Struggling with Faith

 You firmly believe that Jesus is the Son of God. You have often had wonderful experiences with God. You have received healings from God. God has answered your prayers in beautiful ways.
Nevertheless, you sometimes find it difficult to feel God's closeness.

You want to give your testimony, but you have a knot in your stomach, as if the loving Holy Spirit is no longer there.

Jesus promised love, joy and peace, didn't he? Sure, but does that mean we will always enjoy nothing but glorious peace every minute?

Take a look at the Bible. You'll see how John the Baptist, Jesus and then Paul had to overcome incredibly difficult problems.

John the Baptist was almost overcome by doubt. Paul told us quite openly how he had to fight against his own character flaws.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Rom 7:18 NIV

The same Paul also wrote about peace with God.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Rom 5:1 NLT

We have access to God's peace and grace, but we do not always experience this blessing. We have a human nature and we have an enemy in the spiritual realm.

We don't have to be driven back and forth by our human feelings.

If our peace in the Spirit were dependent on our own holiness, we would all be lost. But our peace comes from Jesus himself, through his sacrifice on the cross.

So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Rom 5:1 The Living Bible, Paraphrased

This peace comes through Jesus on the basis of God's grace. On the basis of this grace, we can continue to live in this peace. Through his infinite grace, God forgives us again and again and enables us to continue to walk in God's love despite our offences.

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Rom 5:2 NLT

Paul often wrote about grace and peace, but also about struggle. Struggle and peace?

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Tim 6:12 NIV

We have a mortal human nature. We are subject to fatigue, stress, trauma and illness. We have to make a decision again and again to hold on to God's grace and peace.