Why Do Christians Struggle in Relationship with God?

Brother Pastor
Jul 18
3 min read

Updated: Aug 16

Why Do Christians Struggle in Relationship with God

Here are seven (7) reasons why Christians struggle in relationship with the Lord our God, causing self-sabotaging behavior, with more complete explanations following this list:

1. God’s judgment for Adam’s sin guarantees struggle dominates the human experience (Gen. 3:17-19).

2. Lack of trust in God’s strength while focusing on personal weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

3. Refusing to comprehend that as reformed sinners, God still loves us and has a destiny planned (Eph. 2:10).

4. Failure to not only examine the roots of relational struggle but further refusing to acknowledging a need because of false doctrine such as 'once saved always saved.'

5. As with medical issues which manifest symptoms, ignoring smaller sicknesses (spiritual) which, left untreated, causes bigger issues (Jam. 1:15).

6. Worshipping ‘self’ as opposed to giving the honor and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 3:1-4).

7. Low residual self-worth through failure to both comprehend our status as children of the King of the Universe (1 Pet. 2:9).

What Is Struggle According to the Bible?

Spiritual struggle is defined as the act of willingly or unwillingly blocking God’s work in one’s life—often due to fear, insecurity, or disbelief in your own worth. This is drawn from Psalm 51:1-10 where King David, after a severe moral failure, pours out a heartfelt prayer of repentance.

This passage, and countless others, reveal how spiritual restoration begins with confronting personal failures and believing in God’s mercy.

Why Do Christians Struggle to Accept God’s Call?

Christians struggle to accept God’s call. One of the most prevalent methods of self-sabotaging struggle in faith, which I am guilty of as well, is struggling to be obedient to what the Lord called one to do. Often, it is because the assignment is so far from any expertise we have that unbelief takes hold.

This is a common spiritual obstacle where many believe God is capable but doubt that He would work through someone as flawed and ‘seemingly’ unequipped as they are.

Can God Still Use Me When I Sin Through Losing the Faith Struggle?

Absolutely! I am living proof. Here are biblical examples of flawed people used powerfully by God:

David: An adulterer and murderer who became a man after God’s heart (2 Sam. 11:14-17).
Jonah: A prophet who ran from God but was brought back to purpose (Jonah 1:1-3, Jonah 3:1-3).
Abraham: God’s choice for bringing forth a chosen people and yet struggled with telling the truth (Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 12:11-13).
Barnabas: While Barnabas was commended for faithfulness in Acts, he was caught sinning (with Peter) in Galatians! (Acts 11:22-24, Gal. 2:13).

The Godhead, from the time of Abraham to the New Testament, used these sometime scoundrels so He can use anyone.

What Causes Spiritual Faith Struggle Leading to Self-Sabotage?

Faithlessness leading to self-sabotage is rooted in:

Fear of failure: Although the Bible indicates God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear, everyone, at one time or another, struggles with it, present company included (2 Tim. 1:7).
Impatience with God's timing: Christians are great at saying “God’s timing isn’t our timing” but when it comes to demonstrating trust in this, we come up short (2 Pet. 3:8).
Low spiritual self-worth: It is interesting that we claim to be sons and daughters of The King yet suffer low spiritual self-esteem (Matt. 10:29-31).
Lack of Imagination: Literally, “God thoughts are not our thought nor are His ways are ways” so remaining in a non-spiritual mindset, as opposed to thinking beyond logic, causes blindness (Eph. 3:20, Rom. 11:33).
Contradictory beliefs (like I am SAVED but not worthy): Instability is the enemy of walking in the authority granted by the Lord Jesus (Jam. 1:8).