If sincere prayer and open reading of the Bible doesn't bring faith, what's the next step in trying to get it?

Question

Sleeper:

Well, if I am in the pursuit of truth, should I not at least consider the possibility my earlier approach was flawed?

Quantril:

I've also read Torah, Tanakh, Talmud, Baghavad Gita, Satanic Bible, and other such writings/recorded wisdom.

While I find gems of truth in all of them, I still find it impossible to have faith.

So what's the next step?

Flaccid:

I'm four courses away from a BA in Biblical Studies.

I have a hard time reading -- so most books I own that are meant to be read, not just referenced, I own in audio format.

Cindersadie:

No, I don't believe. That's what I'm trying to figure out how to do.

Laura S:

On the quest for truth, one should leave no stone unturned. Otherwise there will always be doubt.

You tell me I should trust God -- very well. But in order to trust in him, I must believe he exists.

BlueOctagons:

I'm noticing that as well... there are two answers forming:

1. Ask God and trust him to follow through.
2. Just start.

But belief arises from our experiences and the things that we know, not from choice.

Maybe I should rephrase my question and ask, "What is it I need to experience or know in order to believe in a deity?"

Answer 1

I have no doubt that you are very sincere about your search for truth, Hun. I don't believe anyone can give you an equation as to what will work for you, but I CAN give you a promise....

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD

Jeremiah 29:10-14

Everyone's personal journey to Truth is individual and is dependent upon background, personal life experiences, character, and their willingness to listen and learn.

We each have scars and baggage that often makes us doubt whether or not there could actually be a God that could allow things to happen around us and not intercede as we feel He ought to. Honestly, I would be lying if I said I understood it all even as a Christian; I Do Not! What I have come to understand is that Faith is the ONLY thing that God asks of us before He reveals Himself to us. You say you have none? Honey, you do! Your very poingent questions are proof that you do...and while it isn't up to me to tell you HOW to go about exercising it....a measure of faith HAS been given to Everyone! Start by confessing what you know you have done wrong. That' is getting truthful with God. To find the truth we must FACE the truth...that's the beginning of where our meeting with God will begin. Get real about yourself and your sinful ways with Him, and allow Him to begin to show you freedom from trappings that are holding you captive! Remember; to find Truth; we need to lay it ALL out before Him and BE truthful!

God Bless you!

Answer 2

The Bible is clear that faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:3 and 1 Cor. 12:9). We also know faith (among the other spiritual gifts) is given along with grace at the moment a person is Born Again (Eph. 4:7-8).

However, a person cannot have faith -- or God's grace -- unless he or she repents. This is the first step that God has always required, as stated in the Tanakh and discussed by the sages in the Talmud.

So your first step should have been repentence, prompted by a heart broken because you've disobeyed God. Your second step is prayer and your third is reading the Bible.

Answer 3

Jesus stated it this way, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

If you've ever observed children, they are very trusting. Some might even call it naivete. A child will believe something an adult tells them. Most don't even question, until they become jaded by adults.

This is the quality that Jesus is talking about. You seem to demand "proof" before you will believe, and consider it a high calling to do so. This is man's wisdom, and not God's. God wants childlike trust. He is not a lab rat that you can have run around a maze, and then when He meets your requirements, you then believe. God wants you to believe, and only then, will He reveal Himself to you. This is contrary to our wisdom, but even that was spoken in the Scriptures.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Answer 4

Faith does not come from books (though they can be helpful) faith comes from within, from the heart and soul.

How can you find faith?

Be open to possiblities
Practice being kind and thinking good thoughts
Practice Loving actions and deeds
Do the best you can each day
Step by step you will see positive changes in your life, as you do, you will realize how and why these changes occured and then you will have faith.
Keep this up all the days of your life, it takes effort but the rewards are great.

Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself

Answer 5

Start by making sincere reparations for every sin that you have ever committed. Do a deep, honest self assessment of your errors, and if you need help with this, ask friends and family to remind you of where you have wronged them. Sound painful? It is.

After an exercise like this, you will be far more likely to view yourself in an appropriate light. At this point, prayerfully reread the Gospels, and sincerely ask God for forgiveness. If you still don't believe, say so and ask for His help. Let Him know you are not trying to be a rebel, but that you need assistance. If after all of this, you still don't believe, then you will simply have to make a decision: do I go with my head or do I make a leap of faith? You see, faith is commanded, not suggested. God is even willing to help you. Jesus said, "No man can come to me except the Father draw Him." He also said, "If any man will come to me, I will in no wise cast Him out." If you can find it within yourself to do this, you will find that you have believed. Did you convince yourself? Maybe. If you remain unconvinced, I'm not sure that anything other than God drawing you will ever achieve anything. In fact, maybe this is where you ought to start: Repent. Then pray "God forgive me. God draw me. Help me believe."

Tom

Answer 6

Well, I've asked this question before and the only moderately useful information I've gotten is that you have to "act as though you believed." Something about old wine-skins and new wine--this woman informed me that if I followed the laws of the book (she's a Christian who is Torah-observant) and behaved like a good believer that "God would show himself to me." So...if you want to, I suppose you could try that.

Everyone else just told me I wasn't sincere enough in my requests or that I'd "hardened my heart" too much and was now forever ineligible of salvation.
____________
From what I'm reading of the other answers, the consensus seems to be that we have to just "decide" to believe in something. I don't know that that's possible...

Answer 7

What is faith? To me it is a belief in something, but more than just belief, faith has trust and hope. You can't give it to yourself, but can only realize what it is that is stealing your faith away? Maybe doubt? Fear? Just by seeing these negative things is the start of having more faith. Doubting the doubt is the same as faith.

Faith is saying to oneself in a wordless way, "I can I will, no matter what" Faith comes and grows, so you need to plant the seeds of realizing that you can and will no matter what unfolds. It builds upon itself. Despite setbacks in faith, it's a process of becoming more confident.

Faith is really just a matter of trusting in your own realizations and revelations that come to you from above. Don't make anything else or anyone else count more and you're on your way.

Answer 8

The Bible says, Faith comes by hearing, and by hearing the word of God.

You need someone in your life to help you in your new walk. Read the bible aloud with this person. Study it prayerfully and with an open mind, with the realization that you may not "get it" the first time, and that's ok.

Also, try to get rid of any resentment or unforgiveness you may have towards other people in your life. This will actually hinder your prayers if you don't. Resentment, anger and unforgiveness actually hurts you more than the person.

Answer 9

Maybe God feels as though you need to learn patience before you need to acquire more faith. Saying "God give me faith, and give it to me NOW", is not really the way to approach God. Having faith is trusting Him to give you what you need, when you need it. The Bible says, "Do not grow weary of doing good". Persevere and you will receive what you seek.

Answer 10

Then you must look for what causes the block, like in the old testament times when answers did not come.

Truly JP there is always a reason for everything.