Faith is more than just feelings- it comes from the Father... every good and perfect thing does. I had a horrible bout of it where I had no faith... it really just ripped me apart- it ate at me... because it seemed like every minute was agony- but Two our Faith is more than just feeling discouraged about it. (And it seemed like I was... disloyal... and I hated to feel that way... I almost want to whisper that... because it felt like my soul wanted one thing but my mind really felt and acted another way...)I think that a large part of the walk, that is to know Christ daily, is to live beyond feelings. They do not master us. We can keep from being discouraged by knowing that Truth prevails- that our world and the existence of God does NOT merit that we always be full of faith. Isn't that wonderful? Even when we are weak God remains strong? Yes, we need faith. But faith isn't essential to God's existence- and we GROW in faith- it has to start somewhere, right? So, the important thing is to keep on keeping on- even when faced with horrible feelings about it. For instance, I went through a period where the thought of reading the Bible made me disgusted- but did this make or break the Bible and it's word? And just because of a feeling would the Bible inherently change? Nope. Thank God for that!So, we fall on our knees to the Lord for even our feelings and our faith- and Thank GOd for that! He says that He will give us only light burdens, right? Well, He gives us even faith! Don't feel discouraged- thank God that you can see how much you need Him when you feel a lack of faith- because through a lack of Faith, you are reminded of God! Jesus said that we would suffer in following Him- I don't think this means just physical suffering. I think that often we suffer mentally too, but that we can always overcome through Him who gives us strength!So how does a person maintain faith? We don't do it on our own- isn't that crazy? Even in staying close to Him, it's HIM who gives us the power to do it. So, trust in the Father to get you through it- trust even though you feel like you have no faith.... does this seem contradictory? Well, it isn't... because our relationship with Him is more than sensual- it's more than feelings or whims- it is concrete and grounded. It is eternal and Just and Truth! All Praise be to the Father!