Why is it so hard for me to have faith in God?

Question

I have not been raised in a Christian family, infact there was no religion. Now my husband is following new in his walk and wants me to have faith too. I beleive in God, but I can't seem to follow the doctrine of Christianity. I really wish I could feel touched by the "holy Spirit", but I can't. This is tearing us apart because I want to have this in common with my husband, but I have so many questions, and disagree with so many things. How can I start having faith?

Answer 1

As a Christian thinker, let me encourage you by saying I'm grateful you're coming to these questions honestly...

Don't ever "try" to believe something. Be intellectually honest, but know that this is a matter that should be given careful thought. What you can do is read more about it by people who are authorities on the matter, and in time you will come to understand more fully that which you are studying and you'll be in a much better position to embrace the truths you do find.

The best place I can send you right now is a link to an .mp3 file by Christian Philosopher JP Moreland (28 MB). When he speaks, you'll appreciate the urgency he has for grappling with the difficult questions in an intellectually satisfying way.

Answer 2

You say believe in God? That should be enough for your husband,your belief in a God does not mean you need to be a Christian, or a Muslim or need to follow any other religion. You say you "want to have faith"? In what Christianity?
It would only cause friction between yourself and your husband if you were to actually ask him "What is a Christian? What must I believe to be a Christian"??
But just to put your own mind at rest, skirt around the question. Ask him, not to see if he really knows, but because you are interested!!
I am an atheist I know what you must believe to be a Christian, he says he is a Christian, I can almost guarantee that he is like 90% of Christians they don't really know what they must believe!
Here is a brief run down!
Jesus was and is God, he was his own Son, he was and is the Holy Ghost!(Ask him, what is the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit)?
If he doesn't believe or even understand that then he is not a Christian, neither are the other 90% of 'Christians'!!
Make up your own mind, your own belief in God should be enough for him, you do not require a group or sect to teach you how to do battle with other religious groups!
I have nothing at all against you or your belief in God, I do have lots against all religious groups that are asking you to follow their doctrines!

Answer 3

You are new in the Word, so therefore your feelings are natural. As you mature in the Word of God you will get to were you never thought you would be.

Questions are normal even for us who study God's Word regularly, do not let this discourage you, because we are only human and do not have God's full understanding we will always have some questions. What I've learned is that the more you read and understand the Bible the less questions you have.

Something to keep in mind when you feel like you disagree with God's Word.....ask yourself a few things:

1) Is it possible for the created to always undestand the Creator?

2) Just because a don't agree does it make things any less true?

3) Where was I when God created the foundations of the earth?

4) Has God ever asked my opinoin?

5) Have I completely submitted myself to God's Word & applied all of it in my life? Has God's Word come back void?

Answer 4

You need to practice your own faith. I have faith in Jesus Christ, but I'm sure my faith is different than a lot of other peoples. There are extremists, and laid back Christians. Each and every believer has to walk their own walk at their own pace. Noone can expect you to believe everything they believe and so on. I would suggest finding a church where you feel comfortable with. Then when you start going, just listen at first. See what they are talking about. Ask as many questions as you want too. Remember, if they aren't going by what the Bible says or it contradicts the bible, then they aren't giving Gods word. Find a good bible based church. Take your time and pray about it to God. What God works with one person, he may work on another person about something else. So never compare yourself.

Answer 5

Because you have so many questions, and the gospel is simple, Jesus said that unless we accept the kingdom of God as a little child, then we can't enter in, and unless you are genuinely seeking God for yourself and not just to please your husband, you are going to go around in circles forever, Jesus died for you as well as your husband, and it's very important that you ask Him into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior, unless you believe in Him you won't get anywhere, the greatest gift of faith that we will ever be given is when we believe with all our hearts that Jesus was the Son of God and that He died for us on the cross for our sins and that He is risen from the dead, as our Lord and Savior, you can't stir up faith, if you haven't got faith to start with, it's something that grows when you know and love God with all your heart and soul, the bible also says that faith comes through hearing and reading the word of God and putting it into practise in your life, try to put aside all the questions you have and disagreements, and taste and see that the Lord is good, also Christianity is a way of life, it's living your life for God every day.

Answer 6

I think the only thing to do is to sit down with the gospels and read about Jesus Christ; it is on "who is this man" that Christianity stands or falls. Having faith is about discovering that God, through this person of Jesus Christ, wants a relationship with his people, which includes you, and entering into this relationship. I'd also go to your local Christian church and ask if they have any "searcher" courses, or an Alpha course, and go along with an open mind. Don't chase feelings or emotions as they come and go and can't be relied on; what can be relied on is "did the stories of the gospels really happen?" if they did, then it all becomes clear. thats your starting point. All the best; and hope you find the narrow way that leads to life. All who truly seek it shall find it, God welcomes all who come.

Answer 7

Am sorry to hear that you feel this is causing discord for that is not what God would want in your home, least of all over His Word.

The Word says that it seems as foolishness to man but with God this Word is true.

Human nature leads us to believe that eternal destiny should be achieved on the merit of a man and his/her own ability but that is the difference in religion(mans' thinking) and faith(given of God).
It is a simple act of faith/believing in unseen and trusting that what He has said is true.
It is the gift of God, least any man should boast.....see even God knew that man would try and take credit.

Just talk to God in prayer - He will meet you there.
Search His Word - seek out His people for fellowship and confirmation of like faith.

John 3:16

If there were noone else but you - His gift of Jesus would have still been given.

May you find the peace you seek in Him!

Answer 8

Hello Manic,

Please don't fret. Ask Jesus to give you a revelation of truth in the knowledge of him. You know its a personal thing as well as a sharing thing with your husband. I think questions are important and other people aren't always right. Read the bible pray and think about it. I don't know what group your husband is involved in. I think God is stronger than any group and if you seek you will find. The truth is the truth and if your an honest person you wont be able to pretend for anyones benefit just to be agreeable or fit in. Talk to Jesus cos he listens and tell him what you said here xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Answer 9

The Holy Spirit has already blessed you. You have an insight to what is the real world and the hocus-pocus, holy holy junk.
My words of wisdom.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly and listen to others even the dull & ignorant they too have thier story.
"the Desiderata"
Do not be intimidated. You Believe In GOD.
Thats all thats needed.

Answer 10

Well ask yourself this question. Did you pop into this world with all the programs put into you by accident (DNA) They said that if you were to take a wrist watch apart and put it in the bag and shake it for eternity and still wouldn't be able to put it back together by accident. Is your ego so big that you think you are here with out a supreme being? Really life is difficult so we tend to lose faith but it's also for us to learn and the worst thing that could happen to us all sooner or later is death. But death is the ultimate thing to nature because life is such a short term thing compare to death. Read my book if you want more info