We've all been there, haven’t we? That place where the prayers feel hollow, the scriptures seem distant, and the whole "faith thing" feels like a crumbling building about to collapse on top of us.
I'm not going to pretend I haven't tasted that bitter brew. I remember a time, not too long ago, actually, when my business was on the brink and my family was facing challenges that felt insurmountable. I was going through it. I mean, I was really going through it. Doubt crept in like harmattan dust, clouding everything.
But, and this is a BIG but, God showed up. He always does. He met me in my mess, my doubt, and my despair. He reminded me that His grace isn't contingent on my performance or a perfect faith. It's a gift, freely given, especially when we need it most.
So, let's explore these five ways to tap into that grace, shall we? Let's dig deep and find that lifeline when our faith feels like a total disaster. I promise you, there’s hope. There’s always hope in Jesus.
Here we go:
Okay, let's get real. In Nigerian culture, especially within the church, we sometimes feel pressured to always present a picture of unwavering faith. We're supposed to be "strong in the Lord" and "rejoice always," right? But what happens when we're not? What happens when we're angry, confused, and downright disappointed with God?
Well, I'm here to tell you it's okay to be honest. It's okay to lament. In fact, it's biblical! Just look at the Psalms. David, a man after God's own heart, wasn't afraid to pour out his raw emotions to God. He questioned, he complained, and he even accused God of abandoning him! (Psalm 22 is a prime example.)
Think about it. If God can't handle our honest emotions, then what kind of God is He? He's not some fragile deity who's going to crumble because we express our pain. He's the Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, and He can handle our anger, our doubt, and our frustration.
My personal story here involves that business I mentioned earlier. I had poured my heart and soul into it, praying for guidance every step of the way. When it started failing, I was furious. I felt betrayed. I remember standing in my room, shouting at God (yes, shouting!), asking Him why He had led me down this path only to let me fail.
Do you know what happened next? Silence. But it wasn't a cold, distant silence. It was a pregnant silence, a silence that held space for my pain. And then, slowly, a gentle whisper began to emerge in my heart. It wasn't an answer to my "why," but it was a reassurance of His presence. It was a reminder that He was still there, even amid my failure.
How to Practice Lament:
Journal your honest feelings. Don't censor yourself. Write down everything you're feeling, even the ugly stuff.
Pray raw prayers. Don't try to sugarcoat things. Tell God exactly how you feel.
Read the Psalms of lament. Let David's words give you permission to express your own pain.
Find a trusted friend or mentor. Share your struggles with someone who will listen without judgment.
Lamenting isn't a sign of weak faith; it's a sign of authentic faith. It's about bringing our whole selves to God, even the messy parts.
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When your faith feels like a disaster, it's easy to forget all the times God has come through for you in the past. It's like our brains are wired to focus on the negative and erase the positive. But that's where the "Ebenezer" principle comes in.
In 1 Samuel 7:12, after God helped the Israelites defeat the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone and called it "Ebenezer," saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." It was a physical reminder of God's faithfulness.
We need our own "Ebenezer" stones. We need to consciously remember the times when God showed up, answered our prayers, and provided for us in miraculous ways.
I remember when I was struggling to pay my school fees. I was about to drop out of university because I just couldn't afford it. I prayed and prayed, but nothing seemed to change. Then, out of the blue, I got a website design gig, and the money was sufficient to pay the entire fee. It was a complete miracle!
Whenever I face financial difficulties now, I remember that Ebenezer moment. I remember how God provided for me then, and it gives me hope that He will provide for me again.
Remembering God's past faithfulness is like building a fortress of hope in your heart. It's a reminder that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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When we're in the midst of a faith crisis, it's easy to become self-absorbed. We're so focused on our own pain and struggles that we forget about the needs of others. But ironically, one of the best ways to find God's grace is to help others, even when we don't feel like it.
I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it works. When we take our eyes off ourselves and focus on serving others, we tap into a wellspring of God's love and compassion. We begin to see our own problems in a new light, and we realize that we're not the only ones struggling.
A friend once narrated his experience volunteering at a local orphanage during a particularly difficult time in his life. He was feeling hopeless and discouraged, but as he spent time with the children, playing with them, reading to them, and just being present with them, something shifted inside of him. Their joy and resilience reminded him of God's goodness, and he began to feel a glimmer of hope again.
Serving others is a powerful way to break free from self-absorption and connect with God's heart for the world.
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When your faith is shaky, reading the Bible can feel like trying to decipher a foreign language. The words seem hollow, the stories seem irrelevant, and the whole thing just feels like a chore. But I urge you, don't give up on Scripture.
Even when it feels difficult, even when you don't understand everything you're reading, immerse yourself in God's Word. It's like soaking yourself in a healing balm. The truth of Scripture will slowly penetrate your heart and begin to heal your wounds.
I remember during that business crisis, I couldn't even bring myself to read the Bible for more than a few minutes at a time. But I made a conscious effort to read at least one verse each day. Sometimes, I would just read the same verse over and over again, meditating on its meaning.
And slowly, gradually, the Word began to work its way into my heart. Verses that I had read countless times before suddenly came alive with new meaning. I found comfort, hope, and guidance in the Scriptures, and it helped me navigate that difficult season.
How to Immerse Yourself in Scripture:
Start small. Don't try to read the entire Bible in one sitting. Start with a few verses each day.
Choose a specific book or topic. Focus on a particular area of Scripture that resonates with you.
Gain a deeper understanding of the text. Use a study Bible or commentary.
Listen to an audio Bible. Allow the Word to wash over you while you're doing other tasks.
Scripture is a lifeline in times of trouble. It's a source of truth, comfort, and guidance that can help you navigate even the darkest of seasons.
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When your faith feels like a disaster, the temptation is to isolate yourself. You might feel ashamed of your doubts, afraid of judgment, or simply too exhausted to connect with others. But isolation is the enemy of faith.
We are designed for the community. We need the support, encouragement, and accountability of other believers. When we're struggling, our brothers and sisters in Christ can lift us up, pray for us, and remind us of God's truth.
I remember during that dark period, I wanted to hide from everyone. I didn't want anyone to see how much I was struggling. But a dear friend, a fellow believer, noticed that I was withdrawing and reached out to me. He didn't judge me or try to fix me. He simply listened, prayed with me, and reminded me of God's love.
His support was invaluable. It helped me feel less alone, less ashamed, and more hopeful. It reminded me that I was part of something bigger than myself, a community of believers committed to walking alongside me through the tough times.
The community of believers is a gift from God. It's a place of love, support, and encouragement that can help you weather any storm.
I know what it's like to feel like your faith is a total disaster. I've been there. But I also know that God's grace is sufficient. He is faithful, even when we are faithless.
Don't give up. Don't lose hope. Embrace the honesty of lament, remember His past faithfulness, serve others, immerse yourself in Scripture, and cling to the community of believers.
And most importantly, remember that you are loved. You are valued. And you are not alone. God is with you, even in the midst of your mess. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hold on to that truth, and let it guide you back to the light of His grace.
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