Where It All Started

From Turmoil to Peace – My Journey Back to Faith

Growing up in a divorced home came with its challenges. As a child, it felt like living in two different worlds. On one side, I had a parent who came from a family deeply rooted in faith, and on the other, one who wasn’t. It wasn’t always easy to figure out where I belonged. I often felt torn between two opposing views of life, unsure of what to believe or where to turn.

This is where my grandfather stepped in. He had a remarkable way of sharing the good news with love and patience. I remember the evenings we spent together, where he would talk to me about faith, hope and what it meant to live a life close to God. While I didn’t fully grasp everything he shared as a child, his words planted seeds—seeds that would grow much later in life.

A Confirmation Without Faith

As a teenager, I reached a crossroad: my confirmation. For many, it’s a time to affirm their faith, but for me, it felt more like a tradition—something you simply did. I asked myself the question: “Do I really believe?” The answer was unclear. I went through the ceremony but felt no deep connection to God. Life moved on and faith gradually faded into the background.

My teenage years were filled with parties and impulsive decisions. I rarely thought about the future. I was focused on myself and what made me happy in the moment, with little consideration for the consequences. The fun, the friendships and the freedom were alluring, but over time, I began to feel an emptiness. It was as if something was missing—something bigger than myself.

From Feeling Insufficient to Seeking

Becoming a father changed everything. The weight of responsibility for my children felt immense and with it came a sense of inadequacy. How could I give them what they needed when I often felt insecure and uncertain? Financial worries and the pressures of everyday life cast a heavy shadow over me. I wanted to be a good father, but I often felt like I was falling short. During this time, I began to long for something more—something that could give me strength and hope.

I started to reflect on the conversations I’d had with my grandfather. The words I had once dismissed began to resonate with me. Slowly, I opened myself up to the idea of faith again. At first, it was just a faint yearning—a quiet prayer in the dark. But as I took small steps toward faith, I felt a warmth and peace I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

A God Who Doesn’t Judge

What truly moved me was realizing that God didn’t judge me for the choices I had made. He met me where I was—with all my mistakes and uncertainties. For the first time, I felt like I could let go of the burden of guilt and find peace instead. I came to understand that faith isn’t about being perfect; it’s about seeking God and trusting that He will guide you.

The Power of Faith in Everyday Life

Today, faith is beginning to be a cornerstone of my life. It gives me strength when I face challenges and helps me be a better father and a better person. I’ve learned that I don’t have to carry everything on my own—I can place my worries in God’s hands. This sense of security has not only helped me but also created a warmer and more stable home for my children.

To anyone who feels trapped by feelings of inadequacy or emptiness: it’s never too late to turn back. God meets us where we are, no matter how far we’ve wandered. Faith can give your life a new direction, filled with hope, strength and a deeper meaning.

If you’re feeling a void in your life, I encourage you to take small steps toward faith. It could be a conversation with someone you trust, or a simple prayer. For me, it began with my grandfather’s words and a quiet longing—and today, I can say that this journey has been the most important one of my life, but it is not yet over, it has barely started. 

A verse that speaks directly to the journey of feeling burdened by life´s challenges and finding peace and comfort in God´s embrace and aligns with rediscovering faith is Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."