Running the Race of Faith and Staying Strong When God Feels Distant

Have any of you run a marathon?

We both realized early in our training that a marathon is a "journey," not a sprint. You must plan your race and pace yourself to leave something for the end. You also need to make sure you hit the aid stations to give you an energy boost along the way. No doubt, for most of us, there are highs and lows as we run a long distance.

Life is a journey, not dissimilar to a marathon. We must pace ourselves and leave enough in the tank to finish the race. Similarly, our faith journey with Christ is also like a marathon. We have times when we feel the energy of the Holy Spirit and thus feel close to Jesus (high endorphins) and other times when we feel the Holy Spirit is distant and thus feel tired and drained (hitting the wall). Do you have faith questions when things seem a bit tough? Do you ever ask, "Where are you, Jesus"? Do you have times when God seems more distant than other times?

You may read these Fist Bumps and ask, "Do those guys always have that much spiritual energy? Do they ever have times when they feel a bit distant from God or struggle with faith questions? Yes, we do! Like you and everyone else, we all have spiritual highs and lows on our faith journey. This is not new information to God. He knew this would happen and planned for it. 

Look at these words from "He Knows" by Jeremy Camp. "He knows every hurt and every sting; He has walked the suffering. Let your burdens come undone. Lift your eyes up to the One who knows. He knows".

Even when we feel distant from God or think He does not hear our prayers, He is there. Even when we think He is not watching us, He sees us. When we think He is not listening, He hears our prayers.

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight." Hebrews 4:13

God knows when we are struggling, when we feel distant, when we have doubts and fears, and when we question our faith.    

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry." Psalm 34:15

Gents, he knows every hair on our heads. He created us. He sees and knows whatever we are going through. He loves us unconditionally! He will never leave us! He died on the cross for us! Even when we feel distant, He understands. He is a patient and consistent God. He will never leave us. Specifically, He will never leave YOU.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you, nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8

What advice do we have for when you are feeling distant from God?

Do not feel guilty. As Christians, God knows this is normal, and we all go through spiritual highs and lows based on what life throws at us. The key is to accept it and work your way through it. God knows you're feeling distant—talk to Him about it. Confess it. He knows anyway.

"If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Do not run the other way. Satan loves it when He sees we have doubts. He would love to lure you away, but you are easy bait when we feel distant. He will even make it look tempting. Even when God feels distant, stay in the Word and regularly pray with HIM. Talk to HIM even when you think he is not hearing you. HE IS.  

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9

 Share your concerns with trusted Christian friends. When facing challenges, we have found it easier to "stand firm in the faith" with other believers. If you are struggling or have doubts, talking it through with someone helps. Having someone to walk with you through times when you feel distant from God will give you encouragement and strength when needed. They will help hold you up just like you would hold them up if needed. Do not feel like you must go it alone! The following verses sound familiar, given our purpose for getting men together through Seven24.  

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

"Two are better than one because they have good return for their labor." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

While each of us may have times of spiritual highs and lows, be on the alert so you can support someone who may be struggling or having faith questions. You may be just what they need now to make a huge difference in their lives.   

"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, SEND ME!" Isaiah 6:8

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We want to extend a HUGE thanks to Pastor Jerry Bishop, who encouraged and challenged us all this past Tuesday night when he spoke at our Sevent24 event. Check out a few pictures from last week's event.

Jerry's message was clear and direct. God wants us in the game, attentive and proactive in reaching out to those who need Jesus' message. He wants us all to be Bold for Christ. As Christian Men, this is our duty. This is our calling.

So, whether you are currently feeling close to Jesus or possibly a bit distant, God wants all of us in the game. As the team on the field for Jesus, let's be attentive to know when we need to hold someone up or when we need to give them a little kick to be bold for Christ and to speak the truth of the Bible.

We appreciate each of you and always know that if you need support in any way, please reach out to us.