Life has a way of challenging us, especially when our faith is tested. But some people seem to weather those storms with incredible strength. It’s not that they don’t struggle—it’s that they’ve equipped themselves with the tools to stay grounded and resilient, even when things feel impossible. Here are 13 habits that keep people strong when life tests their faith.
1. They Make Time for Prayer or Meditation
People who stay strong when their faith is tested have a habit of regularly connecting with something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply taking a moment to reflect, they know how important it is to create space in their lives to find peaceful moments.
2. They Lean on Their Support System
No one gets through hard times alone, and people who stay strong know that leaning on others isn’t a weakness—it takes a lot of guts. They have friends, family, or a faith community they can turn to when they need it. These communities remind them they’re not alone in their struggles, giving them the strength to keep going, even in the toughest of times.
3. They Practice Gratitude, Even in Tough Times
When things get tough, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. But people who stay strong know how to reframe their thinking and focus on what’s still good. They find small things to be grateful for, like a warm meal, a supportive friend, or even just the sunshine on their face. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for staying hopeful, even when life feels heavy.
4. They Let Go of What They Can’t Control
Instead of trying to fight every battle, they accept that some things are just out of their hands. They focus on what they can control and trust that everything else will fall into place. Letting go of the need to control everything allows them to find peace in the toughest of times.
5. They Hold On to Their Purpose
No matter what they’re going through, people who stay strong always keep their bigger purpose in mind. Whether it’s their family, their faith, or their goals, they don’t lose sight of what really matters. Even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart, staying focused on their purpose is like seeing a light at the end of a dark tunnel.
6. They Let Themselves Feel Their Emotions
Being strong doesn’t mean they don’t feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed—trust me, they do. But instead of ignoring those feelings, they let themselves feel them, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. They understand that it’s okay to cry, be frustrated, or need a break. It helps them heal faster and come out stronger on the other side.
7. They Turn to Words of Wisdom for Comfort
When they’re feeling lost or uncertain, people who stay strong often turn to books, scriptures, or inspiring quotes that give them comfort and perspective. Whether it’s a passage from a spiritual text or a line from a favorite book, sometimes it takes someone else’s words to remind them of the bigger picture and help them find strength.
8. They Keep Moving Forward, Even When It’s Hard
One of the key habits of people who stay strong is that they don’t let hard times completely stop them. Even if they’re struggling, they take baby steps to move forward. Maybe it’s as simple as getting out of bed in the morning, going for a walk, or tackling one tiny task on their to-do list. They know they can’t take big strides right now, but any progress is still a success in their eyes.
9. They Trust That Things Will Work Out—Eventually
People who stay strong have learned to be patient, especially when things don’t make sense. They don’t expect instant solutions or answers, but they trust that things will eventually work out by relying on their faith. That patience helps them stay calm during difficult times, knowing that clarity and healing will come with time.
10. They Take Care of Themselves
They know that staying strong isn’t just about emotional or spiritual health—it’s about physical well-being, too. People who weather life’s storms know they still need to take care of their bodies. Whether that’s by getting enough sleep, eating well, or just taking time to rest, they know that self-care is still a priority—even when things feel dire.
11. They Hold On to Hope, No Matter How Dim It Seems
Even when things are really tough, people who stay strong always have a little flicker of hope inside them—that’s their undying faith. They believe that things can and will get better, even if it feels far off. That hope gives them something to hold on to when everything else feels shaky, helping them stay resilient when most people would give up.
12. They Let Go of Anger and Resentment
People who stay strong know that holding on to anger or resentment does nothing but weigh them down. They practice forgiveness—not just for others, but for themselves, too. Whether it’s letting go of a grudge or forgiving themselves for past mistakes, these people have learned that holding on to negative emotions only stands in the way of their happiness.
13. They Reflect on What They’ve Learned
After going through something hard, they don’t just move on without reflection. Though it’s easier not to reflect, they take time to think about what they’ve learned from the experience. What did it teach them about themselves? About life? About faith? Doing this helps them turn difficult moments into opportunities for personal growth and deeper understanding.
