When God Seems Far Away

By Katherine T. Phan

Anyone can, in more ways than one, spew out reasons why the path of faith is difficult to walk. But what the difficulty boils down to is the struggle with sin and the lack of faith to overcome it.

Most certainly, Satan can be identified as an obvious target in the lives of believers but he is the enemy for an indisputable reason –he tempts us to sin. Therefore, it is not only Satan that believers should be concerned about but the sin he leads us to commit and the sinful habits we have acquired.

Apostle Paul described sin as the law, “waging war” (Romans 7) against him and making him a prisoner.

There are times we are engaged in a spiritual war in which not even the closest members of our family or friends can provide the comfort and relief we need to overcome. Although their words may give us a sense of solidarity, our hearts only long for peace from the sin that plagues our minds and isolates us from God.

At those times, we must seek the face of God. Learning from Adam’s mistake of hiding from God after he committed sin, we should immediately turn to God who is calling us.

Instead of listening to Satan, who, as a “father of lies,” (John 8) first distorts the truth, leading us astray from the laws God has given us as a form of protection, and then tells even more lies to maximize the distance he created between us and God, we should always remember the voice of God calling us as he did Adam.

The only assurance that we can safely return to Him without condition is offered through faith in His unconditional love.

With our own thoughts and analysis, we cannot understand why God would want to forgive us, accept us, or even love us after our life of emulating the Prodigal Son. Only by faith can we simply accept His unconditional love that surpasses common sense and man-made codes that define what is “fair.”

It is not fair to man that someone be indemnified without plans for repayment, aka be punished for sinning. However, God is the father who believes that the one changed through the unconditional love will “repay” the debt in his own way through his overturned lifestyle of giving out the same generosity and love he has received to others.

Faith is the answer and the key to unlock the gift of forgiveness God has already given us.

Even more than enough proof of His love is God’s Son Jesus, whose sacrifice testifies God’s undying love for us. Faith is not only believing the fact that God loves me but accepting His love in spite of our insufficiencies.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Even though we have received the gift of grace, there are many more good things in store for us when we repent and live a life following Jesus’ path.

Romans 5:10 “For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo