There is a natural ebb and flow to our relationships, isn’t there? Sometimes we feel close to someone; other times, we feel distant. One moment you’re inseparable, and the next, you’re struggling to connect. The reasons vary—maybe it’s differing priorities, life changes, or the discomfort of a DTR (Determine the Relationship) conversation where lines get drawn and, sometimes, friendships dissolve. This dynamic isn’t just true for our friendships and romantic relationships; it happens with our relationship with God too.

Why is it so difficult to admit when we’re struggling in our relationship with God?

Admitting that we struggle in our relationship with God can be terrifying. There are times when our connection with God feels stagnant or distant, and many of us are reluctant to say it out loud—even if it's true. The reality is, sometimes our faith feels like it’s on fire, and other times, it’s like a flickering candle barely holding on.

Psalm 63:8 says, “I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Yet, there are moments when it feels like we’re barely holding on, or worse, like we’ve let go altogether. In Psalm 37:23, we’re reminded, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”

But when life repeatedly takes wrong turns, or when our own poor choices drive us away, it’s easy to lose sight of this truth. It’s not that we don’t believe in God—we do. We think He’s good, and we believe in the value of faith, but sometimes we just aren’t feeling it. And it’s okay to admit that.

To explore this further, let's look at Sarah’s story. Sarah’s relationship with God was filled with moments of both faith and doubt. She laughed at God’s promise that she would bear a child in her old age—a reaction rooted in disbelief and perhaps a little bit of cynicism from years of unfulfilled longing. Genesis 18:12 says, “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?’”

Sarah's laughter was her way of expressing doubt and setting limits on what she thought God could do, reflecting a common struggle: letting our circumstances determine our faith in God’s power.

When God chatted with Sarah, asking, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’” (Genesis 18:13), He wasn’t just addressing her disbelief; He was inviting her into a deeper understanding of His power and faithfulness. And the same invite goes out to us. Admitting that we’ve struggled in our faith doesn’t push God away; rather, it opens the door for Him to draw closer.

Sometimes we’re like Sarah—laughing in disbelief, limiting God’s power, and putting our fears and insecurities at the forefront. We put up walls because we’re afraid of getting hurt or disappointed. But God continues to engage with us, even when we laugh, doubt, or pull back. He isn’t surprised by our struggles; He isn’t upset by our fears. He’s steadfast.

Reflect on where you are in your relationship with God. Are you feeling close, distant, or somewhere in between? Take one intentional step this week to move closer to God—whether it’s through prayer, reading scripture, or simply being honest about where you’re at.

Remember, God isn’t asking for perfection; He’s asking for your presence.

No matter where you find yourself in this ebb and flow, know that God is steadfast, and He’s inviting you to move beyond comfort into a deeper, more honest relationship with Him.

“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14).

The answer is no, and that includes rekindling your faith when it feels like the flame has gone out. Let’s venture past the limits of our possibility into the realm of God’s impossibility.