How do we cope when faith threatens to slip away? The most durable of Christian heroes often succumb to the numb specter of doubt. "Are the things I once believed still true?" Pillars like John the Baptist, Mother Teresa, and Billy Graham have confessed that there were times in their walk with God where atheism and an empty universe seemed increasingly probable scenarios.

The author refers to a recent media exchange between liberal provocateur Bill Maher and the late Charlie Kirk. Both men confessed that their chosen life philosophy brought unanswerable questions, chasms of logic. And serious doubts!

Christians confess that the Bible contains hard issues, unresolvable text contradictions. Plus the age-old question: "Why would a loving and all-powerful God allow such suffering in our world?" At the same time, skeptics and atheists have no articulate reply for the incredible design in our universe, the plain reality that life being present on this one still-beautiful planet defies all mathematical odds. Sperm cell meets ovum, and nine months later a perfect baby emerges into our world. How? Why? So the atheist, too, has moments of grave misgivings.

With his trademark dry wit and an abundance of anecdotes, author David B. Smith explores the enduring tough realities in the Christian's life. These six chapters paint a picture of durable confidence, of reality checks and practical suggestions for keeping your belief system intact. "We must train the habit of faith," C. S. Lewis wryly observed in one of his own baffling life periods of trial and distrust.

Despite the questions that will challenge us to the very end, God's Word provides a secure framework of hope and confidence through good times and hard.