When Life Tests You Faith Rests You
"Never complain about the challenges in life, because a Director (God) always assigns the toughest roles to His best actors."
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Life is not scripted. It throws us plot twists, obstacles, and emotional turmoil, and often at the worst possible times. But what if, rather than viewing these times as setbacks, we perceived them as acts in a divine script? As a master director would give the toughest and most demanding parts to those actors he is most confident in, so does the Almighty challenge those whom He feels have the potential to learn from adversity.
The Test of Life
Life tested me more than I could have ever envisioned. While preparing for my CAT, I saw my father hospitalized. It was one of the hardest times of my life. I adore my father with all my heart, and seeing him in pain when I was meheart andain focused snapped something within me. I started questioning all things, even my beliefs. But my mother, in her quiet strength, did say something that remained with me for all time: "Shikwa Nahi, Shukrana." (No complaints, only thanks.)
And with a calm smile, she would whisper, "Sab Kuch Accha Ho Jaayega." Just a day before my IMT Hyderabad interview, another storm struck—my brother went missing from Ghaziabad, where he was employed. I went from one police station to another, requested the commissioner, and looked everywhere. Interview day arrived, and as soon as it was over, I heard the news: my brother was discovered at AIIMS Delhi. He had been attacked and hit on the head by some individuals for money.
The Role of Faith
None of my family members were around to get my brother admitted to the hospital, but some policemen interfered and got him admitted. I felt at that time as if God Himself was working through their hands, providing my brother the care when we couldn't. It was a quiet reminder that when we are weak, He is still in charge.
Two months prior to heading to IMT Hyderabad, I became very sick. It was emotionally and physically exhausting. But now that I think of it, I know how lucky I was. If it occurred after college, it would have severely impacted my studies. Even though that time was hard, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Now, my father is in good health, by the grace of the Almighty.
These incidents could have broken me. But instead, they built me. And that is the real function of faith, not in hoping life is going to be simple, but in believing that all of it, even the struggles, are moulding us for something better. Faith doesn't take away the conflict, but it equips us with the courage to endure through it, realizing what appears to be chaos today will sometimes be best described as grace unfolding.
Conclusion: From Pain to Purpose
Life is not always as we've planned—but maybe, it's always as it's supposed to be. Through each of the dark tunnels I've travelled, my faith was the small light that constantly compelled me forward. It didn't always offer solutions, but it provided me with strength. And sometimes that's all we need. When life challenges us, it is so easy to feel abandoned. But when we step back, take a breath, and trust, we start to realize that every failure had a reason behind it, every delay was for a reason, and every hurt had a purpose.
What felt like punishment was often protection.
Today, I reflect not with anger or regret, but with gratitude—for the pain, for the waiting, for the help when I needed it, and for the healing. Because all of this brought me closer to faith, and faith brought me closer to peace.
So if you're in the midst of a storm today, just hold on. Have faith that the Almighty hasn't forgotten you. He’s just preparing your script for a greater role ahead.
About the author,
Shivam Singh
A curious learner and management student at IMT Hyderabad, I find joy in expressing thoughts through words. I believe writing helps us connect deeply—with ourselves and with others. Through this blog, I try to share reflections shaped by personal experiences, faith, and the journey of becoming.
