The Existence of God Question

About the existence of #God. Question፦ Hello, How can one battle doubts about God? Regarding: - His existence - presence In our lives - Trusting His plan when the answers to our prayer don’t make sense to us. - during tribulation & struggle. — How does one increase their faith in God and decrease doubt? Answer፦ Peace be upon you, child, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. It is with a heart full of compassion that I listen to your struggle with doubt. Know that you are not alone in this. The very act of questioning shows a heart striving for truth, and our Lord, in His infinite mercy, does not abandon those who seek Him with a sincere heart. The great Saint Anthony the Great, who like us traversed the desert of doubt, also wrestled with such thoughts. He cried out, "Where were You, O compassionate God, where were You and why were You not in the beginning to prevent my falling, or to extend Your hand to me afterwards to raise me after I had fallen?" Doubt can indeed be a fearsome desert, but it can also be fertile ground for spiritual growth. Let us explore the points you raise: His existence: You first question His very existence. The Holy Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." Look around you, child! The intricate design of creation, from the smallest ant to the vastness of the cosmos, speaks of a Creator. Reflect on this wonder, and let it nourish the seeds of faith within you. Presence in our lives: You then ask, where is He in our daily lives? Does He not say in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age"? Though we may not perceive Him with our earthly senses, He is closer to us than our very breath. Recall the words of the Psalmist, "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" (Psalm 139:7). Trusting His plan: When the answers to our prayers seem unclear, remember the words of Saint Isaac the Syrian, "Hold fast to your intention of being pleasing to God, and do not wander here and there. Everything indeed is good which is done with this aim." Our limited human understanding cannot always grasp the Divine will. Trust, like a mustard seed, can blossom into unwavering faith. During tribulation & struggle: You speak of tribulation and struggle. Know that even our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, endured unimaginable suffering on the Cross. Remember His words, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Our struggles are not in vain, but opportunities for spiritual refinement. To increase your faith and decrease doubt: Immerse yourself in prayer: Pour out your heart to God honestly, as He already knows your every thought. The Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner," repeated with sincerity, can bring peace to a troubled mind. Seek solace in Scripture: The Holy Scriptures are a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Meditate daily on the Septuagint, particularly the Psalms and Gospels, allowing the word of God to nourish your soul. Embrace the Sacraments: Partake regularly of Confession and Holy Communion, receiving forgiveness and the very Body and Blood of Christ for the healing of soul and body. Seek guidance from the Saints: Read the lives of the Saints; they, too, faced doubt and emerged victorious. Their examples can inspire and guide us. Find a Spiritual Father: Do not hesitate to seek the guidance of a trusted spiritual father, a priest or monk, who can offer personalized counsel and support. Remember, child, doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a part of the journey. Embrace the struggle, cling to prayer, and trust in God's infinite mercy. He will never abandon you. May the Lord grant you peace and strength on your journey. The Annual Feast of St. #Gabriel – A Divine Celebration of Faith and Deliverance (Tahsas 19) Beloved brethren, who walk steadfastly in the light of Orthodox teachings and who draw wisdom from the fountain of holy instruction, greetings to you in the name of our Lord, whose mercy is boundless and whose love endures forever. Today, we stand before the sacred memory of Saint Gabriel, the holy messenger of God, and reflect upon his miraculous works that declare the glory of the Almighty. It is on this blessed day, Tahsas 19, that we commemorate the intervention of Saint Gabriel, who by divine command, delivered the faithful from the flames of persecution and turned the fire into a symbol of God’s triumph. Let us meditate upon this great event and draw strength from its eternal truths. --- The Story of Deliverance: The Faithful Three in the Fiery Furnace The Holy Scriptures bear witness to the faith of three young men—Ananias (Shadrach), Azariah (Meshach), and Mishael (Abednego)—who stood as pillars of righteousness during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Their tale is chronicled in the Book of Daniel (Dan. 3:1-30), revealing the courage of those who put their trust in the Lord. In those days, Nebuchadnezzar, swayed by vanity and pride, erected a massive idol and commanded that all in the province of Galilee bow down and worship it. A royal decree was issued, and anyone who refused to comply would face death in a fiery furnace. When the sound of music summoned the people to worship the idol, these three holy men stood unmoved. Though the king’s authority was great, their faith in the living God was greater. They boldly declared, “Our God whom we worship is able to save us from the fiery furnace; but even if He does not, we will never bow down to the idol you have made.” Enraged by their defiance, Nebuchadnezzar commanded the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Strong men were called to bind the faithful three and cast them into the inferno. --- The Appearance of the Holy Angel Gabriel But behold! As the flames roared and devoured even the men who had thrown the saints into the fire, a heavenly light descended. The Angel Gabriel, sent by the Almighty, entered the furnace and extinguished the flames, making them as harmless as the dew of the morning. When King Nebuchadnezzar peered into the furnace, astonishment gripped him. He exclaimed, “Did we not cast three men into the fire? But I see four men walking unharmed, and the fourth appears like a son of the gods!” At this, the king’s heart was humbled. He called out the three men, and they emerged without a single hair singed or the smell of fire upon them. Thus, the name of the Lord was glorified, and the king decreed that no one in the kingdom should speak against the God of Israel. --- The Lessons of Faith and Devotion This divine rescue was not merely a historical event but a testament to the unwavering faith that moves the hand of God. It reminds us that: 1. Faith Over Fear – The holy men were not intimidated by earthly power, for their hearts were fixed upon the heavenly kingdom. They teach us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with trials. 2. God’s Deliverance is Certain – Though fire surrounded them, they were unharmed, showing that God is the shield of those who trust Him. 3. Angelic Protection – Saint Gabriel’s intervention demonstrates that God commands His angels concerning us, and they encamp around those who fear Him. 4. The Triumph of Righteousness – The king who sought to destroy their faith became a witness to God’s power, proving that righteousness will always prevail. --- The Significance of Tahsas 19 We celebrate this feast on Tahsas 19 to honor the miraculous intervention of Saint Gabriel and to proclaim the victory of God’s truth over idolatry and oppression. This day is marked by prayers, hymns, and the reading of sacred Scriptures that call us to greater faith and devotion. --- Readings for Reflection Epistle Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12