Authentic faith isn’t about perfection. It’s about trusting God in life’s struggles, where faith grows the deepest roots

Here’s the truth . . . I wish faith came easier. I wish trusting God came naturally, that prayer was second nature, and that I never wrestled with a single doubt. But if I’m honest, it doesn’t.

When I think back on the seasons and the storms that stretched me—moments of uncertainty, unanswered prayers, the suffering of those I hold most dear—those were the times when God became even more real. My faith got tested, yes, but it also grew deeper roots.

Authentic faith isn’t neat and tidy. It’s not about having the right words or always looking like you’ve got it together. It’s about choosing to trust God in the mess. Sometimes that looks like admitting your doubts out loud within your community. Sometimes it’s showing up to pray or reading your Bible when you feel like nothing’s happening. And sometimes it’s just telling your mentoring group, “I don’t have this figured out either. Let’s work on it together.”

Faith That Grows Through Challenge

That’s the gift we can give the men we mentor. When they see us wrestle, when they hear us talk about where faith feels hard, they realize faith is lived, not performed. They see that challenge isn’t a sign of weak faith . . . it’s how God grows strong faith as James 1:2 – 4 reminds 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.”

Believe me, you don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, your honesty and vulnerability will often speak louder than a polished response. Just show up, share your story, and walk alongside your mentees as they navigate theirs.

Remember, every human being has the desire to belong. You can’t truly belong unless you are truly known. You can’t truly be known unless you tell the truth about yourself. Mentors go first. Mentors are models.

Authentic faith means letting others see both your strength and your struggle, so they can grow too.

So here’s my challenge for you this week: share one area where faith feels hard right now. Invite your group into it. My guess is you’ll be surprised how God uses your vulnerability to grow not just your faith, but theirs too.

Together, you’ll experience the kind of authentic faith that endures.