Struggling In Your Faith | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Struggling In Your Faith

You're not alone.

127
Struggling In Your Faith
Bible Study Tools

I'll be extremely honest with y'all: I constantly feel like I'm not enough. This often means not pretty enough or not sociable enough or not kind enough or not funny enough. This isn't something that is anybody's fault, because I'm very grateful for the amazing people in my life that constantly tell me that I am enough. However, one thing I have been battling is not feeling like I'm enough in my faith; like I'm not enough for God.

As I'm writing this, I'm discovering that I've never actually said that to an audience like this one. It wasn't until very recently that I started feeling like this, though.

I attended a conference the first weekend of January, and it was one of the most intimidating things I've done in a while. I knew two people who were going, but that was about it. Throughout the weekend, I had plenty of ups and downs. The ups included making new friends, making the decision to go "all-in" with my faith, learning from some amazing speakers and spending some much needed alone time with God through prayer and reading my bible daily.

The downs included not feeling like I fit in with the "Christian crowd" and not feeling like I knew what I was doing. I didn't feel like I was enough for the people I was around because I had only started learning who Jesus was about a year prior. I didn't feel like I was enough for God for the same reason.

I'm being vulnerable about this right now because should you decide to go "all-in" with your faith, I don't want you to struggle if you start to feel like I did. So, I'd like to share some advice.

1. You will stumble...almost immediately after declaring your faith to the world.

That is okay...I promise. The world is a difficult place and honestly, most of the people you meet will not agree with your new choices. You might lose friends. You might have a hard time kicking old habits. That's okay. As long as you pick yourself back up and keep trying, it'll work out.

2. It will take time.

Things will not go your way at first. That's a fact. It is important to remember that God is the only one who knows what will happen, and you have to trust in that. It's not easy, I can assure you that. You'll want to give up or question God's methods, but it's important to lean on Him and be patient through it all. He has your best interest at heart.

3. You will find your people.

Everybody needs somebody who not only has their back, but who also challenges them to be better. The best part about finding your group is they are your number one fans. They are there to encourage you and to listen to you and to hold you accountable in your walk with God. They are the best people you can be around.

4. You are enough.

Here's where I get really biblical. God literally made you in His image. He made the birds and the flowers just as they are, and they don't question it. So how could God NOT have put even more thought and time and effort into the one thing he created on this Earth with the intention of having it emulate his very wishes and desires for it. We are to be disciples who follow and trust God's plan. You were individually created for that very reason, and you are more than capable of doing so.

These are just a few things I've thought extensively about for the past few weeks, and I wanted to share them with you. It's okay if this doesn't seem like your route or the right ideas for you. Everyone's lives follow different paths. Thank you for letting me share my struggles and thoughts with you though.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17232
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7373
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5412
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4715
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments