St. John of the Cross wrote of "The Dark Night of the Soul" and even Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent many years in "the darkness" and "painful night" of her soul...these powerhouses for God passed through a crisis of faith...
I've experienced dark nights too, and I have found many of my Faith Brothers and Sisters have or are facing such difficult times too. From my own experiences, I don't fear them, or even believe I will lose my faith in God. Sure, I have FELT I was losing my faith, but I never believed what I was feeling. Somehow, in the very depths of who I am and because of what I have seen and experienced I know God is good and He is for me and not against me.
I've had to press through and pray through these times...and I am reminded of CS Lewis' demonic character's remarks in The Screwtape Letters (#8):
He cannot 'tempt' to virtue as we do to vice. He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles. Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.
In an odd way, these painful times have strengthened my faith, that even when I don't see or feel God.... I know He is with me. It's almost like a storm, it will pass eventually, perhaps with damage, but it will pass and it will be time to rebuild and renew my strength.
Some things I am learning:
1) Journal the God stuff...answered prayers, miracles, provision from Heaven, prophecies, truths discovered.
2) Re-read what I've written.
3) Seek out books and people with testimonies of faith.
4) Plenty of knee time and worship time...
So, this is an unfinished post because I want US to dialogue through together....
Talk to me, what's on your mind?
