I texted her stating how stressed I was and my concerns of not graduating. She immediately turned my doubt into a victory statement, “we are graduating” and calling Graduate, truly professing what shall be. She reminded me that this was merely another test. It’s important to establish godly relationships for this journey so when days get rough they can encourage you.

Spend 15 minutes alone with God

You’ll be surprised what 15 minutes of singing a song and praying to God will do for your spirit. God promises as we draw close to him, he’ll draw close to us. I say 15 minutes, but the intent is to be in His presence until the heaviness of life lifts off of you. And trust me you’ll know when that happens. God provides a sense of peace that no man can recreate without Him. I should have definitely listed this first, but reality is sometimes you need that push back in the right direction which is into His arms.

Read your Bible Daily

Reading the Bible sets the tone for your day and life. It is packed with promises from God to help us overcome any situation. The Bible clearly states that “Faith comes by hearing the word of God”, so if we want to repair and increase our faith the Bible is the ultimate source of power.  During your daily reading, you can even pick a scripture that relates to your current situation. If you aren’t sure how to pick a scripture, start with the concordance in the back of your Bible.

After that wonderful peep talk from my accountability partner. I took a day away from all my distractions, got some rest, read my Bible, and got back to studying with a renewed mind and hope in my spirit. Not only did I pass my comprehensive exam but I got an “A”.  All that stress and worrying for nothing.

I know some of you may be saying it was only an exam, my problems are way bigger than that. The three ways provided to address faltering faith works no matter the circumstance. When I’ve faced major obstacles in my life, I still went to my sisters in Christ for encouragement. Now I did have to pray a lot longer, sometimes with my face in the carpet crying out to God, and He still showed up.

How did you get back on track when your faith wavered? How has God showed up to encourage you? I would love to hear your story, share them in the comment box below.