"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or ness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:29-39 Sometimes you doubt your faith. Sometimes just finding five minutes for God seems like just another chore. God knows that sometimes Christians struggle in their faith. Sometimes devotions do not really seem like devotion, but work. Sometimes Christians wonder if God is even there. Here are some ways I found to keep your faith strong even when you feel a bit weak.
Remember that God is Always There. Even in the driest times, when you just don’t feel God’s presence, you need to remember that God is always there. He does not forget you. True faith is developed even when you don’t feel God.
Start a Daily Devotional, Prayer, and Relationship Time. Developing long-term habits is extremely important to maintaining your faith. Any kind of relationship won't last if it's just cultivated every once in awhile. Just like friend or boyfriend relationships, a relationship with Christ requires time and effort, except this relationship can only get better and better. A daily devotional will also keep you in the Word and enhance your prayer life. It will keep you closer to God even when you're stuggling.When the hard choices come up in your life, you'll know how to approach them, because you know the Word of God.
Get involved. Many people become apathetic over time, because they do not feel connected to a church body. Some churches may not offer ways to connect that you are interested in. Yet, there are plenty of activities on campuses and in the community. You can even look into other ministries. The more connected you are to the body of Christ, the more likely it is that you will grow and maintain your faith.
Talk to someone. If you feel separated from God or you find yourself backsliding, talk to someone. Try anyone, a pastor, a friend, or even your parents. Talk through your issues and pray with them about your struggles. They can offer great insight into how they have worked through their own struggles, even if you think they might not be interested in talking, take the chance because truly, you have nothing to lose by simply talking.
I hope these truths help to aid those who are truly struggling in their faith. All we have to do is have the faith that God is present inside us and He wants us to love Him with all our being. It simply takes initiative on our part to live as He wants us to live. No matter how bad the consequences are, no matter how bad things in our life seem to be, God always has a plan, which tends to work on our behalf, fulfilling His present and perfect will for our lives.
Here's a link to a good resource when you find yourself backsliding: http://christianity.about.com/od/practicaltools/ht/avoidbackslide.htm
Live for Christ.
Keep the Faith.
Dive Deep.
No comments:
Post a Comment