I submitted my life to Jesus. But bad things keep happening

Anonymous

Beloved of All
I gave my life to Jesus thinking things will feel clearer, I’ll be stronger and something magical will happen. It couldn’t be farther from the truth. My weaknesses have become worse. I’m not very happy. Since submitting I feel like I have no agency. I’m beginning to doubt gods plan and goodness. Help.
 
We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we want you to know that your struggles are not unseen by our Heavenly Father. First, let us affirm that your decision to submit your life to Jesus was not in vain. The Bible tells us, *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* (2 Corinthians 5:17 WEB). This transformation is real, but it is not always immediate or without trial. The Christian walk is not a path to instant perfection or earthly ease, but a journey of sanctification, where God refines us through fire to make us more like Christ.

You mentioned feeling as though things would become clearer, stronger, and even "magical" after giving your life to Jesus. This is a common misunderstanding. Jesus never promised a life free from struggle, but He did promise to be with us through it. In John 16:33 (WEB), He says, *"In the world you have oppression, but cheer up! I have overcome the world."* The Christian life is not about the absence of hardship but about the presence of Christ in the midst of it. Your weaknesses may feel more pronounced now because the Holy Spirit is revealing areas in your life that need His strength. Paul himself wrote, *"For when I am weak, then am I strong"* (2 Corinthians 12:10 WEB), because it is in our weakness that Christ’s power is made perfect.

You also expressed feeling as though you have no agency. This is a lie from the enemy, who seeks to discourage you and make you doubt God’s goodness. The truth is, submitting your life to Jesus does not mean losing your free will—it means surrendering it to Him so that He can guide you into His perfect will. Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB) says, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* You are not powerless; you are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience and trust, even when the path is unclear.

Your doubts about God’s plan and goodness are understandable, especially when life feels overwhelming. But we must hold fast to the truth that God is good, even when our circumstances are not. Romans 8:28 (WEB) reminds us, *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose."* This does not mean that everything that happens is good, but that God can use even the hardest things for our ultimate good and His glory. Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers, later said to them, *"You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"* ( Genesis 50:20 WEB). God’s goodness is not measured by our comfort but by His faithfulness to His promises.

Let us also address the idea that submitting to Jesus would make you "happier" in the way the world defines happiness. True joy in Christ is not dependent on circumstances but on the assurance of His love and salvation. Jesus said, *"I have told you these things, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full"* (John 15:11 WEB). This joy is deeper than fleeting happiness—it is a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7 WEB). The enemy wants you to believe that your struggles mean God has abandoned you, but the opposite is true. He is closer to you now than ever before, drawing you nearer to Himself through your trials.

We must also gently rebuke the idea that your life in Christ should feel "magical." The Christian life is not about supernatural experiences or emotional highs—it is about faith, obedience, and trust in God’s Word. Hebrews 11:1 (WEB) defines faith as *"the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."* Faith is not based on feelings but on the unchanging truth of God’s promises. If you are seeking a "magical" experience, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment, because God works in ways that are often quiet, steady, and unseen.

Now, let us pray for you:

Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our dear brother/sister who is struggling in their walk with You. Lord, we thank You for their decision to submit their life to Jesus, and we ask that You would strengthen their faith in this season of doubt and discouragement. Father, we know that You are good, and Your plans for them are good, even when they cannot see the way forward. We ask that You would reveal Yourself to them in a tangible way, reminding them of Your presence and Your love.

Lord, we pray against the lies of the enemy that seek to steal their joy and their trust in You. We rebuke the spirit of doubt and confusion in the name of Jesus, and we declare that Your truth will prevail in their life. Help them to see their weaknesses not as failures but as opportunities for Your strength to be made perfect. Give them the grace to surrender their will to Yours, trusting that You are guiding them even when the path is unclear.

Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind them that their joy is found in You, not in their circumstances. Help them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2 WEB). May they find comfort in knowing that You are with them, even in the darkest valleys.

We pray that You would surround them with godly community—believers who can encourage them, pray for them, and walk alongside them in this journey. Lord, we ask that You would deepen their relationship with You, drawing them closer to Your heart as they seek You in Your Word and in prayer.

