What Do I Do If I've Tried to Believe In Jesus but Can't?

Summary

In a heartfelt dialogue, the speaker addresses an individual struggling with their faith in Jesus, emphasizing the concept that saving faith is a divine gift rather than a human achievement. The speaker reassures that feeling helpless is not a curse but a privilege, as it underscores the dependence on God's grace. By referencing Ephesians 2:8-9, they explain that genuine faith is given by God, encouraging the individual to stop striving and instead rest in the assurance of God's love and sacrifice. The message is one of hope and surrender, inviting the listener to trust in God's provision.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses a feeling of desperation regarding their lack of saving faith.
• 💔 The struggle with belief in Jesus can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
• ✨ Not everyone has the privilege of realizing their inability to produce faith on their own.
• 📖 Faith is a gift from God, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-9.
• 💡 Genuine faith cannot be produced by oneself; it must be received from God.
• 🛑 Acknowledging one's spiritual deadness is a crucial step in understanding the need for divine intervention.
• 😌 The speaker invites the individual to stop striving and simply rest in faith.
• ✝️ Jesus' sacrifice is emphasized as sufficient for salvation and faith.
• 🌬️ The Holy Spirit is offered as a means of assurance and strength in belief.
• 🎁 Faith is described as a gift that can be received rather than something to be achieved through personal effort.

Q & A

What does the speaker imply about the nature of saving faith?

The speaker suggests that saving faith is a gift from God and not something that individuals can produce on their own.

How does the speaker interpret the feeling of desperation regarding faith?

The speaker interprets desperation as a privilege that highlights an individual's dependence on God, suggesting that not everyone realizes they cannot generate their own faith.

What biblical reference does the speaker use to support their argument about faith?

The speaker references Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation comes by grace through faith, emphasizing that it is a gift from God.

What does the speaker mean by stating that a person is 'dead in their trespasses'?

The speaker indicates that without divine intervention, a person is spiritually dead and incapable of producing faith or belief on their own.

What invitation does the speaker extend to the listener?

The speaker invites the listener to rest in God's grace and to trust in Him, rather than striving to generate their own faith.

How does the speaker encourage the listener to perceive their faith journey?

The speaker encourages the listener to view their faith journey as a process of receiving rather than achieving, emphasizing that faith is a gift.

What role does the Holy Spirit play according to the speaker?

The speaker implies that the Holy Spirit is given to believers as part of the gift of faith, assisting them in their relationship with God.

Why might some people struggle to realize they cannot produce faith?

The speaker suggests that many people are unaware of their spiritual condition, which can lead to the misconception that they must generate their own faith.

What does the speaker mean by saying, 'you are commanded to believe'?

The speaker acknowledges that while individuals have a responsibility to believe, the ability to truly believe is dependent on God's grace and intervention.

What is the significance of the phrase 'rest in me' used by the speaker?

The phrase 'rest in me' signifies the need to trust in God’s provision and grace, suggesting that believers can find peace by relying on God rather than their own efforts.