No More Faking Fine

“Not to be confused with the book No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending by Esther Fleece, and although I have not read the book, the title alone resonated deeply with me,” says SEELE Faith Editor KB Chakela

As believers, we often find ourselves falling into the trap of "faking fine" in an attempt to be good examples to others, we might put on a facade that everything is perfect, even when our hearts and spirit is crushed.

To those we fellowship with, we appear composed and thriving, but inside, we might be walking through our own version of the valley of the shadow of death. It’s not that we should be looking like our problems, but there’s a fine line between having faith and pretending everything is okay when it’s not.

This pressure to always “be fine” can become a breeding ground for silent suffering. When we isolate ourselves in this way, we create an opportunity for the enemy to exploit our vulnerabilities. The Bible warns us of this danger in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV):  "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."

God designed us for community, yet many of us endure trials in silence because we fear judgment or misunderstanding. We fear that people will think us weak in our faith, or having sinned in some way.  Instead of reaching out for support, we internalize our pain, and in that isolation, the enemy whispers lies: “No one cares about you,” “You are a failure,” or “You’re going through this because God is punishing you.”

It’s a tactic as old as Job’s story. Job’s friends, in their misguided attempts to help, assumed his suffering was evidence of sin or God’s wrath. But Scripture is clear—Job was blameless before God. Still, his friends’ accusations compounded his pain.  The enemy’s lies in our moments of hardship or weaknesses often echo those same accusations: “You must have done something wrong for God to allow this,” or “God has forsaken you.” These lies aim to weaken our trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. But the truth is that our trials are not always the result of sin or failure.

Even in the valley, God is with us. One of the most comforting truths about God is that His presence never wavers. When we walk into dark seasons, His goodness and mercy will follow us in, and will follow us out (Psalm 23:6).

If there’s one takeaway I’d like to share, it’s this: Don’t fake fine. That doesn’t mean you should share your struggles with everyone, but it’s essential to have someone in your corner. Find a trusted person—a mentor, a friend, or a spiritual leader—who can listen, pray with you, and remind you of God’s promises. Godly counsel and encouragement are lifelines in seasons of trial. Through that we are reminded that God is faithful, that He does not lie, and that He will fulfil His promises to us.

The enemy thrives in isolation, but healing and hope are found in community. As I reflect on the title “No More Faking Fine”, I am reminded of how much Jesus loves us. His desire isn’t for us to simply appear okay but to experience His peace, joy, and hope even in the midst of trials.

You don’t have to fake fine. God sees your struggles, and He cares.

Be encouraged—you are never alone.