The Superior Way: Four Reasons People Lose Faith (And How to Stay Strong)

Have you ever felt like giving up on your faith journey? Like the weight of life's challenges was becoming too heavy to bear? You're not alone. Throughout history, countless individuals have faced similar struggles, and their stories offer us valuable insights into persevering through difficult times.

Recently, I've been deeply reflecting on a powerful passage from Hebrews 12:1-3, which provides profound wisdom about maintaining our faith when times get tough. The ancient writer paints a vivid picture of life as a race, with a "great cloud of witnesses" cheering us on from the sidelines. But what's particularly fascinating are the insights it offers about why people lose faith and, more importantly, how to prevent it.

1. Forgetting Your Context: The Danger of Isolation

One of the most common reasons people lose faith is that they forget they're part of a larger story. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "The universe is against me." Maybe you've experienced a series of setbacks – health issues, financial struggles, relationship problems – and started feeling like you're fighting these battles alone.

But here's the truth: you're surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses." Think about Abel, who gave his best offering to God only to face deadly jealousy from his own brother. Consider Abraham, who waited 25 years for God to fulfill just one of His promises. Remember Moses, who led two million former slaves through the desert for 40 years, only to be told he couldn't enter the Promised Land himself.

These aren't just ancient stories – they're testimonies of real people who faced real challenges and kept their faith intact. Their experiences remind us that our struggles, while painful, aren't unique. We're part of a grand narrative of faith that spans generations.

2. The Weight of Distraction: When Lesser Things Take Center Stage

In our modern world, distractions come in countless forms. The writer of Hebrews urges us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Notice the distinction – there are sins that entangle us, but there are also simple "weights" that can slow us down.

These weights might not be inherently sinful. Maybe it's an all-consuming hobby, an overwhelming sports schedule for your kids, or the endless scroll of social media. Perhaps it's career ambition or materialism that's slowly crowding out your spiritual life. None of these things are necessarily wrong, but they can become weights that hinder our spiritual race.

Think of a runner training for a marathon. They wouldn't dream of running with heavy weights strapped to their ankles. Yet in our spiritual lives, we often try to run while carrying numerous unnecessary burdens. The key isn't just avoiding sin – it's also about thoughtfully evaluating what might be slowing us down.

3. Purpose Drift: Losing Sight of Your True North

The third reason people lose faith is subtler – they simply drift away. It rarely happens suddenly; instead, it's a gradual shift of priorities, a slow turning of the eyes away from Jesus, whom the writer calls "the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

This is why the text emphasizes "fixing our eyes on Jesus." The Greek word used here paints the picture of a ship's helmsman who fixes their gaze on a distant point to stay on course. Without this fixed reference point, even the slightest deviation can lead us far off course over time.

Remember this profound truth: One day, each of us will meet Jesus face to face. In that moment, our achievements, possessions, and earthly success will fade into insignificance. The only thing that will matter is our relationship with Him. Our purpose isn't just to believe in Jesus – it's to know Him, enjoy Him, become like Him, and serve others as He did.

 4. Losing Sight of the Finish Line: The Fog of Uncertainty

Perhaps you've heard the story of Florence Chadwick, who attempted to swim from Catalina Island to the mainland of California in 1952. After swimming for 15 hours in dense fog, she gave up – only to discover later that she was just one mile from shore. Two months later, on a clear day, she completed the same swim successfully.

This story perfectly illustrates our final point: sometimes we lose faith simply because we can't see the finish line. The fog of circumstances, doubt, or weariness obscures our vision, making us question whether we can complete the journey.

But here's where the writer of Hebrews offers a powerful solution: "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." When we fix our eyes on Jesus – remembering His endurance, His sacrifice, His victory – we find the strength to keep going, even when the finish line isn't visible.

Staying Strong: Your Race, Your Journey

The beauty of this ancient text is that it doesn't just diagnose the problems – it offers solutions. Stay connected to the community of faith. Regularly evaluate and shed unnecessary weights. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember the finish line, even when you can't see it clearly.

Your faith journey is unique, but you're not running alone. You're part of a great story that spans generations, surrounded by witnesses who have run this race before you. They're cheering you on, urging you to keep going, reminding you that the race is worth running.

So today, whether you're sprinting ahead or struggling to take the next step, remember: this race isn't about speed – it's about endurance. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, throw off what hinders, and run with perseverance. The finish line might be closer than you think.