You are not alone. When God does not fulfill our expectations, it can lead to a loss of faith. Many times people expect God to heal a loved one, or save a marriage, or fix some circumstance. When God does not do what the person hoped for, then he can lose faith in God. But, was his faith built on promises that God makes in Scripture, or on his own expectations?
In the Bible, Job experienced severe grief and pain. Satan took away much of what Job owned, then killed all his children, and then covered him with painful sores. He thought God was not being fair. How could God be good and still allow all this calamity? Even when Job had done nothing wrong?
Job learned to trust that God's wisdom was far beyond his own. God reminded Job (Job 38 & 39) that He created the earth, and set the boundaries of the seas. He designed all the laws of nature, as well as the wonders of the stars and planets. God did all of this without Job’s help.
Job repented when he recognized God's superior wisdom, love, and power. God then rewarded Job with double what he had before. Just as Job learned God’s justice and wisdom to allow these experiences, you can also have hope and regain your faith.
Fulfilled prophecy strengthens faith. Consider Ezekiel 37. In this chapter, Ezekiel sees a valley filled with old, dried out bones. Verse 11 states "these bones are the whole house of Israel." As Ezekiel watches, the bones join together, acquire muscles and ligaments, and finally gain breath and live. This describes Israel's history. The nation was scattered and without hope. But in 1878 Jews were again allowed to buy land in Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Jewish people settled in the area hoping to establish a national homeland. Finally, Israel again became a nation in 1948.
Knowing God's plan can strengthen your faith. God loves mankind. He foreknew Adam and Eve would sin, and Jesus had already agreed to ransom mankind from when the foundation of earth was created! (See Revelation 13:8.)
Let us remember: “I (God) declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will," Isaiah 46:10 (CSB).
Additionally, we are comforted knowing it is God's plan to eradicate death in His kingdom. Revelation 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
God is permitting evil now in order to let mankind directly experience the results of sin. Then, when humanity is resurrected and taught righteousness, people will be equipped to make an intelligent choice between following good or evil. (Jeremiah 31:34) Understanding why God permits evil is a great faith strengthener!
