Why Does Following God Feel So Difficult?

Have you ever wondered why following God can feel so much harder than you expected?

You may genuinely want to trust Him, obey His Word, and grow in your faith; yet you still find yourself struggling with temptation, discouragement, and doubt. Or you simply feel spiritually exhausted.

If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. Many faithful men and women throughout the Bible experienced the same inner battle. And Scripture offers both an honest explanation and lasting hope.

God never intended for you to face these struggles without guidance. The Bible explains why the Christian life can be so challenging. But it also reveals how God gives us the strength to persevere.

Understanding these truths can replace frustration with confidence, and help you continue your faith journey with renewed purpose.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• Why following God often feels like an uphill battle
• The biblical reasons behind spiritual struggles and temptation
• How God strengthens believers through life’s challenges
• Practical ways to remain faithful when your Christian walk feels difficult
• Where to find hope and encouragement for continuing to follow God

Let’s begin by exploring what the Bible says about why the Christian journey is challenging, and why that doesn’t mean God has abandoned you.

Why following God often feels like an uphill battle

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Following God often feels difficult because the Christian life calls us to live differently from the world’s values.

Jesus invites His followers to pursue God’s Kingdom above personal comfort. And that choice comes with both challenges and eternal rewards.

Many people assume that once they decide to follow Jesus, life should become easier. Yet the Bible paints a different picture. From the beginning, Jesus was transparent about the cost of discipleship. Rather than promising a life free from hardship, He invited people into a life of purpose, sacrifice, and transformation.

Jesus said:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NKJV).

These words reveal that following Jesus involves more than agreeing with His teachings. It requires us to deny ourselves, to surrender our own desires whenever they conflict with God’s will.

Carrying our cross symbolises choosing obedience to God, even when it’s inconvenient or costly.

This often feels difficult because our natural instinct is to seek comfort, control, and immediate satisfaction. The values promoted by the world frequently encourage self-centred living, while Jesus teaches humility, service, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.

Jesus Himself experienced rejection, suffering, and misunderstanding. And ultimately death on the Cross. If the Son of God walked a difficult road while fulfilling His mission, His disciples should not be surprised when they encounter challenges as well.

Yet these challenges do not mean God has abandoned us. Instead, they remind us that He is shaping us into people who reflect the character of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).

But external challenges aren’t the only reason following God feels difficult. Much of the battle happens within our own hearts.

The Biblical reasons behind spiritual struggles and temptation

The Bible teaches that spiritual struggle exists because we live in a fallen world. And that even after we become Christians, we’re still battling our fallen nature. After receiving salvation, believers continue growing in Christ as God transforms them through His grace (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6).

From the moment sin entered the world, humanity’s relationship with God was broken (Romans 5:12). Although the Gospel offers forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ, Christians still experience an ongoing struggle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

The apostle Paul described this internal conflict honestly in Romans 7. He acknowledged wanting to obey God while recognising the continuing influence of sin in his life. His transparency reminds us that wrestling with temptation does not make someone a failure; it makes them human.

As Christians, we also face pressure from the culture around us. Society often celebrates values that contradict biblical teaching. Success may be defined by wealth, power, or personal fulfilment.

But Jesus calls His followers to pursue humility, holiness, and service.

Temptation can come in many forms:

• The temptation to compromise our values for acceptance
• The temptation to place career, possessions, or relationships above God
• The temptation to rely on ourselves instead of trusting Him
• The temptation to become discouraged when prayers seem unanswered

The encouraging truth is that temptation itself is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted during His earthly ministry, yet He remained perfectly faithful (Hebrews 4:15). Because He understands our weaknesses, He is able to help those who trust Him (Hebrews 2:18).

Rather than leaving believers to fight alone, God provides everything they need to grow stronger in faith.

So where does that strength come from?

How God strengthens believers through life’s challenges

God strengthens believers through His presence, His Word, His people, and the power of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t promise an easy life. But He does promise to walk with His people through every trial (Isaiah 41:10).

One of God’s greatest gifts to Christians is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26). After trusting in Christ for salvation, believers receive the Spirit, who teaches, comforts, convicts, and empowers them to live according to God’s will.

Instead of relying solely on human determination, Christians are invited to depend on God’s strength daily.

God also strengthens His people through Scripture (Psalm 119:9-11; Romans 15:4). Reading and reflecting on His Word renews our minds, reminds us of His promises, and helps us recognise truth when facing temptation or discouragement.

Another important source of strength is the church. Christianity was never meant to be lived in isolation (Hebrews 10:24-25). God places believers in a community where they can encourage one another, pray together, worship together, and carry each other’s burdens.

Even suffering has a purpose in God’s plan. Trials often deepen our faith, refine our character, and teach us greater dependence on God’s grace (James 1:2-4). What initially feels like a setback can become an opportunity for remarkable spiritual growth.

Above all, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus’ sacrifice stands as the greatest demonstration of God’s love (Romans 5:8). Through His voluntary death and His resurrection, Christians receive forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternal life. Every present hardship is viewed in light of that eternal victory.

