5 Things You Should Never Do during a Crisis of Faith
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Whether you grew up as a believer, or came to know Jesus later in life, you may have a crisis of faith at some point during your life. This is generally a very painful journey for a believer as they question their faith in Jesus. It is also a very serious process that can either lead to a profoundly deeper faith in God, or to someone losing their faith. There are situations that happen – letdowns, losses, relationship troubles, or disasters – which can cause believers to question their faith.
“In this world you will have troubles” (John 16:33).
Jesus did not shy away from the reality of suffering and the troubles people face in life. Scripture does not guarantee that believers will have easy lives free of problems or interference. This means that even those who are Christians will endure hardships and challenges. Unfortunately, the tough things believers face could lead to a crisis of faith.
Here are five things you can do if you are having a crisis of faith.
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What Is a Crisis of Faith?
A crisis of faith is when a follower of Jesus questions or doubts their faith in God. This can be a very intense time in someone’s life which stirs up great pain, a variety of emotions, and a lot of questions. Usually, a crisis of faith is triggered when something tragic happens, a situation goes wrong, or a painful loss is had. A crisis of faith leaves a person feeling confused, sad, or even angry about God. In a crisis of faith, a person usually has unanswered questions and feels something happened that does not make sense in light of who they understand God to be.
Having a crisis of faith does not make someone a bad or fake Christian. In fact, Scripture makes it clear that Christians will experience moments of doubt, worry, or confusion. There are many passages in Scripture meant to encourage Christians when we struggle with our faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
God understands that human beings will make mistakes, have moments of doubt, and need His help. Scripture teaches that believers have a very real enemy who tries to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). Satan works hard to lead believers away from Jesus. Yet God will always use a tough situation to draw you closer to Him and help you experience His grace. We can find comfort and wisdom in God’s word to keep our trust in Him, even when we are having a hard time with our faith.
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5 Things You Should NOT Do When You Are Having a Crisis of Faith
If you are facing a crisis of faith, it may be tempting to begin lapsing on your spiritual disciplines and time with God. Here are things not to do when you are having a crisis of faith.
1. Stop Attending Church
The enemy wants us to isolate and be disconnected from Christian community. God has designed us to worship, commune, and hear the word of God together. A crisis of faith will only become more difficult to navigate if you stop attending church. Feelings of loneliness and rejection, avoiding worship, and the lack of being fed by Scripture will all fuel the crisis, rather than bring resolve.
2. Stop Praying
Someone who is having a crisis of faith might think taking a break from praying to God makes sense. But disconnecting from your Creator and Savior is never part of the solution. God can handle all your doubts, emotions, and thoughts. In prayer, you will find peace, make space to hear from God, and stay connected to the God who loves you and wants you to find your way to deeper faith restored.
3. Stop Reading the Bible
If having a crisis of faith, it may become harder to find the motivation to read Scripture. However, continue to make time to read the Bible and listen to God’s truth. Truth will be what helps you find your way out of a crisis of faith, so it is vital to stay in Scripture. Keeping a few key verses on hand can help someone navigate a crisis of faith.
4. Avoid Other Christians
When doubting God or questioning your faith, it may seem right to avoid other Christians because they may not understand what is going on. However, staying in relationship with fellow brothers and sisters can provide you the loving support and community you need during such a painful time. A trusted Christian can be a listening ear, provide helpful wisdom from God’s word, and support you through prayer.
5. Believe God Doesn’t Love You
When someone is doubting their faith in God, it does not mean that God is upset with them. God loves every person unconditionally. We could never do something to make God’s love any less or more. His love is everlasting, and just because you have a doubt or are questioning your faith doesn’t mean God’s love is diminishing for you.
Remember, Jesus compared Himself to the shepherd who left the 99 to go find the one. God has a radical and pure love for His children. Your crisis of faith will not change God’s love for you. Rather, God is with a believer as he/she navigates their crisis.
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5 Things You Should Do When You Are Having a Crisis of Faith
There are healthy and helpful things you can do if you are experiencing a crisis of faith. Taking these steps can help a follower of Christ wrestle with their questions or doubt in a fruitful way while preserving their faith in God.
1. Pray about It
If you have a crisis of faith, the first thing to do is let God know about it. Adam and Eve ran from God and hid from Him in the garden after they sinned. We learn from this account that God pursued them and took care of them. We do not have to run from God or hide our thoughts from Him. He already knows what is going on in our hearts and minds.
When you are doubting your faith or struggling to make sense of something related to God, it is important to take that issue to God and pray to Him about what is going on.
2. Study God’s Word
God’s word is full of wisdom and guidance. Scripture imparts the powerful truth of God. The Apostle Paul wrote that all Scripture is good for teaching, training, and correction (1 Timothy 3:16). Scripture, then, can help a believer who is having a crisis of faith to work through their misunderstandings and confusion.
A topical study in God’s word relevant to the questions you have will help you discover God’s truth, which will lead you to understanding, hope, and deeper faith.
3. Seek Wise Counsel
A pastor, deacon, leader, or Christian friend can help you have the support you need if you are going through a crisis of faith. God does not want us to bear our burdens alone (Galatians 6:2). It may feel embarrassing to let a fellow brother or sister in Christ know about your doubts, however, seeking that wise counsel and support can make a helpful difference for your journey. That person may bring clarity to the issue and be a safe person that can talk with you through the doubts and concerns.
4. Ask for Prayer
We can never underestimate the power of prayer. Scripture teaches that we can make all our requests known to God and that we should pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). If a believer is having a crisis of faith, asking trusted Christians to pray for them is an important step. Fellow Christians can provide a key support system and show care by praying consistently for the one who is having a crisis of faith.
5. Resist the Enemy
A crisis of faith will necessitate engaging in spiritual battle. We do not fight against one another but against principalities, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12).
When you are facing a crisis of faith, it is time to rebuke the enemy and engage the spiritual battle at hand. This may include putting on the armor of God each day, praying against the works of the enemy, and declaring victory over the situation in Jesus’ name. God will give you the strength, wisdom, and courage needed – for believers never battle alone.
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Bible Verses to Encourage the Person Having a Crisis of Faith
Scripture gives helpful wisdom and encouragement to believers. When going through a crisis of faith, staying in Scripture can make a powerful difference. Here are verses that you can pray, read, or memorize through a crisis of faith.
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8).
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans” (Psalm 118:8).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
An Honest Prayer for When You Are Having a Crisis of Faith
Lord,
I come to You with a lot on my heart and my mind. I am struggling. I cannot find my way. I have hard questions on my mind. I feel confused, afraid, and doubtful. Lord, You understand best what happened that has led to me feeling this way. You know the details, and You know how my heart weighs heavy.
Lord, please help me find my way through this. Take me by the hand. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear Your truth. I want to understand, and I want to trust You. Give me faith during this trial. I ask for Your help and Your protection over me. I resist the enemy so that he will flee from me. Let the enemy not twist my thoughts or confuse me any longer. Help me to see You clearly and to feel Your loving presence with me. Send the right people into my life right now to support me, to love me, and to encourage me through this. Thank You, Lord, for hearing this prayer.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
Having a crisis of faith is a very difficult thing for a Christian to go through. It can feel lonely and as if there’s no way out of the doubt and confusion. But there are things you can do to help yourself through a crisis of faith, and into a more trusting relationship with God. God is always drawing His children to Him, and He will lovingly extend help and grace to everyone who calls on Him for help.
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