How do you keep faith when things look bad?

Question

I do not mean this to be a religious discussion,per se. This question can be asked to anyone of any religious background. But here is the thing: I have been divorced and alone for many years. And these years as a single parent have not been easy. I keep hoping and praying that a decent man will come into my life and love me and my son and treat us well. I am not willing to settle for just some jerk-would rather be alone. But how do I keep believing and praying after so many years? How do I know I am not being a stupid fool and should smarten up and give up?

Answer 1

Whether or not you should keep believing is a question only you can answer for yourself.

That said, there is nothing stupid or foolish about keeping hold of your faith in difficult times. After all, no one needs religion when everything is going their way.

It's OK to question your god and religion. Asking questions like "Why should I keep believing" can strengthen your faith immeasurably. I'm not sure what your religion is, but I can tell you that my Bible is full of people who questioned and argued and outright fought with God till they were blue in the face. And He still loved them, maybe He even loved them the more for their asking and struggling--it meant they cared, they cared enough to wrestle meaning out of their faith and stick with it even when it was hard.

Be honest with yourself. Look at everything you know about your god or religion, and all the reasons why you've always believed. Then, evaluate them--Does this make sense to me now? Is this a compelling reason to believe? Are there any compelling reasons to believe?

Look in your religious texts--see what they have to say on the subject. I would also encourage you also to ask a leader in your faith (priest, rabbi, etc.) about the topic, don't be afraid to say "Why should I buy what you're selling? Convince me."

Answer 2

Never give up. I'm in the same boat as you but what keeps my faith going is the Lord. I pray and I know that my prayers are being heard. It's not your time yet. The Lord may need you or your future husband to mature a little bit more or he has something for you to do first. But with Faith and Patience the Lord will bless you when you least expect it. Also, it's the man who comes and finds you.

Proverbs 18:22 says: He who finds a wife, finds what is good finds favour with the Lord.

so sit back and sit pretty your husband is on the way!

Answer 3

It's not easy...as some would think..when you are "not in" the problem, it is easy to give direction and guidence...but, when "you are", and faced with it head on, and things are challanged..this is where the "hog eats the cabbage..and the rubber meets the road" This is where you find out "what you are made of" (what sort of person you are..) 1. You don't just "give up" that's dumb... 2. there are "so many mr. "rights" out there it's pathitic...3. opportunity always "crosses your path" it never comes knocking at your door...4. don't be too critical, this may cost you...your background does not guarantee you your forground...5. forgive and forget..this is the "key" to having someone new into your heart...6. giving up..this would be stupid.... "Peace!"

Answer 4

This is where faith is supposed to be its strongest. Dont weaken. Keep praying. There is nothing wrong with what you want. Maybe God is waiting for the right one for you. Go to church events. Join Christian fellowships. Make yourself known. God will bring someone to you. He is just not going to send someone to your door during the next commercial on TV.

Answer 5

I either:

a) Spoil myself
b) Give up on everybody else
c) close up into my own world and forget about the real one.

Answer 6

with patience comes good things ...