How Does One Seek God?

[humblehumility]

Say I want to swallow my pride and truly give Christianity another shot. I want to experience and feel the holy spirit, and have Christ reveal himself to me and come into my heart.

In the past, I have done the following for 15 years:

-Prayed daily and worked on my personal relationship with God. We're talking 15 minute, personal conversations about my daily life.

-Asked God to come into my heart multiple times, and asked him daily to have me execute the plan he has for me.

-Studied the Bible both in church, and personally on my own (I've read the Bible cover to cover).

-Thanked God for every good thing that happened, and constantly strived to be a better person.

So what happened when I said "Nope, God doesn't exist and I do not believe Jesus died for me"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't feel a void in my heart, I didn't feel less happy about my life, and I didn't become any more immoral towards other people. I actually became happier, and now I much more enjoy my perspective on existence and who we really are as people.

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

This isn't a rhetorical question or attack of any sort, I genuinely want to know what else I could have done. Like I said, I felt no different after dropping the relationship with God that I so strongly had for over a decade.

 

[pinkputter]

You do realize faith isn't some sort of checklist you can mark off and say "what a good believer" you are (even if you did believe), right?

Faith is a gift. But it also takes work (once you have it) I'm guessing you haven't received it yet or you wouldn't be asking for this input.

I have to say, if you have done those things you mentioned, I am pretty surprised God hasn't decided to reveal Himself in some way. But God has his reasons, and has greater knowledge on this than any human could. He knows what's best for you. Do you believe that?

Even though I said I am surprised youve done all that, I guess more specifically surprises me most is that youve made the comments you have on this forum, despite doing all those things youve mentioned. I hope you value my judgement enough to let me tell you that from comments you have made I see a perspective far from where it needs to be to accept Christ. Maybe this is something you can pray about.

Comments such as, Jesus has no use to this world. What he's doing is the OPPOSITE of what is needed. His sacrifice benefits me nonewhatsoever.
Any belief like these will indeed hold you back from God, because that is who he is. I'm sorry you are feeling this way. I hope you continue to pray to Him and feel some connection so that you see the great purpose God has in prayer. I know some of my friends (christians) who have told me how they feel like theyre talking to no one when they pray. It comes more naturally to some than others. Some need more work at it than others. But God still cares for you no matter how far we may feel from Him at times. If you are angry at God for the reasons I've listed or any other reason...TELL Him. He already knows its on your heart. Might as well get it out. The farthest you can be from God is apathetic.


I'm not sure if there is any ONE thing I can tell you that will help. "Seek and ye shall find" is a True statement. Keep searching. God will find you as long as your heart is open to him.

 

[humblehumility]

You do realize faith isn't some sort of checklist you can mark off and say "what a good believer" you are (even if you did believe), right?

Right. I was listing the things I had done just to help explain my experience in an organized way.

Faith is a gift. But it also takes work (once you have it) I'm guessing you haven't received it yet or you wouldn't be asking for this input.

Well I had it. Then I realized life is no different without it, it actually makes more sense to realize that faith does nothing.

I have to say, if you have done those things you mentioned, I am pretty surprised God hasn't decided to reveal Himself in some way. But God has his reasons, and has greater knowledge on this than any human could. He knows what's best for you. Do you believe that?

No, because at this point I don't believe God even exists. I have no reason to believe it, and my experience in dropping religion only strengthens that thought.

Even though I said I am surprised youve done all that, I guess more specifically surprises me most is that youve made the comments you have on this forum, despite doing all those things youve mentioned. I hope you value my judgement enough to let me tell you that from comments you have made I see a perspective far from where it needs to be to accept Christ. Maybe this is something you can pray about.

If you would have talked to me 2 years ago, you would see me as a fellow Christian like you see any other Christian today. I was happy to argue atheists and happy to tell my friends about God and my faith. Once you drop that faith, you very quickly slide further and further away from it. The more you accept it all as mythology (as Islam, Hinduism, etc), the easier it is to understand the atheist viewpoint. I thought I'd never be an atheist, and I myself saw them as just bitter, angry people. It's pretty wild.