Knowing where our strength comes from naturally leads to another question: How can we cooperate with God every day?

Practical ways to renew faith when walking with God feels difficult

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Remaining faithful means consistently choosing God through everyday habits that strengthen your relationship with Him. Spiritual growth is usually gradual. But every act of obedience draws us closer to Christ. (Just as every act of disobedience draws us away from Him.)

Here are some practical ways to remain faithful during difficult seasons:

1. Spend time with God every day

Prayer and Bible study keep our hearts connected to God. Spending time with Him each day helps us recognise His voice and strengthens our trust in His promises (John 10:27).

2. Remember the simple gospel truth

The Christian life is built on what Jesus has already accomplished, not on our own ability to earn God’s acceptance (Ephesians 2:8-9). Remembering the Gospel keeps us grounded in grace rather than guilt.

3. Choose obedience over convenience

Obedience often requires sacrifice. There will be moments when following Jesus costs us popularity, comfort, or personal ambition. Yet every act of obedience shapes our character and deepens our faith.

4. Stay connected to the church

Faith grows best in community. Fellow believers can offer encouragement, accountability, wisdom, and practical support during difficult seasons.

5. Depend on the Holy Spirit

Victory over temptation comes through God’s power rather than sheer willpower. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and strengthen you every day.

6. Keep an eternal perspective

Jesus warned that His followers may experience rejection or even persecution because of their faith (John 16:33). Yet He also promised that those who remain faithful have an inheritance waiting in Heaven as citizens of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Faithfulness is not about never stumbling. It is about continually returning to Jesus, trusting His grace, and continuing to walk with Him.

And that leads us to the greatest encouragement of all.

Biblical encouragement to keep following Him

The Bible’s message is filled with hope because God never abandons those who continue trusting Him (John 10:27-29). And although following Jesus has a cost, it also brings blessings that far outweigh temporary hardships (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Jesus never hid the reality of discipleship. He warned His followers that those faithful to Him would face the same rejection and persecution as He did (John 15:18-20).

Yet He also promised forgiveness, peace with God, and purpose for today (Romans 5:1-2). And He promises that one day we’ll experience eternal life and good things beyond our imagination (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Every struggle, every temptation, and every sacrifice is temporary. God’s promises are eternal.

True Christ-followers aren’t defined by their failures (or even by their personal success) but by complete dependance on Christ. Our identity becomes hidden in Christ as we learn to rely completely on Him. That’s what the apostle Paul meant when he said:

“And [Jesus] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NKJV).

When we place our hope in ourselves or in our ability to achieve perfection, we can become exhausted and discouraged because none of us can do what Christ did for us (Romans 3:23).

That’s why Jesus says:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV).

If following God feels difficult today, remember that countless faithful men and women have walked this path before you (see Hebrews 11). More importantly, Jesus Himself walks with you now (Matthew 28:20). He understands suffering, rejection, temptation, and death because He experienced them firsthand and He overcame them all.

And as you continue following Jesus, trust that God is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and preparing you for His eternal Kingdom.

The road may be narrow. And it may feel impossible at times. But when you get frustrated or feel like giving up, remember to place those burdens on Jesus, and not on yourself. He will guard you, guide you, and protect you (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7).

He can “do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV).

And when He returns, you’ll experience everlasting joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11).

Keep following Jesus with confidence and hope

Following God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worthwhile. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to know Jesus more deeply, to strengthen your faith, and to discover that His grace is sufficient for every season.

The Christian life isn’t about not ever struggling. It’s about learning to trust God through every struggle, knowing that He’s faithfully leading you towards His eternal Kingdom. And as we face challenges and uncertainty with hope and humility, we’ll be a light on a hill pointing the way to Christ for others who are struggling (Matthew 5:14-16).

If you’d like to continue exploring what the Bible says about faith, hope, and following Jesus, visit our Faith section, where you’ll find practical, Bible-based answers to some of life’s most important spiritual questions.

And a great place to begin is with these articles:

• How Do I Experience God’s Presence in My Daily Life?
  Discover practical, biblical ways to cultivate a closer relationship with God. And learn how to recognise His presence in both ordinary and difficult moments, and develop daily habits that deepen your walk with Christ.
• Is It Okay to Have Questions About My Faith?
  Asking honest questions isn’t the opposite of faith. Find out how it can become a pathway to deeper understanding, stronger convictions, and a more authentic relationship with God.
• What Does It Mean to Walk by Faith and Not by Sight?
  Explore what it truly means to trust God when the future is uncertain, how biblical faith shapes everyday decisions, and how to remain confident in God’s promises even when circumstances seem discouraging.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, God invites you to keep seeking Him (Matthew 7:7-8). In fact, He reminds us that even when we’re struggling in our faith, He’s still seeking us (Revelation 3:20).

As you continue exploring His Word, may you find renewed hope, deeper confidence, and the assurance that Jesus is walking with you every step of the way.