Trusting God When You're Struggling: Overcoming Obstacles to Faith

by C.E. White

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

The world is full of things that undermine our faith. Too often, we push and scramble through life, allowing our feelings to control our decisions, attempting to accomplish things in our own strength, and trusting in worldly wisdom rather than God. This leaves us frazzled, overwhelmed, and grumbling through every difficulty like the Israelites did in the desert.

But we don’t have to live that way! The peace God promises is real and available to every believer.

This book tackles many of the obstacles we let come between us and God — things like fear, failure, insufficiency, and expectations. The biblical examples and truths explored will bolster your faith, calm your spirit, renew your strength, and shift your focus from the earthly to the eternal, freeing you to embrace God’s rest in all circumstances.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

Audible Audio

Published December 30, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

C.E. White (Connie) is an author of middle-grade fantasy, children’s books, and Christian non-fiction for adults. Her works are fueled by a lifetime love of both Jesus and reading, and she longs to inspire people of all ages with imagination and words of hope. She has a passion for helping people embrace the lives they have instead of the ones they imagined. Most of Connie’s favorite books are at least one-hundred years old, so chances are high that she’s secretly a time-traveler who got stuck in the future. She doesn’t seem to mind, though, and lives happily in the mountains of North Georgia with her husband and two cats. More at www.cewhitebooks.com.

Reviews

[deborah o'carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 recommend

I read the first half in ebook form (the author was kind enough to give me a free copy "just because") and the second half I listened to on Scribd (https://www.scribd.com/g/965uhi), and I just ordered a hardcover because I know I'm going to want to read this again and have it on my shelf. (I'm SO happy I discovered the audiobook, at a time when I didn't have time to read physical books and so was able to finish reading it. It's on Audible too.) Reading it on-the-page is easier to follow the quotes and things, and to focus on particular passages, so I enjoyed it in that form too, but I also enjoyed simply hearing it. So whichever is your favorite mode of reading/listening, definitely give it a try.

The variety of chapters covering various struggles/obstacles and things to focus on were a great collection, from worry to dreams to prayer, and had so many wonderful examples both Biblical and from life and fiction (the quotes made me happy). I love how the author shares so many truths both unrealized and repackaged so that they're seen in a new light even if they had been thought about. And I love how she's honest about her own still-figuring-this-out thing, while also sharing things that helped her and might help others, with a startling clarity and freshness (to me, at least). I love how it delved into deep topics but was very conversational/easy to read, without pretentiousness.

I don't read much nonfiction but this one was very inspiring. It touched my heart and my soul, made me smile, made me cry, and opened my eyes to a lot of things. I'm so glad I read it. I think I'll have to read it again, just to really let some of it sink in. And probably again after that.

Since we all have times when we're struggling, even with day-to-day things, I think it's an excellent read for anyone and I recommend it. :) Would probably make a great daily devotional too (though I tended to binge the chapters in batches).

[Selina Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll definitely be revisiting this one, especially certain chapters. I'll admit there were some part I was like "don't think/not sure I agree with that little bit" and others I thought "not sure if I disagree or just don't like it." XD But so much of this was challenging in a good way or edifying.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging and realigning book! Very down-to-earth and practical reminders of the important basics. Good insight from the author, and a strong biblical base.
4.5 stars

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)

Section one of this book gives the reader various faith obstacles (expectations, doubt, distraction, worry, etc.) and the author’s thoughts, with biblically sound insight, on how to overcome them (oftentimes including examples from her own life). Most, if not all, of the info in these chapters was stuff I had already learned. It was a good reminder of the truth I already hold to. But if the book had ended there, I probably would only have rated it at 3.5 or 4 stars.

But then there’s section two!
THIS section on building spiritual health was what I personally needed. I will be going back to reread these chapters again—especially the ones on prayer and fasting.

Books such as this one are not meant to replace the Bible. So be in the Word—reading and studying it—first and foremost. However, we can and do learn how to grow in our faith from other believers who have “been there, done that.”

Whether you’re new in your Christian faith or have been a believer most of your life (like me), there’s something of value to help you in your spiritual journey within the pages of this book.

[Kelly Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's five to ten page chapters are perfect for reading in the morning or right before bed or in a spare few minutes in the middle of the day. Each chapter focuses on a topic with universal applicability, such as fear, doubt, insufficiency, prosperity, or dreams. The author walks through what God has taught (and is teaching) her on this topic, including real life stories and a great deal of scripture. There is nothing ground-breaking here, yet the author's wisdom, keen discernment, and clear and honest writing style make each chapter a treasure trove of insightful thoughts to dwell on and pray about. This book was an enriching addition to my daily quiet time. I intend to read it again soon. I've also gifted a copy to a friend. I think this down-to-earth approach to living everyday life with God will benefit anyone who reads it with a desire to trust God more deeply.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to be a little hesitant about buying books like this one, especially if they're written by what would be called a layman. For one thing, they rarely say something new to me. And to a great extent, that's the case with this book. It's well-enough written, with a nice, friendly style that still shows respect for Scripture. What moves it from a 2-star to a 4-star for me may have to do with when I read it. I was looking for something without being able to say exactly what it was. This book hit all the right notes possibly because I'm so definitionally-oriented, and this book effectively lists and defines what I needed. I need to go back through the book and make a checklist to put where I can refer to it often.

[Wendy Heuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book covering all aspects of the Christian faith. It includes chapters on fear, abandonment, distraction, worry, conformity, hope, fasting... too many to list! The book could easily be adapted to use as a Bible study, or as a daily devotional. White's transparency and fluent writing style makes this book relatable, yet thorough research ensures its Biblical basis. This book is applicable to every Christian, whether you're struggling with your faith or not. A must read!