Yesterday I was attempting to write this blog and was hit with serious writer’s block, so I took to Facebook and posed this question… “What is the biggest thing you struggle with in your faith?”
After asking the question, I stepped away from the internet for a few hours and came back to a FLOOD of responses. And they weren’t just surface things. They were DEEP. They were things like:
- Doubt
- Terrible Thoughts
- Loving People That Hurt You
- Overcoming the Shame of Past Mistakes
- Loving Jesus, but Not His Church
- Loneliness
And the list went on. And on. And on.
After reading all the comments it hit me that we all silently struggle with our faith. We assume being a Christian is supposed to look a certain way, and when our lives don’t match up with our assumptions we just keep it to ourselves.
Do you know what else I realized after reading all the comments? How many times the same issues got brought up. We’re literally struggling. Thinking we’re the only one. While there are arguably thousands (if not millions) of other people struggling with the same exact things!
There has to be a better way.
I think when it comes to faith we fit into one of three camps
- Nope. Not interested.
- I’m in, but only on Sundays.
- This. Is. EVERYTHING!!
Regardless of the camp, we all make assumptions. We assume we know what someone else believes, or doesn’t believe, and what their motives are. We assume everyone else is doing well, and we’re the only one getting it wrong. And it’s killing us. Maybe not physically (though that can happen), but definitely mentally and spiritually.
We have to do better + here’s how I think we can start:
- Take your faith seriously.
Don’t just be a Sunday Christian. That kind of Christianity will leave you empty, is really easy to walk away from, and sets a bad example for non-Christians.
- Be open about your struggles.
Don’t go telling all the people all the things, but if someone you trust asks you how you’re doing be honest. If you’re not doing well, tell them why.
- Be a safe space for others.
If someone shares a struggle with you don’t feel like you have to fix it. Just listen, and get really good at saying, “Wow, I’m sorry you’re going through that. How can I help?”
- Be careful what you say on social media and how you say it.
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT, emphasis mine)
What the world is lacking right now is humility, vulnerability, and honesty. But we don’t have to follow the pattern of the world. We can be different. We can be better ❤️
Because there’s a better way,
Sarah (and Trent)
