Help! Struggle

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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#1
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#1
Hi everyone! Happy new year!

I noticed I have been struggling with my faith. I still believe truly in God! I wonder at times if I’m loosing my faith. I even get thoughts if there even is a God, I read too many things on the internet( huge mistake) now I’m struggling. I don’t want God to be upset with me that I doubt at times, or have doubted. I have even have friends that have told me how can you believe in this? pHave any of you all ever struggled with doubt? Or these types of thoughts. If not, can you all offer any advice?
Thanks!
 
Demi777

Demi777

Senior Member
#2
Oct 13, 2014
6,891
1,960
113
Germany
#2
I am sure every believer has struggled with faith. Everyone has doubted. But holding on and seeing God break through anyway counts and builds faith. God doesnt always act when we want to but we need to be of good spirits that he knows better than we do and stay joyful.
Dont feel discouraged. God is in control
 
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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#3
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#3
Demi777 said:
I am sure every believer has struggled with faith. Everyone has doubted. But holding on and seeing God break through anyway counts and builds faith. God doesnt always act when we want to but we need to be of good spirits that he knows better than we do and stay joyful.
Dont feel discouraged. God is in control
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Thank you Demi777! I appreciate you replying! I’m trying to stay positive and hold on
 
WingsOfLight

WingsOfLight

Well-known member
#4
Dec 10, 2019
198
267
63
#4
When you have other people trying to influence you and fill your head with stuff, it can cause you to doubt. That's a problem with them, because nobody should be saying stuff like that to you. In my personal opinion, that's not very respectful.

Also, the internet has false information sometimes. On certain things.

I think God understands where you are coming from. Just keep in mind that you are stronger than what other people doubt, and sometimes God tests us to see how strong our faith is. Don't let others discourage you. God Bless!
 
Bingo

Bingo

Well-known member
#5
Feb 9, 2019
9,417
4,831
113
#5
TrustingGod4life said:
Hi everyone! Happy new year!

I noticed I have been struggling with my faith. I still believe truly in God! I wonder at times if I’m loosing my faith. I even get thoughts if there even is a God, I read too many things on the internet( huge mistake) now I’m struggling. I don’t want God to be upset with me that I doubt at times, or have doubted. I have even have friends that have told me how can you believe in this? pHave any of you all ever struggled with doubt? Or these types of thoughts. If not, can you all offer any advice?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Friendly.png
"Be wise in who and what you listen to!"
- Copy - Copy - Copy (5) - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy.jpg :)
 
Pemican

Pemican

Senior Member
#6
Sep 27, 2014
959
246
43
#6
Everyone has doubts. But the solution is the same for everyone. I've said this many times before, but here goes again. We all need to grow up spiritually. When you do, you trade doubts for confidence that comes from knowing the Word of God as the only source of absolute truth. Your friends have a head full of the lies of the ruler of this world. They have no absolute truth.

Spiritual growth is a three step process:

1. Learn the Word of God. (You need a faithful and prepared pastor to teach you.)
2. Believe the Word of God. (This does not necessarily happen immediately. You may need to put a lot of teaching together before you get it and have that "Aha!" experience. Up goes your confidence!
3. Apply what you know to your life and your circumstances. (The practical application to your life. Developing patience, for instance, with those who do not believe, and knowing what to say to them.)
 
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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#7
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#7
WingsOfLight said:
When you have other people trying to influence you and fill your head with stuff, it can cause you to doubt. That's a problem with them, because nobody should be saying stuff like that to you. In my personal opinion, that's not very respectful.

Also, the internet has false information sometimes. On certain things.

I think God understands where you are coming from. Just keep in mind that you are stronger than what other people doubt, and sometimes God tests us to see how strong our faith is. Don't let others discourage you. God Bless!
Click to expand...
Thank you! Yes I have friends that even say I’m stupid! Of Jesus isn’t coming back it just makes me doubt God or an actual God. Thank you I appreciate you understanding!God Bless you!
 
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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#9
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#9
Pemican said:
Everyone has doubts. But the solution is the same for everyone. I've said this many times before, but here goes again. We all need to grow up spiritually. When you do, you trade doubts for confidence that comes from knowing the Word of God as the only source of absolute truth. Your friends have a head full of the lies of the ruler of this world. They have no absolute truth.

Spiritual growth is a three step process:

1. Learn the Word of God. (You need a faithful and prepared pastor to teach you.)
2. Believe the Word of God. (This does not necessarily happen immediately. You may need to put a lot of teaching together before you get it and have that "Aha!" experience. Up goes your confidence!
3. Apply what you know to your life and your circumstances. (The practical application to your life. Developing patience, for instance, with those who do not believe, and knowing what to say to them.)
Click to expand...
Thank you for encouraging and opening my eyes! I just want to live for the Lord! And not let anyone or outside things influence me!
 
