Feeling discouraged as a Christian?
Falling for the same sins and temptations again and again?
Having doubts about your faith?
Feeling inept in knowing how to share what God has done for you?
Having the wind beaten out of your sails by angry skeptics?
Other Christians getting on your nerves?
Don’t worry, you’re in good company. Jesus’ disciples and early followers struggled with the same conflicts. Yes, the very people spent time with Jesus and saw his miracles still struggled with doubt. You would think after watching water be turned into wine and five thousand people being fed with a few loaves and fishes, they would never question God again, but they did. Peter, who in a better moment declared Jesus to be the Messiah, denied him three times (before the cock crowed) at the very moment Jesus needed him the most. Was Peter abandoned for his doubt and betrayal of Christ? No, Jesus made him the rock on which he built his church. Thomas who had seen Jesus in action, still had to touch his hands and side to believe he had actuallly died and rose again. Paul, who also had his own struggles, had to be relentless in trying to keep dissension out of the early Christian church. Early followers of Christ had issues of loving and accepting each other, just like we do today.
Don’t let your human failings cause you to give up as a Christian. Remember John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world may be saved through him.” Yes, skeptics like to make fun of the simplicity of these verses which are often posted at sporting events. They are written simply so that no one, no matter what their status in life, can miss out on their blessings.
Hold to God’s promises, even when your doubts and temptations overrule you. You have won the battle.
Remember that feelings are not a true gauge of reality. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever, and his love and provisions for us do not change.
Remember also to be smart – wise as serpents and innocent as doves (as the bible says).
Satan wants to take you down, but he knows Jesus has already won the ultimate battle. In the meantime, he will do everyhing he can to thwart your effectiveness and eat away at your faith. Don’t leave yourself unguarded to Satan’s attacks. Read the word, stay in prayer. According to 1 Peter 5:8: “Your enemy (the devil) prowls around like an angry lion looking for someone to devour.” But, don’t get to down on yourself. God loves us, unconditionally, even with all our failings – like parents love their children. We are in good company in messing up sometimes. The early saints did so, at times, and in many ways they were just like us.
– Natasha Spence
