losing my faith?

Question

last summer a friend of mine drowned this summer my cousin who was basically my only brother was also killed my faith was about the only thing that kept me sane no i m having the most difficult summer of my life without my most trusted friend/brother my other friends have been great and i had a strong connection with god but now i feel as if ive almost completely lost my faith

Most of you people are absolutly amazing thank you for your kind words God bless

Answer 1

I'm an agnostic/atheist. I have no faith. In anything. I don't think faith is a good thing. But even so, I don't think that going through a bad time is a good reason to lose your faith. If you look at the philisophical questions and reason about it and decide that faith is not for you then that's fine. But times like what you are going through may lead to emotional decisions that you'll later repudiate.
Talk to people you think are wise, whose opinions you respect. Tell them what you are going through. Don't try to tough it out alone.
I'm ok with people believing if it works for them. I'm certainly ok with people rationally deciding that they don't have faith. But losing faith because you are angry at God is a contradiction that doesn't usually work too well.
Always remember the ones you've lost, cherish them, but honor them in part by moving on and living the life they'd want you to have. Good luck.

Answer 2

Dear shel5210,

First let me say that i'm so sorry that you had to endure so much tragedy in such a short period of time.

The truth is it's very hard to understand why such things happen-- but i can tell you that God is not to blame. When God created the world his intention was that there would be no death- this is why believers in Him- live forever. Because of sin- death exists in this world- and you know that God is not desirous of sin. All this to point out that God is not to blame for your friend's and brother's deaths.

One thing that helps me deal with difficulties that i can't understand is in 2 Corinthians 1- God says that he comforts others through us with the same comfort that we have been comforted by God with. i know this is a time that if you turn to God- he will give you a peace beyond understanding. And He will use your pain to heal someone else's pain in the future.

I grew up with a schizophrenic Father and could not understand that forever. About a year ago- a dear close friend of mine who is a pastor - also has a schizophrenic parent - and i was able to comfort my friend because of some of my experiences.

I'll keep praying for you- and feel free to email if you just want to share or if i can help you with anything.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

There are times that we feel down. I have been there when everything goes wrong, and I too gave up on my faith. God found me again tho, and just in time. I had planned out my suicide and the very next day, i was going to go through with it. He saved me just in time.

[e-mail]

Email if you need to talk. I am someone that has experience on giving up the faith and coming back. I do not judge, or think less of you man. So just know that I am here whenever you need to talk, even if it is not about religion or God, if you just want someone there for you, then i'll be here. You're in my prayers.

Answer 4

I just posted this about Job to another question. I hope this helps you and may God bless you during your time of pain.
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Job could write about wounds...He could describe intense inner suffering in the first person because of his own pain.

How could anyone handle such a series of grief-laden ordeals so calmly [seeJob 1-2]? Think of the aftermath: bankruptcy, pain, ten fresh graves...the loneliness of those empty rooms. Yet we read that he worshiped God, he did not sin, nor did he blame his maker.

Well, why didn't he? How could he ward off the bitterness or ignore thoughts of suicide? At the risk of over simplifying the situation, I suggest three basic answers:

First, Job claimed God's loving sovereignty. He sincerly believed that the Lord who gave had every right to take away (Job1:21). Stated in his own words, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble" (Job 2:10). He looked up, claiming his Lord's right to rule over his life.

Second, be counted on the promise of resurrection. Do you remember his immortal words: "I know that my Redeemer lives...I my self will see him" (Job 19:25,27). He looked ahead, counting on his Lord's promise to make all things bright and beautiful in the life beyond....Job endured today by envisioning tomorrow.

Third, he confessed his own lack of understanding...Listen to his admission of this fact: "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand" (Job 42:3). He looked within, confessing his inability to put it all together. Resting his case with the righteous Judge, Job did not feel compelled to answer all the questions or unravel all the burning riddles. God would judge. The Judge would be right.

Author;
Charles R. Swindoll

Answer 5

You've been through a very trying time; however, I'm certain that our Heavenly Father understands your circumstances.

There is a very good reason why earth life is filled with a variety of experiences, including pain and suffering. View some of the videos at the following web site for some answers:

http://www.mormon.org

Answer 6

I'll be praying for you... don't lose your faith, believe God loves you... He really does :o) He is close to you, even when you don't feel Him close. If I've learned nothing else in my 30 years on earth, it's that He is very close to you and asks you to trust Him, even if you don't feel Him close. He teaches you, not only to follow Him because of your feelings, but to trust Him by your own, sheer will. After some time... the feelings will return. God bless you...

Answer 7

Welcome to being human.

Faith is one of the biggest struggles, because it requires you to consider issues of mortality, cruelty, injustice and natural events. You're weighing all of the horrors of life against some unknown, untouchable idea of a Creator that is supposed to be loving. It really is a paradox.

The cool thing is that it's possible to find it. You have to explore your emotional response to the upsetting things in your life to find a place of peace. It really is easier to be a grumpy old atheist than it is to be a person with religious faith.

Answer 8

I've been told that its normal to question your faith. Who wouldn't question some big guy sitting on a cloud who claims to love you yet takes away those you love so recklessly and without a care?

You just need time to gather your thoughts.

Answer 9

Hey, it's completely normal to feel like God is not there in horrible situations, but keep talking to him anyway. Try to find the Psalms written by David when he was in despair. God understands your feelings; you can vent to him.

Answer 10

everyone struggles with their faith when terrible and tragic things happen in their life I know that I have but don't lose it all and keep fighting he will let you know that he is still there. Remeber god would rather have you yelling at him in anger than not talking to him at all so just keep talking!!!!!!!!!!!