Why we struggle in our faith walk

When it comes to our faith walk, there are the usual obstacles we must navigate – fear, doubt, anxiety, and of course sin. But did you know there are a few subconscious struggles that hinder us?

These are not things that are readily visible, yet they often stifle our faith and our ability to obey God.

Here are three things that stifle our ability to follow Christ

1. The Blessing Paradox

One of the reasons we struggle to believe in God is when we face hardships. There is this understandable but dangerous theology that portrays the Christian walk as one where things go well.

Basically, we are quick to believe God when we are enjoying his blessings and “good” things that come our way, and struggle in seasons of trials and difficulties.

More so, we may notice that we tend to obey God when it’s something we want and struggle when it is something we don’t want or something likely to make us look bad in the eyes of the world.

Maybe God has been calling you to leave that high-flying job but hasn’t told you what the next step will be. So, you try to grapple with the loss of income, status, and not even knowing what to tell people.

I can relate.

We don’t see these sorts of ‘callings’ as a blessing.

We want the flashy miracles and not the hardships. Yet, we forget what James says here:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4

 

2. The Comparison Catch

Have you been in a situation where someone was sharing their testimony and the first thought that crossed your mind was

“Lord, why can’t I share these types of testimonies, why is my case always different?”

Perhaps, the person was talking about a new job, getting married, having kids, or all the host of things we Christians celebrate, and all that did was remind you of all you didn’t have.

So, instead of celebrating with them, you found yourself going down the path of envy and discontent.

Don’t worry, you are not alone.

We, humans, tend to focus on what we lack rather than what we have. That’s why there are so many Bible verses that encourage gratitude and opportunities to count our blessings.

This is a known antidote to envy and disappointment.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

3. The Cross

The cross of Calvary is a place of death and one of the necessary deaths is a death to self.

There is no doubt that this is one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. We are in a constant battle of the flesh against the spirit.

We long for a world where we get to do what we want and still live life in God’s way. Unfortunately (or fortunately), this is not possible. We must continually subject the desires of the flesh and bring them into alignment with God’s word.

Here is how our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ captures this:

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Luke 9:23-24

 

Trust God in everything

As Christians, we have a daily choice to make. We have the power and enjoy the privilege to choose which path to take – that of the ephemeral (the temporary comfort) or His lasting peace.

May God empower us to live according to His truth no matter what we face. Amen ??

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7