Recovery Topics - Struggling with Faith

[Ortho_Cat]

Many of us at some time in our Christian walk have found ourselves struggling with our faith. This thread is for general discussion relating to these struggles. It is our goal here to prayerfully support and encourage each other to work on areas of their faith in which they may struggle. As always, please be mindful of the forum wide rules as well as those specific to recovery as you post here.

In addition, Andrew12 and myself will be hosting a Spirituality Chat in our Recovery Skype Channel which meets the 2nd and 4th week of every month. Our next chat will be Friday, Nov. 11th at 5PM EST. We will be covering the same topics as we are in this thread, but in an informal group chat setting. If you would like to be added to our recovery channel on Skype, please message either myself, Andrew12, or Kristen.NewCreation.

 

[Ortho_Cat]

I found a good short video here about struggling with faith:

Is It Unusual For Christians To Struggle With Their Faith? - Ministry Videos

 

[raven1]

Boy oh boy do I struggle with doubt that God exists. It has been one and a half years since I started doubting after a episode with heart palpitations I started doubting heaven then if God existed and now a constant fear of hell for doubting or fear of no afterlife. No matter how many apologetics I read I still doubt. I just feel like maybe I wasn't chosen to be saved or God doesn't exist because if he is real or had chosen me to be saved I wouldn't be doubting.

 

[Ortho_Cat]

hi raven

I'm kind of curious, so was it the palpitations that triggered you to start doubting your faith? Did it start by praying for healing and not receiving it? Just trying to get on the same page and see if we can figure out when it started and maybe what started it...God bless!

 

[raven1]

Yes it was the palpitations. I began to fear what if I die and there is no God and no heaven. Been awful ever since fearing no heaven and punishment for doubt.

 

[raven1]

I feel I can't believe fully because my fear heaven does not exist is so great. I can't just trust it's there.

 

[Ortho_Cat]

can you remember a time in your life when you felt your faith was strong and that you were at peace?

 

[raven1]

A year ago this May I was fine. I had a couple if brushes with what I thought may be my death. I never doubted God or existed though for twenty four years I never doubted. When the palpatations started I bugged out and thought what if this is it. No heaven or God.

 

[raven1]

Near deaths used to give me great hope but they say astronauts and Ketamine users can have the same experience.

 

[Ortho_Cat]

Ah ok. Out of curiosity, are you able to attend church, and if so do you have some friends or maybe a pastor there that you would consider to be supportive of you? And if so, have you had a chance to ask any of them if they have went through similar struggles?

 

[raven1]

Yeah have preacher in the family and preacher at my old church said I am going to hell if I doubt until I die.

 

[Ortho_Cat]

So would it be fair to say that these people have contributed to your "fear of doubting" so to speak?

 

[Johnnz]

Well, bad preaching. Something more substantial and constructive is needed, not more fear and guilt.

John
NZ

 

[Ortho_Cat]

Well, bad preaching. Something more substantial and constructive is needed, not more fear and guilt.

John
NZ

I agree John, piling on fear and guilt is not very helpful to those who are struggling with or questioning their faith.