Comments such as, Jesus has no use to this world. What he's doing is the OPPOSITE of what is needed. His sacrifice benefits me nonewhatsoever.

Well, that's because he doesn't. To a Muslim, Hindu, and billions of other people, Jesus means nothing to them. Yet they find significance in their life, and even comfort in an afterlife just like you.

I know some of my friends (christians) who have told me how they feel like theyre talking to no one when they pray. It comes more naturally to some than others.

Oh I felt "God" as much as anybody else could feel him while praying. I didn't feel like I was talking to nobody at all. Only after I dropped my belief was I able to admit to myself it was delusion, and I was in fact just talking to myself, even though it didn't feel that way.

f you are angry at God for the reasons I've listed or any other reason...TELL Him. He already knows its on your heart. Might as well get it out. The farthest you can be from God is apathetic.

You can't be angry at something that doesn't exist. In this light, I am not angry at God.

I'm not sure if there is any ONE thing I can tell you that will help. "Seek and ye shall find" is a True statement. Keep searching. God will find you as long as your heart is open to him.

Perhaps. Or like billions of others, perhaps not.

 

[razeontherock]

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

I will take you at face value. (I will concur with the observations made by the above poster, though)

Can I point out that you can be sincere, and also sincerely wrong about your stated goal of feeling? The goal is to be reconciled to G-d. To Love what He Loves and yes, to hate what He hates. And yes, some of those details are not really known. This indicates a pliability, a willingness to learn, be taught and be lead.

And this will result in a whole heart to seek Him. I don't see how to arrive at that point w/o recognizing it as a mater of life and death:

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." (Psalm 42:1)

 

[pinkputter]

The reason I took time to respond to you HH, is because I thought you were genuinely asking. But your response shows otherwise. I'm not here to baby you, to feel sorry for you, to sugar coat, or for that matter acknowledge your further pursuit in Atheism. Seriously?!

I believe Faulty already shared this verse with you, but I am going to share it again to make sure you understand Christianity and what you may or may not have been involved in as a believer.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

God bless you on your search.

 

[mandelduke]

Say I want to swallow my pride and truly give Christianity another shot. I want to experience and feel the holy spirit, and have Christ reveal himself to me and come into my heart.

In the past, I have done the following for 15 years:

-Prayed daily and worked on my personal relationship with God. We're talking 15 minute, personal conversations about my daily life.

-Asked God to come into my heart multiple times, and asked him daily to have me execute the plan he has for me.

-Studied the Bible both in church, and personally on my own (I've read the Bible cover to cover).

-Thanked God for every good thing that happened, and constantly strived to be a better person.

So what happened when I said "Nope, God doesn't exist and I do not believe Jesus died for me"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't feel a void in my heart, I didn't feel less happy about my life, and I didn't become any more immoral towards other people. I actually became happier, and now I much more enjoy my perspective on existence and who we really are as people.

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

This isn't a rhetorical question or attack of any sort, I genuinely want to know what else I could have done. Like I said, I felt no different after dropping the relationship with God that I so strongly had for over a decade.

If you could have a relationship with anyone for 15years, drop it and feel better. You never had much of a relationship. The key to having a relationship with God is knowing how much he loves you. When you understand that, you will love him!

 

[drich0150]

Say I want to swallow my pride and truly give Christianity another shot. I want to experience and feel the holy spirit, and have Christ reveal himself to me and come into my heart.

Luke 15:

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Welcome home!

-Prayed daily and worked on my personal relationship with God. We're talking 15 minute, personal conversations about my daily life.

-Asked God to come into my heart multiple times, and asked him daily to have me execute the plan he has for me.

-Studied the Bible both in church, and personally on my own (I've read the Bible cover to cover).

-Thanked God for every good thing that happened, and constantly strived to be a better person.

