Quick Summary
- Struggling faith doesn't mean you've lost salvation
- God welcomes honest doubts and questions
- Many biblical heroes experienced faith struggles
- Restoration begins with returning to God honestly
- God is faithful even when our faith wavers
You're Not Alone in Struggling
"Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"
Mark 9:24Even biblical heroes struggled: Job questioned, David felt abandoned, Elijah wanted to die, Thomas doubted, Peter denied. Struggling faith is part of the journey.
Why Faith Gets Shaken
- Unanswered Prayer: God said no or not yet, and you feel unheard
- Suffering: Pain makes you question if God is good or in control
- Disappointment: Life didn't turn out as you hoped or prayed
- Sin: Guilt and shame create distance from God
- Doubt: Intellectual questions you can't answer
- Spiritual Warfare: The enemy attacks your faith
Steps to Restore Faith
Be Honest with God
Tell Him exactly how you feel. He already knows. Read the Psalms—raw honesty before God.
Return to the Basics
Go back to what you know is true: Jesus died, rose, and loves you. Start there.
Read God's Word
Even if you don't feel like it, read Scripture. Faith comes by hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17).
Remember Past Faithfulness
Journal how God has been faithful before. His past provision promises future care.
Get in Community
Don't isolate. Surround yourself with believers who can carry your faith when you can't.
Obey What You Know
Do the next right thing. Obedience rebuilds trust, even when you don't feel faith.
God's Promises for Restoration
| The Promise | Scripture |
|---|---|
| He who began a good work will complete it | Philippians 1:6 |
| If we are faithless, He remains faithful | 2 Timothy 2:13 |
| He restores my soul | Psalm 23:3 |
| Return to me, and I will return to you | Malachi 3:7 |
| I will restore the years the locusts have eaten | Joel 2:25 |
Biblical Examples of Restored Faith
- Peter: Denied Jesus 3x, restored 3x, became church leader (John 21)
- Job: Lost everything, questioned God, but was restored double (Job 42)
- Jonah: Ran from God, thrown in sea, restored to mission (Jonah 3)
- David: Sinned grievously, repented, called man after God's heart (Psalm 51)
- Thomas: Doubted resurrection, saw Jesus, declared "My Lord and my God!" (John 20)
Remember:
- Struggling faith ≠ no faith. Even small faith moves mountains.
- God doesn't reject you for doubting. He invites you to wrestle.
- Restoration is a process, not an event. Be patient with yourself.
- God's grip on you is stronger than your grip on Him.
- The prodigal son's father was watching, waiting, and ran to him. So does yours.