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MegMarch

Guest
#10
#10
I have described my faith to be Peter like at times—flaming hot or despairingly cold. When I’m feeling coldness towards the Lord or the beginning of a hardening, God draws me. It’s not as if he is unaware. I believe this is what God is doing for you—drawing you to himself.

When he draws me to himself, he usually lets me express my emotions, or lack there of, and then he gently shows me and convicts me of my sin. He picks me back up and helps me sometimes moment by moment to take the next step forward. It’s all because of him. I could not do it of my own accord in a genuine way that builds my faith in him instead of pride in my own perceived abilities.

Just like any relationship, while not exactly the same as God should be respected and prized above all, uninterrupted time with him will help you to feel close to him again.
 
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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#11
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#11
MegMarch said:
I have described my faith to be Peter like at times—flaming hot or despairingly cold. When I’m feeling coldness towards the Lord or the beginning of a hardening, God draws me. It’s not as if he is unaware. I believe this is what God is doing for you—drawing you to himself.

When he draws me to himself, he usually lets me express my emotions, or lack there of, and then he gently shows me and convicts me of my sin. He picks me back up and helps me sometimes moment by moment to take the next step forward. It’s all because of him. I could not do it of my own accord in a genuine way that builds my faith in him instead of pride in my own perceived abilities.

Just like any relationship, while not exactly the same as God should be respected and prized above all, uninterrupted time with him will help you to feel close to him again.
Click to expand...
That’s exactly how I feel! I even feel embarrassed to even pray knowing I’m feeling this way. I agree I need to spend time again with the Lord, even when I begin to doubt I’m right back to the Lord! Everything you said spoke to me! Thank you! God bless you!
 
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TheIndianGirl

Guest
#12
#12
MegMarch said:
uninterrupted time with him will help you to feel close to him again.
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I agree with this. When I find myself questioning, something will happen in my life where I'm drawn to Him again.
 
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MegMarch

Guest
#13
#13
TrustingGod4life said:
That’s exactly how I feel! I even feel embarrassed to even pray knowing I’m feeling this way. I agree I need to spend time again with the Lord, even when I begin to doubt I’m right back to the Lord! Everything you said spoke to me! Thank you! God bless you!
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Oh, I’m so glad it was helpful! God bless you too! ❤️
 
Ferdi

Ferdi

Member
#14
Dec 13, 2019
30
24
8
#14
All good replies. I'd like to suggest this short presentation by a renowned Christian philosopher and historian. It regards the EVIDENCE for the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus himself knew and utilized the power of providing evidence. We Christians need not check our reason at the door; the evidence is very much on our side and God has given it to us.


I know that reaching out for God through prayer in times of doubt, is important. As is reading scripture. I'm not suggesting you don't pray or read scripture. But I also know that CASE-MAKING and loving God with our minds (as well as our hearts) is an act of worship.

The Internet is FULL of misinformation about Jesus, usually by non-scholars. Once we start to seek the experts, everything sounds different and much better.

May God guide you.

Remember, He isn't out to trick us. :)
 
Magenta

Magenta

Senior Member
#15
Jul 3, 2015
61,115
30,243
113
#15
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit
themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
 
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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#16
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#16
Ferdi said:
All good replies. I'd like to suggest this short presentation by a renowned Christian philosopher and historian. It regards the EVIDENCE for the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus himself knew and utilized the power of providing evidence. We Christians need not check our reason at the door; the evidence is very much on our side and God has given it to us.


I know that reaching out for God through prayer in times of doubt, is important. As is reading scripture. I'm not suggesting you don't pray or read scripture. But I also know that CASE-MAKING and loving God with our minds (as well as our hearts) is an act of worship.

The Internet is FULL of misinformation about Jesus, usually by non-scholars. Once we start to seek the experts, everything sounds different and much better.

May God guide you.

Remember, He isn't out to trick us. :)
Click to expand...
Thank you so so much!! I appreciate the video link as well!
 
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TrustingGod4life

Senior Member
#17
Dec 26, 2017
438
89
28
#17
Magenta said:
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit
themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Click to expand...
Amen! God bless you! Definitely going to study that scripture
 
Magenta

Magenta

Senior Member
#19
Jul 3, 2015
61,115
30,243
113
#19
TrustingGod4life said:
I have even have friends that have told me how can you believe in this?
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This is why we are exhorted to work out our salvation with fear and trembling: why DO you believe? Many will want to tell you what you ought to believe, while they pooh pooh what you DO believe in your heart and know to be true because of your own convictions and personal experiences, and even your own relationship with God. One of the peculiar traits of non-believers is that they will mock your faith and say things like you only believe because you were told to (being brainwashed, they call it), while they want you to believe what they tell you to believe, simply because they believe it. The irony of their position is lost on them. Don't let it be lost on you. Non-believers believe a lot of things simply because a scientist said it, as if scientists have all the answers, when they most certainly do not. Not to mention the fact that there are plenty of theistic scientists, some of whom are Nobel prize winners.



 
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