Faith and Personal Struggles Out of the Blue

[Guest]

Well, several members of my family within just a few days of each other all told me that they were having faith troubles.  It wasn't so much that they didn't believe the doctrines and principles.  They all up and told me that they didn't believe in themselves and they didn't believe they felt that the Lord was mindful of them.

How on earth could I have failed them like this?  Do I not give them enough love?  Enough of my time?  Do I not teach them correct principles?  Do I not provide for them both spiritually and temporally?  Do I not testify of what I know?  What more could I do for them to let them know that they're worth everything that the Lord has to in store for them?

At least a couple of my kids has it right.  I ask them how they are.  The answer:  AWESOME!  I smile and they look at me and say,"Yup, it's genetic."

I tell them, yes, you have a pretty awesome mom.  You ought to tell her that more often.  So they go and run to their mom and give her a big hug and say,"Mom!  You're AWESOME! I said so.  And I would know awesomeness when I see it!"

But what can I do for those who aren't feeling so AWESOME?

[NeuroTypical]

Well first of all, it isn't about you.  Or if it is, then go pat yourself on the back for being someone they're comfortable approaching with stuff.

What can you do for them?  That's easy.  Love them.  Ain't your job to fix them.  Might even not be your job to help them with these issues.  Or if it is, then the best way you can help them is to love them.  Let thy light so shine.

There's a lot of reasons someone might feel so far from the Lord that it causes problems.  And I hear a lot of testimonies from people who talk about making it through such times in their lives.

Don't freak out.  Love them.

[Guest]

If we are talking about a crisis in faith as in regarding testimony, can one gain a strong testimony without having and overcoming some sort of a crisis in faith, or is someone merely persisting on borrowed light?  With that in mind, perhaps a crisis in faith is something that is supposed to happen, and when it happens it really means everything is happening as it should.  The person can make the choice to leave their faith, but frankly we all need to make the decision of we are in or out someday.  My advice would be to just love and support the person and know it is not your fault they are having doubts - it is simply a part of life.

EDIT: I see you say it isn't doubting doctrines.  The stakes may be lower, but the advice is the same!

 

 

Edited December 12, 2017 by DoctorLemon

[Dream Weaver]

On 12/12/2017 at 2:05 PM, Carborendum said:

Well, several members of my family within just a few days of each other all told me that they were having faith troubles.  It wasn't so much that they didn't believe the doctrines and principles.  They all up and told me that they didn't believe in themselves and they didn't believe they felt that the Lord was mindful of them.

I am struggling with the same issues, but I came to Christ later in life, and am very set in my own ways, and thinking.  I keep going back to my own viewpoint, but then back again to the bible, back and forth.

On 12/12/2017 at 2:05 PM, Carborendum said:

How on earth could I have failed them like this?  Do I not give them enough love?  Enough of my time?  Do I not teach them correct principles?  Do I not provide for them both spiritually and temporally?  Do I not testify of what I know?  What more could I do for them to let them know that they're worth everything that the Lord has to in store for them?

You haven't failed them, people are individuals and have a mind of their own and are influenced by the world whether you like it or not.  If they are young they might just be going through a stage.

On 12/12/2017 at 2:05 PM, Carborendum said:

At least a couple of my kids has it right.  I ask them how they are.  The answer:  AWESOME!  I smile and they look at me and say,"Yup, it's genetic."

You may try to shelter them, but life isn't always perfect, you may have a great life, but someday you, and your loved ones will die like the rest of us, so you can't hide forever behind the smile.  Sorry I guess that sounds kind of harsh.....nothing wrong with a good positive outlook on life, as long as you are not unrealistic about the normal stresses and ups and downs of the average person.

On 12/12/2017 at 2:05 PM, Carborendum said:

I tell them, yes, you have a pretty awesome mom.  You ought to tell her that more often.  So they go and run to their mom and give her a big hug and say,"Mom!  You're AWESOME! I said so.  And I would know awesomeness when I see it!"

But what can I do for those who aren't feeling so AWESOME?

Nothing, keep supporting them and being a good example.

[zil]

Welcome, @Dream Weaver!

[Sunday21]

Hi @Dream Weaver! Glad you are here!

[seashmore]

On December 12, 2017 at 4:05 PM, Carborendum said:

Well, several members of my family within just a few days of each other all told me that they were having faith troubles.  It wasn't so much that they didn't believe the doctrines and principles.  They all up and told me that they didn't believe in themselves and they didn't believe they felt that the Lord was mindful of them.

How on earth could I have failed them like this?  Do I not give them enough love?  Enough of my time?  Do I not teach them correct principles?  Do I not provide for them both spiritually and temporally?  Do I not testify of what I know?  What more could I do for them to let them know that they're worth everything that the Lord has to in store for them?

Pray for them. By name. Pray that others will cross their paths in ways that will let them know the Lord IS mindful of them. Have faith that He will. Continue doing what you've been doing in terms of being a spiritual influence in their lives. Be patient. Overcoming feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt take time.