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How Can I Help Someone Struggling with Faith? #

Understanding the Crisis of Faith #

In the journey of Christian discipleship, encountering someone struggling with faith is not uncommon. A crisis of faith can manifest in many forms—doubt, spiritual dryness, or even anger towards God. Such struggles can be triggered by personal hardships, unanswered prayers, intellectual doubts, or disillusionment with the Church. These experiences can leave believers feeling isolated, ashamed, or confused about their spiritual state. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to walk alongside those who are wrestling with their faith, offering support, encouragement, and prayer. But how can we do this effectively?

1. Be Present: The Ministry of Presence #

The first and perhaps most crucial step in helping someone who is struggling with faith is simply to be present. Job’s friends in the Old Testament initially provided comfort to Job simply by sitting with him in silence for seven days (Job 2:13). Often, our natural inclination is to immediately offer solutions or spiritual advice. However, in moments of spiritual crisis, individuals may not be looking for quick answers but rather for someone who will sit with them in their pain and confusion.

The ministry of presence means listening actively, showing empathy, and validating their feelings. This does not imply agreement with any doubts or disbelief but rather acknowledging the genuineness of their struggle. A comforting presence can provide the space they need to process their thoughts without feeling judged. This is a powerful expression of Christ’s love, who came to bear our burdens and to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).

2. Pray with and for Them #

Prayer is a vital resource in helping someone through a faith crisis. While it is essential to pray for the person privately, there is something profoundly powerful about praying with them directly. When someone is struggling, they may find it difficult to pray on their own. By interceding on their behalf, you are lifting them up to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Praying together also serves as a reminder of God’s presence and His faithfulness, even when it is hard for the individual to believe it for themselves.

However, be sensitive in how you approach prayer. Some people might not be ready or may feel too vulnerable to pray aloud. In such cases, simply letting them know you are praying for them and asking God to guide them can be a source of comfort.

3. Encourage Honest Doubts and Questions #

One of the most damaging things we can do when someone is struggling with their faith is to dismiss their questions or make them feel ashamed for having doubts. The Bible itself is filled with examples of faithful men and women who questioned God—consider Moses, Elijah, David, and even John the Baptist. Thomas, famously known as “Doubting Thomas,” is a prime example of someone who expressed his doubts yet was met with grace and understanding by Jesus (John 20:24-29).

Encourage the person to voice their doubts and questions openly, without fear of being judged. This can be an opportunity to explore these concerns together, turning them into a quest for deeper understanding. Sometimes, doubts are the beginning of a deeper and more mature faith. As C.S. Lewis noted, “If ours is an examined faith, we should be unafraid to doubt. If doubt is eventually justified, we were believing what clearly was not worth believing. But if doubt is answered, our faith has grown stronger.”

4. Offer Biblical Encouragement and Hope #

The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and has the power to heal, restore, and bring clarity. When someone is struggling with their faith, gently guide them to Scripture that speaks of God’s unchanging character, His promises, and His love. Passages like Psalm 34:18 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”) or Isaiah 41:10 (“Fear not, for I am with you”) can provide comfort and hope.

However, be careful not to use Scripture as a band-aid or a quick fix. Instead, use it as a source of encouragement, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their heart. Be patient and trust that God’s Word will accomplish its purpose in His time (Isaiah 55:11).

5. Share Personal Experiences of God’s Faithfulness #

Personal testimonies can be powerful in helping someone see that they are not alone in their struggle. Sharing your own experiences of doubt, fear, or confusion, and how God brought you through those seasons, can provide hope and encouragement. It shows them that struggling with faith is a common part of the Christian journey.

Be transparent about your journey, but also be sure that your story points back to God’s faithfulness rather than making it solely about your experiences. Testimonies should encourage others to seek God’s faithfulness in their own lives.

6. Connect Them with Community #

Isolation can deepen a crisis of faith, making it easier for someone to believe the lie that they are alone in their struggles. Encourage the person to stay connected with a supportive Christian community, whether that is a small group, a prayer circle, or a church fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of gathering together to encourage one another, especially in difficult times.

The Church is meant to be a body where members can support, pray for, and encourage one another. Community provides accountability, encouragement, and practical support during seasons of doubt.

7. Encourage Professional Christian Counseling if Needed #

Sometimes, a person’s struggle with faith may be rooted in deeper emotional or psychological issues, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression. In such cases, it may be helpful to encourage them to seek the guidance of a professional Christian counselor who can provide biblically-based support and coping strategies. Counseling is not a sign of weakness but a means of accessing God’s healing grace through trained professionals.

Conclusion: Reflecting the Love of Christ #

Helping someone who is struggling with faith is a delicate and compassionate ministry. It requires patience, empathy, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. The goal is not to “fix” the person or force them back into faith, but to reflect the love of Christ in your words and actions. Trust that God is at work in their heart and that He will complete the good work He has begun (Philippians 1:6).

As you walk alongside someone in their journey, remember to pray for wisdom, discernment, and compassion. Be an instrument of God’s grace, trusting that in His timing, He will restore and renew their faith.

Discussion Questions

How can the “ministry of presence” be more effective than simply offering advice to someone who is struggling spiritually?

Why is it important to encourage honest doubts and questions in a faith community? How can this practice strengthen someone’s faith journey?

What are some practical ways to use Scripture to encourage someone who is questioning their faith without coming across as dismissive of their doubts?

How can we balance the desire to “fix” someone’s spiritual struggles with the need to simply walk alongside them in their journey?