Life can be hard, can’t it? During times of struggle how do we help our kids build faith and be resilient? We are currently dealing with serious health issues in our extended family — mental health issues as well — and life is a lot different in 2025 for a middle schooler and high schooler. In an unpredictable world, what can we do, as adults, to help our kids build their faith in times of struggle? We must equip our children to find hope, strength and peace through reliance on God.
Where Does Faith Come From?
Christian resilience truly comes from a trust in God and His plan for our lives. It isn’t just about self-reliance and personal characteristic traits. In fact, James 1:2–4 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” When we have God in our lives, we can face struggles and find hope and peace. Philip. 4:13 tells us, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Parents Are Role Models
My husband, Tyler, is reading a really good book right now, and it talks about how important parents are in their kids’ lives. How they talk to their kids, interact with their kids and react to their kids, the greatest influence on kids’ lives are parents. We must show our kids in our actions how to respond to struggles. How does your faith shape your response to hard things? What are our kids learning from us? That’s not always easy, is it? Here are three ways we can model this for our kids: openly pray as a family during hard times, express gratitude even in difficulties and talk about how faith helps us personally.
Practical Ways Kids Can Rely on God During Trials
Pray — Prayer needs to be our first response, not our last resort. Encourage kids to talk to God about all their struggles and fears. Phil. 4:6–7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Memorize Scripture — Teach your kids Bible verses for comfort and strength. There are so many to choose from. Google it; make flashcards; say them together; put them on the mirrors in the bathroom and the refrigerator; hang them on their bedroom door. Here are three to look up: Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Cor. 12:9. You can add so many more.
Prayer Journal — Keep a family prayer journal. Write down all the evidence of God’s work in your lives, especially during trials. This is something everyone can look back on and feel hopeful.
Remember, let’s focus on God’s promises and not just the challenges of life. Struggles are temporary — and it’s important for our kids to understand this. A strong foundation of faith in God helps our kids face challenges and build resilience.