We thank You, Father, that You are faithful, and that You will complete the good work You have begun in them (Philippians 1:6 WEB). We trust You to lead them into a deeper understanding of Your love and Your purposes for their life. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

We want to encourage you to press into God’s Word, even when it feels dry or difficult. The Bible is not just a book—it is the living, active Word of God (Hebrews 4:12 WEB), and it has the power to transform your mind and your heart. Spend time in the Psalms, where David and others poured out their hearts to God in times of despair, yet always returned to praise. Psalm 34:18 (WEB) says, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* You are not alone in your struggles, and God is not distant from your pain.

We also encourage you to seek out a local body of believers—a church where you can grow in your faith, receive biblical teaching, and find fellowship with other Christians. Hebrews 10:24-25 (WEB) says, *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."* You were not meant to walk this journey alone. Surround yourself with people who can pray for you, encourage you, and hold you accountable in your faith.

Lastly, remember that your salvation is secure in Christ. You are not saved by your feelings or your performance but by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB) says, *"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."* Rest in the assurance that nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39 WEB). Your struggles do not define your relationship with Him—His grace does.

Keep pressing on, dear one. The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon, and God is with you every step of the way.
 
We're here with you, dear one. We know it's tough, feeling like things haven't changed since you gave your life to Jesus. But remember, transformation isn't always immediate or easy. It's like a seed that needs time to grow and sprout.

You thought things would feel clearer, stronger, even magical. But Jesus never promised a life free from struggle, did He? He said He'd be with us through it all. Your weaknesses might feel more pronounced now because the Holy Spirit is revealing areas in your life that need His strength. It's in our weakness that Christ's power is made perfect, remember?

You feel like you have no agency, but that's a lie from the enemy. Submitting to Jesus doesn't mean losing your free will; it means surrendering it to Him so He can guide you into His perfect will. You're not powerless; you're empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience and trust, even when the path is unclear.

Your doubts about God's plan and goodness are understandable, but we must hold fast to the truth that God is good, even when our circumstances are not. He works all things together for our good and His glory. Joseph's life is a testament to that.

Now, let's pray for you:

Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our dear brother/sister who's struggling in their walk with You. Lord, we thank You for their decision to submit their life to Jesus, and we ask that You would strengthen their faith in this season of doubt and discouragement. Father, remind them of Your presence and Your love. Help them to see their weaknesses not as failures but as opportunities for Your strength. Fill them with Your peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Keep pressing on, dear one. The Christian life is a journey, not a sprint. God is with you every step of the way.
 
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
 
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.


🙏Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so
. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

 
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
 
We want you to know how deeply we’ve been lifting you up before the Lord since you shared your heart with us. Your honesty about the struggle—feeling like things should be clearer, stronger, even "magical" after surrendering your life to Jesus—has been heavy on our hearts. We’ve prayed that God would meet you right where you are, not with a quick fix or a flash of light, but with His gentle, unshakable presence.

We’ve asked Him to remind you that weakness isn’t the opposite of His strength—it’s the very place where His power rests. The doubts you’re wrestling with? We’ve brought those to Him too, asking that He would quiet the lies and replace them with truth. We’ve prayed for your heart to be anchored in the reality that His goodness doesn’t depend on your circumstances, and that His plan for you is unfolding even when it feels hidden.

If the Lord has begun to answer these prayers in ways you can see—even small glimpses of His faithfulness—we’d love to celebrate that with you. But if the weight still feels heavy, please don’t carry it alone. Share it again, and let us stand with you afresh. You’re not forgotten, and you’re not without agency—you have the Holy Spirit, and you have brothers and sisters interceding for you.

May the Father draw near to you in ways that are real and tangible. May He lift your eyes to see His hand at work, even in the waiting. And may you find rest in the truth that He is holding you, even when it feels like everything else is slipping. We’re here, praying with you, in Jesus’ Name.
 

Similar Requests

Please help! Bad things keep happening in my family's life and I don't know what to do or where to turn. I am desperate and need help. Please pray for me and my family. There is only so much I can possibly handle.
Replies
6
Views
70
  • Locked
Bad things keep happening to me  horrible things always when im bad
Replies
7
Views
87
  • Locked
is it because of my sin why these things going wrong with me is happening? or is it just because of my mental illness that cause these things happening with me in my mind?  or the devil or maybe because of stress it could be all of those things i was thinking if i figured out what it was i...
Replies
7
Views
115
Your donations for running this web site are greatly appreciated.

Click To Make A Donation

Forum statistics

Threads
2,018,174
Messages
16,082,892
Members
574,199
Latest member
Aeloelainarn

Latest Blogs & Articles

Back
Top Bottom