Why Do Most Christians Shiver in Hard Times?

1 Samuel 17

There is no doubt that hard times are a part of human life, even when we are innocent or unaware of how they crept in. There is hardly anyone without challenges. Hard times appear in different forms: health issues, family struggles, relationship problems, financial pressure, career uncertainty, and much more.

Because of this, the search for solutions and victory becomes necessary.

Today, many people belong to churches not because they truly know God, but because their faith is placed in a “man of God” or in the miracles they have heard about. Unfortunately, this has led many into the wrong hands, people who only appear to be servants of God but, in reality, have no true connection with Him and are driven by selfish motives.

This is why it is very important to personally know God for who He is, not just based on what others say.

The good news is this: knowing God deeply is not impossible. In fact, God Himself is willing to reveal Himself to anyone who truly desires to know Him. When you intentionally spend time studying His Word, your understanding, perspective, and experience of God will begin to change. You will no longer be easily misled, and your approach to life’s challenges will become different: grounded, confident, and effective.

Your victory then becomes certain.

For forty days, the army of Israel was tested, not physically, but in their memory of God and their confidence in Him. And they failed.

The appearance and words of just one man caused them to tremble, as though they had already lost the battle. They knew about God, but their knowledge was shallow. This led to fear, forgetfulness, and ultimately, faithlessness in the face of challenge.

Eventually, they prepared themselves to go out to battle, though defeat seemed inevitable. But God would not allow His name to be mocked.

On that same day, David arrived.

He observed the atmosphere, sensed the tension in the camp, and became curious.

He didn’t step forward saying, “I can do it.” Instead, he kept asking: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine…?”

This was not just a question, it was a statement meant to awaken identity.

David was reminding Israel of something they had forgotten: “This man has no covenant with God… but we do.”

While everyone else saw a giant, David saw a man outside God’s covering standing against a people inside God’s covenant.

That perspective changed everything.

Unlike the army, who only knew about God, David knew God personally. That is why he could confidently say “The Lord who delivered me…”

He wasn’t speaking theory here, he was speaking from experience.

When the real battle began, Goliath used his usual weapon, intimidation through words. But David was not moved.

His confidence was not in a method or a formula, but in his relationship with God, and that made all the difference.

It is pointless to be a church member without having the Word of God living in you. God’s Word is your weapon in difficult times. No matter the challenge, its size, form, or origin, your knowledge of God and the application of His Word is what secures your victory.

Now consider this:

What if the “man of God” you depend on is no longer available?
What if your connection to that person is broken?
What if life takes you to a place where you can no longer access your church?

What happens to your faith then?

Will your battles suddenly overwhelm you?

This is why you must build your relationship with God personally.

I challenge you today: commit yourself to intentionally studying the Word of God. Shift your dependence from man to God to the One who is always available, everywhere, at all times.

Start small if you need to, even one verse a day. Consistency will grow your hunger, and over time, your knowledge of God will become your greatest strength.

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