Struggles as Christians: How we overcome. (Part one)
Life’s struggles
Life is full of struggles, and as Christians, we are not exempt from struggles. In fact, our faith often calls us to face trials with courage and trust in God. But what does it feel like to struggle as a Christian? These posts explore the raw, honest emotions and experiences of facing difficulties while holding onto faith.
Feeling Spiritually Dry or Distant
Struggles come in many forms—financial hardships, health issues, broken relationships, or even spiritual doubts that challenge our faith and convictions. As Christians, we sometimes feel the pressure to appear strong and unwavering, as if we must always put on a brave face to reflect our beliefs.
However, the truth is, we all have moments of weakness, times when our faith feels as fragile as a thread and our burdens seem too heavy to bear. During these difficult seasons, it’s essential to remember that vulnerability is not a sign of defeat, but rather an opportunity for growth.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…” – Psalm 42:5
It’s in these quiet valleys that we often feel most distant from God. It’s like our prayers echo back unanswered, or Scripture feels hollow despite our efforts. In these moments, silence pervades our hearts. The weight of the world presses down on our shoulders. We may find ourselves questioning our faith and the very essence of our connection to the divine.
Elijah’s struggles mimic ours.
Elijah knew this firsthand when he was hiding from Queen Jezebel. (I Kings 19:9-18). He knew his life was over, but God spoke to him quietly and gently.
Elijah was rescued.
Just like Elijah, each breath we take can be a testament to resilience. We slowly recognize God’s presence that surrounds us. He urges us on to embrace our struggles as part of a greater journey toward healing and understanding.
In these moments of desperation, a flicker of hope urges us to seek the light in the shadows. The very act of searching for that light can lead us to a deeper understanding of faith. Consequently, our struggles become a pathway to greater strength and resilience.
Struggles lead to deeper insight.
The stillness can be deafening, and it often leads us into a deeper exploration of our innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities. In moments of quiet, we find that our minds can wander freely, unearthing feelings and memories. We may have long buried these beneath the noise of everyday life. Yet, it is precisely in these valleys that we are allowed to reflect.
We seek meaning in our struggles and to understand the lessons that our experiences impart. But it is in these valleys that we can rediscover the gentle whispers of hope that can guide us through the darkness. Pats will be illuminated that we might not have noticed before.
As we navigate these terrains, we discover not just our fears but also the resilience within us. This enables us to rise above and emerge stronger.
Real-Life Reflection:
Sarah, a devoted believer, went through a season where her faith felt dry. She attended church, served faithfully, read her Bible—but inside, she felt spiritually parched. She had been a Christian a long time, but now felt as though she was taking steps backward.
Sarah went through the motions, but nothing helped. One evening, she was overcome with despair. She hadn’t prayed much for months, but now found herself on her knees, tearfully admitting for the first time Lord, I believe… but I feel nothing.”
Over time, gentle reminders surfaced—a comforting verse, a friend. After a few months, Sarah found her way back to God. She now knew the hope described in Psalm 42:5, “Why, my soul, are you so downcast?….Put your hope in God.”
Sometimes we have to go through the desert before we find the life-giving water.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever had to talk to your soul?
- What scriptures spoke to you the most?
- How would you encourage others going through a dry spell?
((I am re-posting this because I ended up writing a series of posts, of which this is the first one.)
Related posts
-
Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?”
“Who do you say I am?”, Jesus asked Peter/ That question is one of the most important questions ever asked. It’s the most important question we are asked. Who are we praying to? Who do you think God is? After I wrote that question, I thought to myself, that is a really big question. It Read more
-
Cute handmade Valentines crafts to make for Sunday
Here are some cute handmade Valentines you still have time to make before Sunday. I wanted to make a bunch more for a garland but simply don’t have the time. I’ve been busy writing like crazy this week on my book. But in the evenings I just have to wind down. With Valentines Day coming Read more
-
What is the first step in learning? Do you know?
What is the first step in learning? Does one just decide to become a student or is there more? This post will answer that. You see, God can only lead us when we are ready to be led. I wish it weren’t so. I wish He would just step-in and force me some days. He Read more
-
Feelings of insecurity affect our prayers
Feelings of insecurity affect our prayers. And not in a good way. Don’t let that happen. I think that’s why I love the story in Luke, chapter five. Apostle Peter was not bothered by insecurity I love this story, not because Peter catches a lot of fish, but because his faith is such that he Read more
-
What’s the first step in trusting God?
What is the first step in trusting God? This is a short post but I wanted to share what is on my heart while it is still so achingly fresh. Know what I mean? As you probably know, I write often about how our word choice is so important to our mental and emotional health. Read more
-
The next step in prayer is a simple “Hello”
Could a simple “hello” be the next step in prayer. What is the next step in prayer? Last week I wrote that the desire to pray is the first step to prayer. However, I also wrote the desire to pray is lacking, especially for those who are just beginning their journey of faith. I shared Read more
Discover more from goodthoughtsgoodlives
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