No disrespect intended, but these things mean nothing on their own. It would be like if I recorded all of the dates I had before my wife and I got married, and listed the restaurants we went to, and the movies we saw, and the things we did together, and prescribed these "actions" to another as a sure fire way to get a woman way out of your league to marry you.

These "things" probably mean little to nothing to her as well. It was the thought and love behind these activities that made all of the difference in the world. It is not what you do that is important, it is why you are doing it, and a willingness to do it without a time constraint or expectation on your part. In short you need to present yourself completely open to the mercy and will of God, for as long as it takes. A entire life Spent in the pursuit of this love of God is a life well lived!!

Look at the parable in Luke 11:


5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

We take our love that we have and want from Christ and we Ask in prayer, we Seek in the bible and in places like this, and we knock by repeating this process till our hearts get what it wants. Even if that means we have to live the rest of our lives in silence.

I found God usually requires just alittle bit more than what we are generally willing to give. So in the end it is best to simply have what He asks. That means if we put a time table of 2 weeks on our "seeking" process then He would require 3. So when He asks for all of your love that your Heart, Mind Spirit, and strength can offer, then it is best to let Him have it up front with all that you can give. If you can't or don't know how to do this then ask Him to help you.

So what happened when I said "Nope, God doesn't exist and I do not believe Jesus died for me"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't feel a void in my heart, I didn't feel less happy about my life, and I didn't become any more immoral towards other people. I actually became happier, and now I much more enjoy my perspective on existence and who we really are as people.

Are you asking, why? The answer should be very apparent to you.

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

Approach God with all of your being and do not "expect to feel" anything. Humble yourself before the Lord and allow Him to lift you up.

This isn't a rhetorical question or attack of any sort, I genuinely want to know what else I could have done. Like I said, I felt no different after dropping the relationship with God that I so strongly had for over a decade.

Not an attack from me either. Infact I find this very hard to write, but if their was no change then that should tell you your "relationship" was not what you think it was.

When you listed all of the attributes of your christianity it was solely based on what you had done for God. What type of relationships are completely one sided like that? That would be like me telling you of my "relationship" with Cindy Crawford back in high school. Despite my best efforts, if I did not know this woman, did it really mean I was in a true relationship?

When you start again do not look to your church to sustain your relationship with God. Meaning do not look to follow a prescribed path full of rituals and pop christian activities to build a relationship for you. Go to God just as you are, and empty your heart. Tell Him about this uncomfortable silence, and ask Him to take away anything in your life that is keeping you from hearing what He has to say from you. *this is Key: You must want this with all of your Heart, Mind, Spirit and strength. Even if that one thing is your health or a prized relationship, money or whatever it is. Want this with every fiber of your being and pray this prayer every night till you get what you want, with no expectation of a time line nor a return on your investment, and you will truly get every thing your Heart wants.

 

[leftrightleftrightleft]

.So what happened when I said "Nope, God doesn't exist and I do not believe Jesus died for me"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't feel a void in my heart, I didn't feel less happy about my life, and I didn't become any more immoral towards other people. I actually became happier, and now I much more enjoy my perspective on existence and who we really are as people.

Regardless of the effects of making the decision that God doesn't exist, what was the cause for making the decision in the first place? I'm not so much concerned with the fact that you are just as happy now as you were before (or happier), there's lots of happy non-Christians. But I'm wondering what drove you to the conclusion that God was not real.

There must have been some trigger. Perhaps a book you read. A new friendship with a non-Christian. A new experience of some sort that drove you to questioning. I doubt you were a devout Christian who woke up one morning and, out of the blue, said, "I now believe God is a delusion."

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

I'm not sure. Perhaps do something similar to what de-converted you in the first place? Go read some books that challenge your current views. Go find some people that can point out the flaws in your thinking and make you once again question your worldview as it is now. Its a constant process of reinvention; you are never complete but ever-learning. God can work in some strange ways but it generally requires looking for the strangeness rather than accepting it all as it is.

 

[humblehumility]

The reason I took time to respond to you HH, is because I thought you were genuinely asking. But your response shows otherwise. I'm not here to baby you, to feel sorry for you, to sugar coat, or for that matter acknowledge your further pursuit in Atheism. Seriously?!

