Question: Dear Greg,

About two years ago my brother was saved and really excited about his new walk with Christ. He was even the one that God used to change my life. I visited him this weekend (he lives in another state so we don’t see much of each other) and discovered that he has not only lost his relationship with Jesus, he now believes that there is no God at all. He is very angry and bitter about the whole Christian “thing”.

I talked with him about this and tried to change his mind. After talking with him I think that he felt God called him to do something, possibly to pastor, and this scared him. He also related to me that the church he was attending has not even contacted him to see why he hasn’t been going. He is very bitter and angry toward all Christians. I just don’t know what to do. Any advice?

Larry

Answer: Dear Larry,

It’s hard to say, given what you describe and not knowing any more of the situation, what the reason may be for a seemingly total reversal of your brother’s perspective.

There are many times when an unexpected event such as a death in the family, a huge personal disappointment of some kind, etc., will cause humans to blame God. Proverbs says that hope deferred makes the heart sick. As humans we set ourselves up, and we are set up, by the things that others tell us, for unreasonable and unbiblical expectations of God. For example, there are people who believe that God will heal them and their loved ones every time and for every reason. In spite of the facts—that people do die of diseases and accidents (both Christians and non-Christians alike)—some believe God promises healing in every circumstance. When it doesn’t happen, they look for blame. Sometimes they blame themselves, sometimes others, and many times, especially in the end, they blame God.

Philip Yancey wrote an excellent book about such depression and disappointment titled, “Disappointment with God”. We also offer another of his books as a resource and will be glad to send you a free copy if you feel it would help you and/or your brother. It is titled, “Where is God when it Hurts?”

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht