Throughout my life, my father would test me with small battles of wits or brawn. Being a math teacher, he loved to teach me new math formulas and equations far beyond my grade level on car rides home. I would often struggle with these little math lessons, and he would always respond the same way: “Do not let this defeat you.” Eventually, these lessons turned into him giving me a task, me thinking I couldn’t do it, and him repeating this phrase. And every single time, I would complain a little bit, call him unfair, say it was impossible. Yet, he continued to tell me, “Do not let this defeat you,” and every time I succeeded when I thought success was impossible.

This passage reminded me of all those little challenges my father gave me. It is so easy to quit when things get hard. It is human nature to throw in the towel at even the slightest stumble. Similarly, faith is put to the test in this way as well.

I have heard many stories of these challenges with faith. Most of these challenges arise from simple questions. From what I’ve heard, these questions end one of two ways: the person struggles to cope with the answer, yet their faith grows stronger because of it, or they are shamed for asking questions, and they turn away from faith altogether. These questions, these doubts, test the endurance, the perseverance of faith.

The passage states, “If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate.” These questions, these tests of faith, are normal; in fact, they are expected. God knows and understands that the hardships we go through and the questions that stem from them are to be expected. God puts us through these hardships and hard questions so that we may, in turn, work to grow closer to God in faith. Sometimes the doubts, the struggles, the challenges get to be too much, sometimes we walk away from belief. Yet, God is there even through these times. God shows God’s love through this discipline, as God knows this is what will draw us closer to God.

The tests of faith are never-ending. No matter what, there will always be challenges, it will always feel easier to settle, to quit trying. During these times, it is important to remember that peace will come to those who endure, who persevere.