I'm struggling with faith. What should I do?
You have the greatest power in the universe to assist you—the Holy Spirit. Call on God. The Holy Spirit "bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16).Once, when a man with faith needed help believing, he cried out to Jesus, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). You can do the same. Ask God to help you. This is your first and greatest step in overcoming your struggle.
You are not alone in your struggle. Even the prophet Elijah struggled. He proved God's goodness and existence in front of hundreds of doubters, killed more than 400 false prophets, outran King Ahab's chariot, then the next day collapsed in doubt and depression (1 Kings 18:36—19:5). He took part in some of the most dramatic and amazing miracles recorded in the Bible, then almost immediately gave into fear and doubt. We are susceptible to the same reversals.
Even John the Baptist struggled with faith. God intentionally selected John to announce the Savior (Luke 1:11–17, 76) and Jesus named him the greatest prophet (Matthew 11:11). Then, while imprisoned, John began to doubt about Jesus and who He was (Luke 7:20). He spread that doubt to others, asking them to question Jesus. Yet, Jesus had compassion and answered John's questioning with specific answers pertinent to John (Luke 7:22).
God is patient and compassionate toward us when we, even in our struggles, have a desire to believe (Psalm 86:15; 147:11). Grasp those things of faith, no matter how seemingly small, that you know are true. Read where God was faithful and chose imperfect people for His work—see Moses, David, Mary, and Paul for starters. You might also find it helpful to read the writings or listen to the teachings of trusted Christians who appeal to reason such as C.S. Lewis, Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, and Dr. John Lennox.
Many people, from those in the Bible to church leaders today, struggle with faith during their lives. Remember, faith is not easy. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Because we currently live in the physical world and our senses are created to primarily understand the physical reality, it can be difficult for us to understand intangible, invisible truths.
Remember also that our faith, that in Jesus Christ, is different than other religious or spiritual options. The object of our faith as Christians is God Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is this mysterious triune God we worship, not an idea, a set of values or morals, or a special teacher. The reason we have faith is as an avenue to God.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). We become closer to God when we exercise that faith. To know God, to seek Him, is to know Jesus (John 14:6).
It is in the simple seeking of God that unlocks our ability to know Him (Jeremiah 29:13). See, this avenue that faith makes to meet God is a two-way street. He also is seeking to know you (1 John 4:19).
God offers us evidence for His existence and character (Psalm 19:1; Luke 19:38–40; among others). Additionally, Jesus validated His pronouncement that He was the Son of God by fulfilling multiple prophesies (Matthew 2:13–18; 27:35; Psalm 22:18; John 12:37–38). For thousands of years the Bible has stood true against countless attacks. And yet, even with all that, God will answer your prayer for help believing. Pray.
What is growing in faith? How can a Christian grow in faith?
What should I do to increase my faith?
What is childlike faith? Does the Bible instruct us to have childlike faith?
What is the Christian life?
How can I recognize the voice of God?
Truth about the Christian Life
