Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
What do I do when my faith is shaken by suffering?
Answer:
My friend, I'm glad you asked this question. As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with their faith when they're faced with suffering. It's natural to wonder if God is still good and loving when bad things happen. But the truth is, God is holy love, and He is always working, even in the midst of suffering. It's not that He causes the suffering, but He is gracious and loving enough to make it count, to use it for our good. When our faith is shaken by suffering, it's essential to remember that God is not a fair-weather friend. He's with us in the good times and the bad. We need to battle against the tendency to become passive and wait for faith to be inserted into our hearts. Instead, we must actively choose to trust Him, even when we don't understand what's happening. As St. Basil said, our faith should be ambidextrous, welcoming both pleasure and affliction. We must do the work of faith, just like developing strong muscles requires consistent exercise. As I've reflected on my own experiences, I've come to realize that suffering is not the wrecking ball that knocks Christianity down, but rather the cornerstone on which it's built. Faith is not just about receiving what we want from God, but about accepting what He gives and glorifying Him in all circumstances. So, when your faith is shaken by suffering, remember that God is still good and loving, and He is working, even if you can't see it. Trust Him, and He will go with you through the darkest valleys.
Sources:
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
depression
edward welch
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
building dynamic faith
jerry falwell
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