Have you ever given deep thought to the worldview of an atheist? Do you think I wanted to abandon a God who loved me and comfort in knowing where I would be in the afterlife?

Rather than taking any of my points into consideration, you mentally dismiss them before you've even given them thought, and then proceed to tell me that I was never a Christian in the first place.

 

[humblehumility]

If you could have a relationship with anyone for 15years, drop it and feel better. You never had much of a relationship. The key to having a relationship with God is knowing how much he loves you. When you understand that, you will love him!

Thank you for telling me how I feel, and knowing how my mind works.

 

[elman]

Say I want to swallow my pride and truly give Christianity another shot. I want to experience and feel the holy spirit, and have Christ reveal himself to me and come into my heart.

In the past, I have done the following for 15 years:

-Prayed daily and worked on my personal relationship with God. We're talking 15 minute, personal conversations about my daily life.

-Asked God to come into my heart multiple times, and asked him daily to have me execute the plan he has for me.

-Studied the Bible both in church, and personally on my own (I've read the Bible cover to cover).

-Thanked God for every good thing that happened, and constantly strived to be a better person.

So what happened when I said "Nope, God doesn't exist and I do not believe Jesus died for me"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't feel a void in my heart, I didn't feel less happy about my life, and I didn't become any more immoral towards other people. I actually became happier, and now I much more enjoy my perspective on existence and who we really are as people.

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

This isn't a rhetorical question or attack of any sort, I genuinely want to know what else I could have done. Like I said, I felt no different after dropping the relationship with God that I so strongly had for over a decade.

I believe we will only find God in our efforts to serve others in need.

 

[humblehumility]

Regardless of the effects of making the decision that God doesn't exist, what was the cause for making the decision in the first place? I'm not so much concerned with the fact that you are just as happy now as you were before (or happier), there's lots of happy non-Christians. But I'm wondering what drove you to the conclusion that God was not real.

There must have been some trigger. Perhaps a book you read. A new friendship with a non-Christian. A new experience of some sort that drove you to questioning. I doubt you were a devout Christian who woke up one morning and, out of the blue, said, "I now believe God is a delusion."

It was a slow process that in total took around 2 years. If I had to narrow it down to a 3 month period, my "deconversion" started when I started watching Christopher Hitchens debates. I didn't want to base everything on what 1 ranting atheist was saying though, so that led me to watch more and more debates (atheists vs christians, atheists vs jews, atheists vs muslims, christians vs jews, christians vs muslims, etc). The two strongest points that triggered the deconversion were :

1) The billions of people that worship other monotheistic Gods. Their faith and experience is just as strong and evidential as a Christians, and they cannot all be right. I've been researching the historicity of the Bible and other texts for the past 6 months, and so far I see no reason why the Bible is any more true than the Koran. In fact, I find that the evidence suggests moreso that both of them are not true.

2) The concept that the world we live in cannot be the result of an all loving God. Things on earth have spiraled horribly out of control, and God knew that it would happen. Parents give their children free will, but they do not say "You're free to go out and do drugs, commit murder, and live with no ethics". If a parent says that to their child, they are not loving and not giving them proper guidance. In this respect, this world cannot be the product of a loving parent. Not to mention pointless reasons to kill us like ticks, mosquitos, earthquakes, tornadoes, cancer, etc.

Go read some books that challenge your current views. Go find some people that can point out the flaws in your thinking and make you once again question your worldview as it is now.

I have done that. William Craig is probably the best theist debater I've seen and makes the best argument for God, yet I still find myself yelling at the monitor things I'd challenge him on. I've watched at least 7 debates with him in it. One of the better theist arguments is the "fine tuning" argument, but that is completely obliterated by the size of our universe (incomprehensibly big and we don't even know how big it is). For example, say you have 1 billion people entered in a lottery, and you start scratching off the tickets 1 by 1. As "random" is it may seem, it's entirely plausible that the 5th person to scratch their ticket will be the winner. In the same way, the universe (with trillions and trillions and trillions of planets) could have produced a life-bearing planet early on, us.

