When your faith gets tested

When your faith gets tested

      Some recent events have inspired this blog post, and it may not be for everyone to read this but we all go through a period where someone or something tests what we believe in, challenges our faith and exposes some deep truths that we probably never even thought of before. These tests can either make or break you, you either grow closer to God through it or question His very existence.

      I will be honest with you, I have been there many times before and I haven't always come out on top either. I have been down to the point of exhaustion, and pushed into a wall with no where to turn and no one seemingly to turn to. There has been a conversation going on on facebook for the past few days now, between several people of varying faiths, and at times many things that have been apparent to what the church is doing to people has been brought to light. 

      A lot of people who no longer believe, have been hurt by the church in some way shape or form. They have either felt like an outcast, feel as though they are being judged by others or have been burnt out by being over used and under appreciated. Now I am not saying that church is the only cause of people turning from their faith, but it is point that needs to be covered, as taboo as it is. We tend to bury the truth that even the church can turn people away.

      If you are one of those who has been hurt by something that the institution of church has done, I encourage you to keep pressing through it as hard as it may be. The church is a building, it is full of sinners and imperfect people who are going to make mistakes. Being a Christian is not about going to church, that is Religion, and I for one cannot stand that word and all it implies. I am not religious, I am in a relationship with my Lord and Saviour. 

      Pray, and pray over the things are going wrong, pray for the people that are wronging you. You cannot change people, only God can do that, and it is not until they feel convicted of what they are doing that they can begin to change. "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44. 

      Talk to those around you about the struggles that you are going through, you might not be the only one going through these things. You can find strength in others and encourage each other through the difficult times. 

      It may be hard, and I know that road is tempting that tells you to just walk away from it all. But I am telling you now, that the grass may look greener on the other side but it is often filled with poison ivy and thorns. Satan loves to use our imperfection against us, and it is evident that he can use the church, and the people in it to carry out what he wants. Fight the temptation to leave, to turn your back on God. God is love, people aren't always love. 

      Be encouraged, and keep your head up. God will bless you for your perseverance.

      I hope that this encourages someone out there, I try hard to listen to what God wants me to write and I think that everything has purpose and person that is supposed to be reading this.

      Keep the faith, and God bless!