The Fight Against Un-belief

Introduction: Post Purpose

I’m writing this post for the individual who struggles with unbelief in their journey of faith with God. Consider the hazard of faith “is easy” mindset. Faithful followers of Christ experience doubts and trials. This post asserts that true faith and walking with God involves recognizing and working through doubts, and uncertainties. God graciously provides His presence, grace, courage, and hope to sustain us on our journeys!

My Testimony

On my journey, I’ve face discouragement, discontent, uncertainty, and frustration. Yet, God has faithfully preserved my limited faith and courage. His grace was present in the moments when walking away seemed my best option. In my early twenties, I lost several close family members. They were faithful believers who remained faithful until death took them. My teaching and church ministry careers ended. I’ve struggled with trauma and unhealthy attachment styles. Enduring a season of disappointment and facing rejection due to society expectations (single man in mid 40s).

These difficulties and sorrows serve as undercurrents that seek to erode faith and trust in God’s goodness. Knowing theological truth(s) and scripture don’t guarantee a faithful response to life’s disappointments. We can know God and His truths and still walk away when the pain and His silence become overwhelming.

Deconstruction and abandoning God

A topic trending on YouTube and other social media forms is the deconstruction of a person’s faith. These videos typically feature a person who once considered themselves to be Christians. After studying multiple deconstruction stories to examine the circumstances and reasons, one recognizes several common features and probable underlying problems:

1. The individual experienced a significant loss that they couldn’t accept and reconcile to what he/she believed about God. Life’s circumstances and difficulties don’t align with prior understanding or teaching(s) about God. Probable root issue: wrong theological understanding of God’s Nature.
2. Someone or group used religion to manipulate, abuse, and/or deceive them-spiritual abuse.
3. The claims of science seem to counter the Bible’s historical or scientific themes. Theistic worldview v. materialistic view. Please consider the purpose, message, and proper understanding and application of the Bible.
4. The person became a believer at a young age, was involved in church but didn’t question the truths of God or His nature until later in life when facing crisis. Crisis of faith, lack of discipleship/training
5. A sense of God’s silence and abandonment when facing trials and difficult life situations. God’s Perceived Absence, Dark Night of the Soul, etc.

Some were originally certain of his/her faith. They testified that they had regularly attended church, lived in a manner honoring God, and read the Bible daily. They came from various conservative evangelical denominations. But when relationships faltered, careers/jobs collapsed, a brother died from cancer, they found it easier to accept atheism than to continue to believe. They describe being happy and finding peace in no longer believing. What is going on with these situations?

Trusting God Is Difficult: There is no “easy” true faith journey

Each person has a unique faith journey! Various experiences, family backgrounds, and issues in life impact a person. Life’s negative experiences, disappointments, and suffering impact how a person views God, the church, others, and own beliefs. When our friends, coworkers, or family members are struggling with faith our response matters! Encourage others who are asking questions and wrestling with difficulties.

God’s Word presents several general truths about faith and walking with God:

1. God transforms those who encounter His Presence. Consider how God changes the lives of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, and Saul! They weren’t the same after encountering God. God changes us when we experience Him! No change, then we haven’t truly encountered God. God’s call is difficult to live out. The great “heroes” of faith had questions and doubts. They were misunderstood, persecuted, and struggled in daily life to press ahead.
2. Walking with God involves faith–specifically trusting His revealed truth(s) even when His truths or promises go against human reasoning. For example, Abraham and Sarah were both aware of the impossibility of an heir in their old age (according to human means). Moses had to trust that God would deliver the Hebrews from the most powerful nation in the region. Faith isn’t only about logic or reason–it’s about trust and relationship with God especially when faith doesn’t make logical sense. Hebrews Chapter 11 gives plenty of examples here!
3. Walking with God brings about questions, trials, and difficulties. Can you find any example of a person in the Old or New Testament who had a smooth, easy journey?
4. When a person responds in faith/trust and obeys God life often becomes more difficult from a human perspective. Please carefully consider Hebrews 11. Life doesn’t go as we hope or expect.

The following article provides helpful insights into feeling God’s absence and how that this is actually God’s presence!

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/when-god-isnt-there

Trying to Explain the Unexplainable

For more about the unexplainable whys check out this post:

Resting in God: The Dark Nights: The Problem of the Whys

Consider that God condemns Job’s friends for speaking about things that they didn’t know! They were insisting that Job was at fault and were incorrectly attributing events to God’s nature. The best route is to active listen to others and be present in their difficult moments or seasons of life.

Recall that the prodigal son returns home, but it’s the older brother who remains lost! Let’s remember that it’s not our knowledge about God that attracts people. It’s God’s truth, grace, love, mercy, and kindness present in our lives and actions that shines forth!

The young man considers his situation in a place that brings him comfort and peace. Sometimes we must step outside and slow down to seek His presence in our difficulties.

To anyone who is battling to believe or press ahead, you’re not alone! Your story and courage matter. Seek out other followers who will stand with you in your journey!