Do you believe as others believe in your Church? Do they have as strong a relationship with Christ as you do? Maybe your relationship isn't that strong, and you seek to strengthen your faith through others.
What I have discovered is that most people are not well versed on what the Bible says as I thought. Reflect on this, how much time do you spend reading the Bible and studying scripture? What about other people around you, such as friends and family?
Your Clergy – Do you believe as others believe in your Church?
And, what is even scarier is learning what clergy believe. Don't automatically assume that a Pastor is Biblically based on their beliefs. Don't assume that their faith is as strong as yours just because they are “doing God's work” and have attended seminary.
Faith is challenging for all Christians. And, it's not uncommon to have doubts when life challenges as most. Even the most solid Christians struggle with faith at times.
The human factor often conflicts with our relationship with Jesus as Peter experienced when Jesus forewarned of his coming death.
“Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.””
Matthew 16:22-23 NIV
Do you believe as others believe in your Church – Including believing in Satan?
Satan counts on the human factor to do his work and to keep us from doing God's work. His opening happens when God's will is at work and can cost a lifetime, even our entry into heaven.
I admit I have struggles daily, even with wanting to have a relationship in my life, but know that God is telling me to wait, don't act and will have the relationship that I've longed for in my life. Don't settle, be patient and wait for the right time, with the right person when she presents herself, and I make myself available. Talk about a challenge, especially when tempted to do otherwise.
Relationships cause even the most devoted Christians to stray from God, as Satan's temptation lures you into making a free will decision you would otherwise not make. How amazing it is that from the heart such evil is executed from a source we thought so pure.
So, when you doubt yourself, realize that you are not alone. All Christians have doubts, making us vulnerable to evil, but we do have free will to tell Satan to get behind us. Soon, what seemed so difficult will become peace and happiness, knowing that you are walking with Jesus on your side.