Q: If someone had asked me a year ago if I loved God, I would have said yes. But I’m not so sure I could say it now. Somehow, my faith has faded away, which concerns me very much. Is there a way back to God? — L.R.

A: Yes, there certainly is a way back to God — and the reason is because God wants you back! He doesn’t want you to drift through life apart from Him; He loves you and wants you to be close to Him every day.

Have you asked yourself what might have caused you to drift away from God? (Remember: He hasn’t moved away from you; instead, you have moved away from Him.) Is it because of a particular sin in your life — something you know is wrong, but you’ve still tolerated it and allowed it to come between you and God? It may not be anything obvious to others; it may instead be hidden, or something you aren’t even aware of, such as pride, jealousy, greed or laziness.

Or is it perhaps because you never did anything to strengthen your faith — not reading the Bible, seldom praying, ignoring fellowship with other believers? I’m thankful you once felt you loved God, but our emotions can fade over time. Our faith needs to be grounded instead in the truths of God’s Word, and in our daily walk with Christ.

Whatever the problem, confess it to God and ask Him to forgive you. Then recommit your life to Jesus Christ and learn to walk with Him every day. The Bible says, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Q: Our church keeps asking us for money, but I’ve been out of a job for over a year and we just don’t have anything to give. Do you think God will understand? — T.H.

A: God knows all about your situation; nothing that happens to us ever takes Him by surprise. And you should take great comfort in this, because it means He knows what you can and can’t do — including with your finances.

Don’t forget, however, that God’s work (including your church) does require financial support. Even Jesus’ little band of disciples had people who supported them with their money (see Luke 8:3). The Old Testament taught people to give one-tenth (or a “tithe”) of their income to God’s work, and this is still a worthy standard. The Christians in Macedonia were very poor, and yet “their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.... They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3).

Even if you can’t give much, I hope you won’t stop giving completely. Not only will you have the satisfaction of being part of God’s work, but you’ll also be a good example to your children. In addition, look for other ways to support your church — doing volunteer work, for example, or assisting in a class. It can be part of your contribution to your church’s work.

Most of all, don’t give in to despair, and don’t stop looking for work. Commit the future — and your family — into Christ’s hands, and ask Him to guide you and encourage you during these difficult times. God’s promise is for you: “I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit www.billygraham.org.