How can I overcome the fact that I am struggling with faith?

Answer

Many individuals face challenges with their faith at various points in their lives. Even the most dedicated and righteous leaders have encountered uncertainties, just like everyone else. The core of faith lies in believing in the unseen “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”, (Hebrews 11:1). As physical beings, we tend to trust what we can perceive with our senses. However, spiritual truths are intangible and go beyond our sensory experiences. Therefore, when the visible and tangible aspects of life appear overwhelming, doubts can cloud our perception of the invisible.

The initial aspect to contemplate is the focus of our faith. The term “faith” has gained popularity in recent times, but its common usage does not always align with its biblical definition. It has become synonymous with any form of religious or non-religious belief, irrespective of whether there is a solid foundation of truth supporting such beliefs. For instance, someone might profess “faith” in dandelions for spiritual healing, and this assertion could be deemed as valid as a Christian’s belief in the Bible as God’s inspired Word. Therefore, when grappling with “faith,” it is crucial to clarify the object and rationality of that faith. Not all faith assertions carry the same weight. Before we can have confidence in our faith, we must address the question: in what do I place my faith?

Many individuals adhere to the concept of having faith in faith itself. They view faith as the focal point, rather than God Himself. The primary purpose of faith according to the Bible is to lead us into God’s presence. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” We can only encounter Him by approaching Him through faith in His Son “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, tHe truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” , (John 14:6). Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” God does not bless half-hearted attempts to know Him. He desires that we pursue Him with passion, the same way He pursues us “We love him because he first loved us.” , (1 John 4:19).

However, God understands our inability to exercise the faith we need at times. In Mark 9:24, a man admitted to Jesus that he wanted help with his unbelief. Jesus did not rebuke the man but healed the man’s child anyway. He honored the man’s desire to grow in faith and was pleased that He, Jesus, was the object of that faith. So, if we have the desire to believe what the Bible teaches, then we have the right foundation for continuing to fight for faith. God has given us countless evidences of His existence and character (Psalm 19:1; Luke 19:38-40). Jesus fulfilled all prophecies necessary to validate His claim to be the Son of God (Matthew 2:15-17; 27:35; John 12:38). The Bible has been proven true over and over again for thousands of years. We have all the evidence we need, but God leaves the believing up to us.

It can be encouraging to remember that when we struggle with faith, we are in good company. Elijah the prophet experienced such a struggle. One of the greatest prophets of all time had just called down fire from heaven, killed over 400 false prophets, and outrun King Ahab’s chariot—a feat that would have been the envy of any Olympic gold medalist (1 Kings 18:36-38, 46). Yet the next chapter finAs Elijah hid in a cave, feeling depressed and wishing for death (1 Kings 19:3-5). Despite witnessing many miracles, he succumbed to fear and doubt because of the animosity of a wicked woman who despised him. Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, threatening his life (1 Kings 19:2). In times of stress and exhaustion, we may easily overlook all the things God has done for us.

John the Baptist also grappled with his faith during the lowest point in his life. Jesus had declared John the greatest prophet, saying, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). John had been chosen by God even before birth to prepare the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:11-17, 76). He remained faithful to this calling throughout his life (Mark 1:4-8). However, even John, after being imprisoned and facing death, questioned Jesus’ identity. He sent messengers to inquire if Jesus was truly the awaited One. Jesus did not scold John for his doubts but instead sent a message that only someone like John, well-versed in the Scriptures, would understand.Blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.” , (Luke 7:22). He quoted from Isaiah 61 and reminded John that He alone had fulfilled that Messianic prophecy.

We learn from these heroes of faith that God is patient with us when we desire to believe (Psalm 86:15; Psalm 147:11). When we experience times of doubt, we must immerse ourselves in truth. We can bolster a sagging faith by reading scriptural accounts of God’s miraculous interventions, listening to encouraging sermons, and reading books that appeal to our reason by authors such as C. S. Lewis or Lee Strobel. Podcasts by apologists such as William Lane Craig or Dr. John Lennox can also add fuel to the fire of our faith.

But the greatest power to overcome doubt comes from the Holy Spirit Himself, who “bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” «The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: », (Romans 8:16). We can cry out as the man cried to Jesus, “I believe. Lord, help my unbelief!” «And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. », (Mark 9:24). And we can expect Him to answer.