Many people give up their faith when times become tough; this can be devastating and leave you untethered from Jesus forever.
When you feel like giving up on God, remember the examples of Job, Abraham, David and the Apostles – each were imperfect yet still needed the comfort and support of Almighty to remain strong and resilient.
Table of Contents
1. You don’t trust him
Trusting God requires placing our faith and belief in Him despite any circumstances or feelings which suggest otherwise.
However, many people struggle with trusting God when they don’t see immediate solutions to their prayers and struggles. It is essential that those closest to these individuals understand why this may be happening and assist in helping them navigate these difficulties in a healthy manner.
People struggling with doubt often seek security in other things, like wealth, position or relationships – things which cannot provide true protection and will always leave them wanting. Turning to God and His Word for guidance rather than trying to figure things out on our own is the wiser approach.
People struggle with trusting God for various reasons, including believing He does not exist. This can have serious repercussions and it is vital for people to understand why this view exists so they can assist those struggling with it.
Some people find it hard to trust God due to other beliefs they hold, whether atheistic, agnostic or from other religions. Understanding why they don’t trust Him allows us to help them. This podcast offers insight into some of the main causes behind their lack of faith as well as suggestions on helping those wanting to submit to the Lord but being hindered by other beliefs.
2. You don’t believe in him
Many have asked themselves the question, “Does God hate me?” You may have come to believe that any difficulties you’re having must be your fault and that God doesn’t care about you, making suffering seem like punishment. However, it’s important to realize that sometimes it isn’t your own doing and there could be multiple reasons behind why you might be experiencing difficulty (illness, accidents and death can all contribute), yet when looked deeper you will find that God’s love surpasses your struggles.
Reasons you might question if God hates you may include how religions depict Him. The God portrayed in the Bible is often depicted as loving, personal being who cares deeply for his creation; other religions tend to portray Him as a force with no accountability to any higher power; accepting this kind of God can be difficult when so many others are suffering and in danger.
Scientists also struggle with the idea of a transcendent being. At first glance, evolution seems like it would provide enough explanations for life to make its existence unnecessary – yet statistics still demonstrate a Creator is needed in our universe.
If you are having difficulty believing that God loves you, take some time to renew your relationship with him. Ask for his assistance in trusting his goodness, and commit to spending some time each day in his presence. When doubts recur, read scripture as a way of reminding yourself He loves you.
3. You don’t like him
If you don’t like God, it could be for any number of reasons. He could be dissatisfying you by not showing up when needed or punishing for past decisions; perhaps He has not answered prayers as expected or provided comfort and peace when needed. Whatever the cause, remember not to base your relationship solely on feelings; Scripture tells us otherwise! Your feelings might indicate otherwise!
There may also be logical inconsistencies with God that make Him difficult for you to like, such as how an all-powerful and all-loving being can allow evil in this world, while leaving it so badly created?
Problematic is using worldly standards to judge God, who exists infinitely above them all. This approach to viewing life and spirituality can be harmful and destructive.
Your dislike of god may stem from experiences with church and religious teachers who have mistreated you, or from personal tragedy or hardships which have left you cold and distant from him. But by relinquishing any negative associations with him, you can begin to heal – beginning by loving him more deeply; seeing that His grace is enough; prioritizing loving Him above any pleasures or needs or money-oriented pursuits; eventually your affection will return and you’ll feel his presence once more in your life.
4. You don’t think he’s good for you
Many people believe in god as an all-loving, merciful creator who wants all people to be happy. He sustains the universe; forgives sinners; fulfills His plan for humanity and rewards those who obey Him – an ideology supported by early Jewish, Christian, and Muslim theologians such as Maimonides, Augustine of Hippo and Al-Ghazali among many others; while Nietzsche considered this conception “dead.” Many modern scientists also characterize Him as wish fulfillment or the perfect father figure figure.
5. You don’t think he’s good for others
Ofttimes the reasons people turn away from God can be more complex than initially believed. It’s not simply due to life being difficult; more often than not it comes down to an inner battle involving an internal battle for their faith between Jesus and Satan; with Satan encouraging people to believe he’s unconcerned with them or their situation.
It is no wonder then, that some of the highest profile Christian influencers walk away from their faith, because of struggles they’re encountering and question why it happens only to them and no others. Additionally, these individuals struggle with understanding what it means to love and trust a God who allows suffering, hardship and death.
Problematically, such thinking teaches us to believe that God is unfairly selective in his protection of some over others and puts more faith in ourselves than him. Jesus came to correct such people; they may honor Jesus in word but trust themselves more. Jesus sought to correct those who claim faith in him while neglecting to practice what they profess through action – those who honor him outwardly but place trust solely in themselves rather than him. Although such people believe in Christ themselves, some feel entitled to his favor for reasons not directly connected with his promises or his promises from previous.
As you face challenging times, remember that God is with you every step of the way. His plan may not always align with what you want or expect, but keep coming to Him with your broken heart, trusting that He can heal it and show His glory (Psalm 103:2). God is good; He’s worth your perseverance – and He hasn’t finished with you yet! Click here for more Bible truths about his goodness.
