Subtitle: Everyone Struggles

Excerpt: Everyone Struggles

Author: Dr. LaKeesha Easterling

Someone recently stated to me that they were struggling with their faith. When I heard this, I could address it only with the truth. We all are struggling with our faith. I am talking about the shepherd and the sheep. Yep! All of us. We are all flawed, and no one is perfect except God. Therefore, we should be mindful about pointing fingers.

As believers …

The word of God states that we as believers are to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15). When doing so, we discover more about God and His requirements of us as His children. While it may seem easy at first, studying the word of God can also evoke strong emotions. The Bible explains how we are to conduct ourselves, and it points out all the ways we fall short. The Bible will have you question things like the type of music you listen to, the clothes you wear, and how you interact with others within this world. You will reflect on your character and on those whom you have allowed to influence you. Some things you discover about yourself will be unsettling.

On a positive note …

God knows everything about His children because we are by His design. He loves us unconditionally, and nothing will separate God from those who believe (Romans 8:38–39). Also throughout the Bible, we see God chose and used individuals who were flawed. God already knows that we’re imperfect, but that should never keep us from attempting to do what is right. His ways keep us out of trouble here on earth and get us into the Kingdom. Also, I want to remind you that we are to bring others to God. Believe it or not, your story or testimony can benefit from doing so (Matthew 10:32). How else do we show others we can relate, and what better way to show that God is accepting? Of course, I suggest you use wisdom because your story or testimony isn’t for everyone.

The different emotions …

The Bible will elicit all kinds of emotions. It can place you in a vulnerable state and feel overwhelming when studying the Bible while taking inventory of yourself. However, the Bible is still a wonderful read, provides all the information you need, and points out the Good News. As you read and discover yourself, you can decide if you desire to align with God’s will. You will identify the things that would need to be sacrificed if you choose to follow His word. Don’t worry … God made the first move by making the ultimate sacrifice. The sacrifice He made allows us to have everlasting life (John 3:16). Why is it we question making a sacrifice when He made one so great to show His love for us? The question is, “Are you willing to change your ways for Him?” God will forgive those who sincerely ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

The conviction we feel when reading our Bible is actually a positive thing. It shows that we have a conscience. So, we should take time to embrace the feeling versus running from it. It means you will be self-aware and won’t need others to point out your flaws. This differs from someone who honestly answers our questions or provides us guidance. However, no one needs to be persecuted for their flaws because we are not to judge one another. As believers, we have free will to decide to change once God has pointed out something within us through reading the Word. The only thing I can say is, “Choose wisely.” Of course, I am not one to cast any stones (John 8:7).

Our daily walk …

As we go through our daily routine, we sin unknowingly. We can have the best intentions, but our natural actions or the things that we say, even without being harmful, can translate into sin without us knowing it. Therefore, we should always consistently ask for forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Like I said at the beginning, we all struggle with our faith. We all work hard each day to align with God’s word and spend time often asking God for His forgiveness.

Don’t worry … I want to encourage you to keep your head held high because no matter what you have done, you can go to God about it. It is between you and him. He’ll welcome you with open arms (1 Corinthians 16:23). It does not matter what others say about you to judge you negatively. They would be wrong, and we should be mindful not to judge others. No one should cast any stones. Just stay in your Word and have consistent conversation with God as He Himself reveals things to you.

Dr. L. Easterling

References:

New International Version Bible. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/

King James Bible. (2025). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published in 2007)

Zondervan Bible Handbook, Revised edition by David and Pat Alexander (3rd ed.). Zondervan Pub. House, 2002.

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. C. Brand et al., eds. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.