“He that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13)

Why Faith, Religion, and Spirituality Are So Hard—and How to Get "Good" at It

Let’s be honest… Faith, religion, and spirituality can feel impossibly challenging at times. If you've ever felt like you're struggling to “get it right,” you’re not alone. The truth is, this path isn’t meant to be easy—but it is meant to lead us somewhere transformative.

Scripture offers an intriguing key to understanding this: “He that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). This verse is more than a call to perseverance; it’s a roadmap for navigating the challenges of faith.

Let’s unpack why it’s so hard—and how you can cultivate resilience and “get good” at this journey of faith, using timeless biblical principles.

Why Is It So Hard?

1. The Nature of Human Willpower
   Scientific studies show that willpower is a finite resource. Decision fatigue, emotional stress, and everyday responsibilities can drain your ability to focus on spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and scripture reading.

From a theological perspective, this struggle mirrors the tension between our finite human nature and the infinite nature of God. As beings created in His image, we are drawn to perfection, yet constrained by the limitations of our flesh.

2. The Weight of Expectations
   Let’s face it: Modern professional life comes with heavy expectations. Balancing family, career, and personal goals can make religious practices feel like just another box to check off—or worse, something you’re failing at.

3. Spiritual Warfare
   Scripture is clear that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). These unseen struggles often manifest as distractions, doubts, and fears that undermine our progress.

How to Get “Good” at Faith

The key isn’t in striving for perfection but in cultivating endurance. Here’s how:

1. Start Small and Stay Consistent

Faith isn’t built in a day. Begin with small, manageable commitments—five minutes of prayer, a single psalm, or attending one midweek service. Over time, these habits accumulate into a resilient spiritual life.

2. Embrace the Struggle as Part of the Journey

Theologians have long taught that spiritual growth often comes through challenges. Consider the saints who endured great suffering, not as a mark of failure but as a refining fire. In your own life, see struggles as opportunities to grow closer to God.

3. Anchor Yourself in Community

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is each other. Lean on your faith community for encouragement and accountability. Whether it’s a church small group, a Bible study, or even a prayer partner, community helps us endure.

4. Rely on Grace, Not Effort Alone

Here’s where things get revolutionary: Endurance isn’t about muscling through on your own. God’s grace sustains us in ways we can’t sustain ourselves. As St. Paul wrote, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

5. Focus on the Long Game

Endurance is about keeping the end in mind. Salvation isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The promise of eternal life with God gives meaning to every small step you take.

Finding Peace in Endurance

Faith becomes “easier” when we stop expecting ease and start embracing endurance. When you realize the journey itself is part of God’s plan to shape you, there’s a peace that comes from surrendering to His timing and purposes.

So, the next time faith feels hard, remember: “He that endures to the end shall be saved.” It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being faithful, one step at a time.

What’s one small step you can take today to cultivate endurance in your faith? Try it today!

On the Struggles of Faith

1. St. Anthony the Great:
   "Expect temptations until your last breath."
   (From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers)
   This quote underscores the lifelong nature of spiritual struggle and reminds us that the path to holiness is fraught with challenges.

2. St. Isaac the Syrian:
   "The ladder to the Kingdom is hidden within you, and is found in your soul. Dive down into yourself, away from sin, and there you will find steps by which you will ascend."
   (Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian)
   This reflects the inner work and perseverance needed to advance in faith.

On Endurance and Perseverance

3. St. John Climacus:
   "He who struggles for the Lord’s sake is greater than he who works miracles."
   (The Ladder of Divine Ascent)
   This reminds us that steadfast effort in the spiritual life is a profound and valuable form of faithfulness.

4. St. Mark the Ascetic:
   "Do not be distressed if you do not at once receive from God what you ask. He wishes to give you something better—to make you persevere in your prayers."
   (Philokalia)
   This quote ties perseverance in prayer to God’s greater plans for us, emphasizing the importance of endurance.

On God’s Grace Sustaining Us

5. St. Silouan the Athonite:
   "Keep your mind in hell and despair not."
   (Writings of St. Silouan the Athonite)
   While stark, this advice encourages trust in God's grace even in the darkest times, reminding us that faith transcends our weaknesses.

6. St. Theophan the Recluse:
   "Do not fear the struggle; the Lord Himself is watching over you. He will not allow anything beyond your strength to happen to you."
   (Letters to a Beginner in the Spiritual Life)
   This points to God’s active role in sustaining us through trials.

On Spiritual Warfare

7. St. Seraphim of Sarov:
   "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved."
   (Conversation with Motovilov)
   This shows how inner spiritual victories can ripple outward to influence others, even amid unseen battles.

8. St. Nikolai Velimirovich:
   "A man who is enslaved to his passions cannot be strong in battle."
   (Prologue from Ohrid)
   A reminder of the need to master ourselves to withstand spiritual warfare.