 

[bling]

I have done that. William Craig is probably the best theist debater I've seen and makes the best argument for God, yet I still find myself yelling at the monitor things I'd challenge him on. I've watched at least 7 debates with him in it. One of the better theist arguments is the "fine tuning" argument, but that is completely obliterated by the size of our universe (incomprehensibly big and we don't even know how big it is). For example, say you have 1 billion people entered in a lottery, and you start scratching off the tickets 1 by 1. As "random" is it may seem, it's entirely plausible that the 5th person to scratch their ticket will be the winner. In the same way, the universe (with trillions and trillions and trillions of planets) could have produced a life-bearing planet early on, us.

The “fine tuned” universe has little to do with the trillions of planets, even though that “huge” number may not be enough to produce one planet suitable for life. The main issue is with the constants, ratios and size being so finally tuned to produce stars in the first place. Any slight variation in seven of these (and there is no reason why there could not be virtually and infinite number of variations) and no stars would be produced.

The other huge issue is if you do have a planet suitable for life, “how” would life start from just chemicals (atoms and molecules) since this works against the known systems that work toward destroying life (evolution works after you have life and not to make the first life).

 

[razeontherock]

Ok, your title is "how to seek G-d?" One thing we can determine so far, is that the way is NOT by focusing on atheists debate Christians, esp since this will usually revolve around the Cr / Ev debate! Look at the story of Peter walking on water. How can you apply it to your current situation?

1) The billions of people that worship other monotheistic Gods. Their faith and experience is just as strong and evidential as a Christians, and they cannot all be right.

Says who?

Does any one of us have COMPLETE Truth? I say no. Far more than just the biggest religions have the vast majority of things in common. Why shouldn't those common elements be correct? Those things that not only differ but outright contradict, generally will have NO BEARING on anything you or I would actually do today or tomorrow. (Outside of worship rituals)

I've been researching the historicity of the Bible and other texts for the past 6 months, and so far I see no reason why the Bible is any more true than the Koran. In fact, I find that the evidence suggests moreso that both of them are not true.

The answer to this dilemma lies in refining your definition of "truth." Does it mean literal, historically factual? Read my tagline for as thorough an address of that as is necessary.

2) The concept that the world we live in cannot be the result of an all loving God.

How many Scripture do you need, for me to prove that your concept here is false? Omni-benevolence is a term I never encountered outside of CF. G-d is Love, yes, but He is also Holy, and is a Judge.

 

[razeontherock]

W/o reporting anything, let me interject that this is a line not to cross. The OP has some really serious questions. The debate over evolution or creationism isn't relevant to any of that. There are entire sub-forums dedicated to just that purpose.

 

[FaithPrevails]

Say I want to swallow my pride and truly give Christianity another shot. I want to experience and feel the holy spirit, and have Christ reveal himself to me and come into my heart.

In the past, I have done the following for 15 years:

-Prayed daily and worked on my personal relationship with God. We're talking 15 minute, personal conversations about my daily life.

-Asked God to come into my heart multiple times, and asked him daily to have me execute the plan he has for me.

-Studied the Bible both in church, and personally on my own (I've read the Bible cover to cover).

-Thanked God for every good thing that happened, and constantly strived to be a better person.

So what happened when I said "Nope, God doesn't exist and I do not believe Jesus died for me"? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't feel a void in my heart, I didn't feel less happy about my life, and I didn't become any more immoral towards other people. I actually became happier, and now I much more enjoy my perspective on existence and who we really are as people.

What else could I do to feel the holy spirit?

This isn't a rhetorical question or attack of any sort, I genuinely want to know what else I could have done. Like I said, I felt no different after dropping the relationship with God that I so strongly had for over a decade.

Feeling the HS is a personal relationship - I don't know that anyone could tell another person how to do it.

Regarding the part I bolded - did you ever feel His presence? What were you anticipating that to feel like?

