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Finding Strength Beyond Humanity with Faith

Finding Strength Beyond Humanity with Faith

Last updated on: October 13, 2024 at 6:00 am by Michele Gunn

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Finding Strength Beyond Humanity with Faith 2024-10-09T17:26:16-05:00 Michele Gunn

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Finding Strength Beyond Humanity: How to Grow in Faith and Support Others

Have you ever felt like humanity has failed you? Do you find yourself feeling disconnected, lacking encouragement, or even questioning the role of spiritual leaders in your life? While it can be painful when human touch, support, and spiritual guidance fall short, it doesn’t mean you are without hope. There is a way to grow in your faith, find purpose, and help others, even when it feels like the world is letting you down.

Let’s explore how to grow spiritually without depending on humanity, while also learning to uplift others who may be feeling the same way. Learn what the Bible says about your purpose, how to move forward in faith, and how to fill the gap for yourself and others.

The Disappointment of Humanity

Feeling like humanity has failed you is not uncommon. There have been scandals in priesthood, by teachers, by coaches, by relatives and by friends. Sadly, they have shown their humanity with all of its flaws.

The second definition of humanity by Merriam-Webster is “the quality or state of being human.” Humans are not perfect. Humans were given free will to choose good or evil. One example in the Bible is Galatians 5: 13, “For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.” (usccb.org)

There is often a void left when human connection and spiritual leaders fall short. We feel “duped” or let down. We often ask, “How can someone dedicated for the greater good be so wrong or bad?” When those who are committed to be spiritual role models fail us, we feel hurt, betrayed and sometimes even confused. Society often teaches us that if they can do it, so can we.

It is important to recognize and address these feelings. Remember that every person is human. They will or can fail. Sin does not discriminate. Your faith is not in man, but in God. Jesus has taught us to offer forgiveness and help. Matthew 6:14 states simply, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” (usccb.org)

Recognizing Your Need for More

Today’s world is lacking human touch, encouragement, and support. COVID created a no touch society. Sure, we have made improvements, but look around, it is slow. People are still scared. The exacerbated job loss situation has created some work environments to become more hostile and less encouraging.

Many spiritual leaders may fall short in providing the development we need. So many are out-of-touch with lay life. They do not truly understand the struggles that their parishioners face. In fact, some spiritual leaders are living well while their parishioners are struggling to feed their families and pay their mortgage. Although they may offer ministries such as food pantries and some churches even offer financial assistance while mental and emotional well-being are often overlooked.

Identify the areas where you are searching for something more. Knowing who God created you to be is a great beginning to building on faith without depending on humanity. You can explore what you are lacking and understand what you need to flourish.

Refer often to Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (usccb.org) God created you for a higher purpose. Always search for what that is. Remember that faith is a lifelong journey.

Growing in Faith Without Depending on Humanity

How do you build a direct relationship with God when human efforts fail?

Prayer and meditation: Utilize these to nurture your personal spiritual growth. Use prayer to speak with God and meditation to listen.
Scriptures to reflect on: Philippians 4:19 reads, “My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (usccb.org) Refer to scriptures often. In fact, make it daily practice.
Grow closer to God: When you feel abandoned by people, turn to God. He is always there. He is there in the Bible, prayer, meditation and when you participate in a faith community. God is also just there with you.

How to Uplift Others Even in Your Own Struggles

The Bible calls us to love others as we love ourselves. Surely you are familiar with Mark 12:31, “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (usccb.org) Remember to meet others where they are, just as you want to be met where you are. Every person has their own struggles, their own real life to deal with. Sharing your testimony offers hope to those who are hurting and broken.

Acknowledge that if you are lacking, many others likely feel the same way. Sharing your story lets people know that they are not alone and gives hope. In Matthew Kelly’s book, Everybody Evangelizes About Something, he raises the idea that there is a need for pre-evangelization. He suggests meeting people in their brokenness before doing anything else like evangelizing. Meeting them where they are at and sharing your struggles makes it easier to uplift them.

The Power of Being Created in God’s Image

When humanity fails you, it is important that you understand your divine identity. You were created in God’s image as stated in Genesis 1:27, “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female* he created them.” (usccb.org) That does not make you God-like, but does remind you that you can find answers from within, especially through God.

Consider finding your Avodah. Whenever in doubt turn to prayer and scripture. Ephesians 2:10 reads, “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” (usccb.org). That is your Avodah, who God created you to be.

Practical Steps to Fill the Gap for Yourself and Others

Here are some practical steps to help you fill the gap for yourself and others. Choose what works best for you. Start small and build on it.

Personal spiritual growth

Daily devotionals and Bible study.
Cultivating a prayer life focused on strengthening your relationship with God.
Attending small groups or online spiritual communities for support.

Serving others to uplift humanity

Volunteer in your community or church.
Reach out to others who may also be feeling disconnected or discouraged.
Offering a listening ear, sharing encouragement, or simply being present.
Lead by example; show the love of Christ even when you feel lacking.

Moving Forward in Faith

Remember that God has a purpose for your life beyond the shortcomings of humanity. When you seek Him and lift others up, you align yourself with the “more” that God created you for. Know that you are never truly alone; God is always with you, and through Him, you have the strength to offer the support and love that the world needs. The world needs the you that He created you to be.

When humanity falls short, God remains faithful. You were created for a higher purpose, and even in your struggles, you have something to offer the world. By deepening your faith, seeking God’s guidance, and offering support to others, you not only grow spiritually, but you also become a vessel of God’s love and grace. Remember, you were created for more, and through God’s strength, you can help fill the gap for yourself and for others.

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