Why Does Following Jesus Feel So Hard Sometimes?

When Following Feels Like Friction

Let’s be honest.

You love Jesus. But lately? It’s felt like a grind.

The worship songs don’t move you. Your prayers feel like talking to the ceiling. Temptation creeps in like it owns the place. And worst of all—you feel like you're the only one going through it.

Here’s the truth: you’re not.

Faith has a rhythm. And sometimes, it hits the hard notes.

This Isn’t a Sign You’re Doing It Wrong

Somewhere along the way, we picked up the idea that if we’re close to God, everything should feel good.

But Jesus never said that. He said the road would be narrow. He said we’d have to deny ourselves. He told us to count the cost.

So maybe the friction you feel isn’t failure. Maybe it’s formation.

Real Growth Looks Like Tension

Think about it:

• Muscles grow through resistance.

• Roots deepen through pressure.

• Diamonds form under heat.

Your spirit’s no different. That heaviness? That struggle to stay faithful? It could be proof that you're growing, not drifting.

God’s not ghosting you. He’s grounding you.

Not Every Day Feels Like Revival—and That’s Okay

We love the highlight reel: mountaintop worship, radical breakthroughs, Instagram testimonies.

But most of life happens in the middle. In the tension. In the Tuesday where nothing big happens but you still choose to show up.

And that’s where Jesus meets you—not just in the highs, but in the hold-on-anyway.

Culture Says Quit. Jesus Says Stay.

Everywhere you turn, the world’s shouting:

• “Do what feels right.”

• “If it’s hard, maybe it’s not for you.”

• “You deserve ease.”

But Jesus whispers: “Stay with Me.”

Because when the world runs on vibes, following Jesus builds a different kind of resilience. One that’s rooted. Durable. Deep.

What You’re Feeling Might Be an Invitation

Instead of asking, “Why is this hard?”, maybe ask, “What is God building in me right now?”

What if:

• The silence is creating space for new clarity?

• The struggle is strengthening your endurance?

• The tension is tuning your trust?

Jesus doesn’t waste the middle. He works in it.

A Few Anchors for the Storm

If you're in that “hard to follow” season, here are five moves that keep you anchored:

1. Stay in the room. Don’t disappear when it gets dry.

2. Talk to someone. Not the highlight reel—someone who gets it.

3. Keep Scripture open. Even one verse can reroute your week.

4. Simplify your rhythm. You don’t need perfection—just presence.

5. Ask for fresh wind. The Holy Spirit isn’t on vacation.

You're not a bad Christian for feeling tired. You’re a growing one.

Jesus Gets It More Than You Know

He’s not disappointed in you. He’s not surprised. He walked it, too:

• Pressed on every side

• Misunderstood by friends

• Alone in the garden

• Holding faith through fatigue

Your Savior knows how it feels—and still calls you worthy.

It’s Not About the Feeling—It’s About the Follow

You don’t have to feel it to live it.

Some days will feel electric. Others will feel like quiet obedience. Both count.

Because Jesus isn’t asking you to impress Him. He’s asking you to walk with Him.

Even when it’s uphill. Especially when it’s uphill.

Concluding Note

If following Jesus feels hard right now—breathe. You’re not broken. You’re just in the real part of the journey.

And you’re not walking alone.

Stay steady. Stay open. Keep showing up.

There’s breakthrough on the other side of this pressure.