 

[talitha]

Hh, your situation is I think exactly what Paul had in mind when he asked the rhetorical question abou people who had tasted of the heavenly gift and walked away - how could they turn again and be saved (pardon my heavy paraphrasing)?
When I was in my early twenties I was in a place in my life when i found myself in what I would term your predicament. Some days I was thrilled that I could experiment with all sorts of sins and not feel guilty. But on the other hand I missed my life as a Christian. I missed being sure of Ultimate Truth. I missed feeling a connection to the Eternal. I missed God in my life. But still I couldn't bring myself to believe. It seemed stupid. Slowly, incredibly, the corse of a few years, a prayer began to form in my heart to a god I didn't even think I believed in anymore. I couldn't explain why or to whom I was praying. It felt "stupid" but somehow right at the same time. I was sending out a request into the Unknown in hopes that someone was there, kind of like the signals going out into outer space in the movie Contact. I was praying for "simple belief".

God answered my prayer. It did not come through the mind. I know that God is the Father of all light, including wisdom and logic, but that is not the path to "simple belief". The way to God is through the heart. The Bible says, "Draw near to him, and he will draw near to you.". The converse is also true, and that is what happened to me - and I believe to you as well. You decided to draw yourself away because of some arguments, and he, being a gentleman, drew away as well.

I remember when I was forced to go to church after a while of living this way. It was I believe Easter Sunday. I only remember two words of the message, but those two words were "and Peter". Peter denied Jesus even after having incredible experiences at the Mount of Transfiguration among other places - but Jesus was including him with his group of disciples anyway. Something happened in me when I heard those two words. A glimmer, albeit faint, of faith. If Jesus would re-accept Peter, maybe he would re-accept me. I wasn't totally sold that day, and my road back to faith was rocky, but it was a start.

If it could happen for me, it can happen for you. Itt's hard to answer your question of "how" - but I know it is possible.

Blessings
tal

 

[pinkputter]

I still stand by my other answer to you, even though you don't like it...

also, wanted to add something I heard a while ago..

All of history is man's story of trying to find something apart from God to make them happy --CS Lewis

food for thought

 

[s_s]

2) The concept that the world we live in cannot be the result of an all loving God. Things on earth have spiraled horribly out of control, and God knew that it would happen. Parents give their children free will, but they do not say "You're free to go out and do drugs, commit murder, and live with no ethics". If a parent says that to their child, they are not loving and not giving them proper guidance. In this respect, this world cannot be the product of a loving parent. Not to mention pointless reasons to kill us like ticks, mosquitos, earthquakes, tornadoes, cancer, etc.

Other people have responded to your other points, so I'll take this one.

This is an age-old, common misconception.
Firstly, of course the world we live in isn't from God. Humans took care of that by ruining a perfect creation (all covered in Genesis).
Secondly, do you think God said, you're free to go murder and do drugs? When you read the Bible cover to cover, did you stop in Exodus at all? Or at any other point where the rules were repeated? The world is exactly how a good parent would leave it - you are free to do as you like, but here are the things you shouldn't do.
Thirdly, the pointless reasons you mention - refer to the first point.

 

[humblehumility]

even though that “huge” number may not be enough to produce one planet suitable for life.

Well since there's no proof that it couldn't happen, I still keep that possibility open.

The main issue is with the constants, ratios and size being so finally tuned to produce stars in the first place.

The constraints, ratios, and size of what? The universe? We don't fully know or understand those qualities of the universe.

The other huge issue is if you do have a planet suitable for life, “how” would life start from just chemicals (atoms and molecules) since this works against the known systems that work toward destroying life (evolution works after you have life and not to make the first life).

Have you done any reading on abiogenesis? That theory offers many plausible scenarios, it's just not fully understood by humans and hasn't been repeated by humans yet. Science is a work in progress, it does not happen overnight and it does not claim to have all the answers.

We've just recently been able to prove that single celled organisms can evolve into multicelled organisms and create it in a test-tube, so you can see that we are still making progress.