Coming back
Gentle steps for when you’ve been distant, hurt, or unsure where to start.
Maybe faith used to feel close and now it doesn’t.
Maybe people who were meant to show you Jesus did the opposite.
Maybe you’re not even sure you believe anymore, but something in you is wondering about God again.
​
This page isn’t here to push you.
It’s here to walk with you, one honest step at a time, as you find your way back to Jesus… or maybe meet Him properly for the first time.
You’re not the only one who stepped away
If you’ve drifted, shut down, or walked away from faith, you are not a spiritual failure. You’re human.
People step back for all kinds of reasons:
-
Busyness that quietly drowned out prayer.
-
Questions that never felt safe to ask.
-
Church hurt, hypocrisy, or betrayal.
-
Grief and suffering that made God feel silent.
​​
Jesus isn’t shocked by any of that.
In the Gospels, He keeps moving towards those who are ashamed, confused, or on the edges. This page is my small way, as The God Guy™, of echoing that movement towards you.
Why coming back can
feel so hard
If you’ve hesitated, there are probably some very good reasons.
Fear of being judged
If people knew where I’ve been or what I’ve done, they’d write me off.
Fear of being hurt again
Last time I trusted a church or leader, it went badly. Why risk it?
Fear that God is disappointed
Surely God’s over me by now. I’ve messed this up too many times.
Jesus knows every detail and still calls you by name, not by your mistakes. I can’t promise every Christian will respond perfectly; humans are messy. But I can promise this: God’s heart towards you is mercy, not embarrassment. And any step you take towards Him, no matter how tiny, matters.
A gentle way to start coming back
No pressure.
Just four small movements you can make at your own pace.
C.O.M.E
C – Cry out
(even if you’re not sure about God)
God, if You’re real, please meet me here.
​
That’s a valid prayer. You can say it in the car, in bed, or in the shower.
You don’t need perfect words — just honesty.​​​
O – Open up about your story
Tell the truth — to God, and maybe to one safe person.
​
You might say:
“Lord, this is where I got hurt.”
“This is why I walked away.”
“This is what I’m scared of.”
​
God can heal what you’re finally willing to show Him.​​​​
M – Move one step, not ten
Don’t plan your whole spiritual comeback.
Just take one tiny step:
-
Listen to one worship song that still stirs something in you.
-
Pray one short, honest prayer.
Small steps count in the Kingdom.
E – Encounter again
Ask God for a fresh encounter — not a copy of the past, but something real for now.
​
“Holy Spirit, show me You’re with me. Help me sense Your love again.”
​
Then watch for the quiet ways He answers: a moment of peace, a word that lands, a sense that you’re not alone.
Where are you coming back from?
Your path back will look different depending on what you’ve walked through. Start with the one that sounds most like you.
I didn’t mean to walk away… I just drifted.
Life got full. Faith got pushed to the edges. There wasn’t one big moment — just a slow fade.
​
Gentle step: Choose one simple rhythm again.
-
Read one Gospel story this week (try Luke 15).
-
Set a tiny reminder on your phone: “Jesus, I’m here” at a time you’re usually scrolling.
-
Whisper a one-line prayer before sleep.
Church people hurt me.
You trusted and were let down. Maybe that wound came from a leader, a community, or someone who used God’s name to justify their behaviour. That is not okay.
​
Gentle step: Let God separate Himself from what happened.
-
Tell Him plainly: “This hurt me.”
-
Ask: “Jesus, where were You in that moment?”
-
Consider talking to a safe, wise person — a counsellor, spiritual director, or priest known for gentleness, not control.
Fear that God is disappointed
I’m not even sure what I believe anymore.
​
Questions and doubt aren’t disqualifiers — they’re often doorways.
Gentle step: Bring your questions with you instead of waiting till they’re all answered.
-
Write down your three biggest questions about God.
-
Ask Him directly: “If You’re there, speak into these somehow.”
-
When you’re ready, chat with someone who won’t panic at your doubts.
Seven gentle steps
you can take this week
You don’t need to do all of these. Let the Holy Spirit highlight one or two that feel right for where you’re at.
-
The Honest MinuteTake 60 seconds today to tell God exactly how you feel, even if it’s angry, numb, or confused.
-
The Quiet VisitIf you can, sit in a church or chapel for five minutes. No words required. Just be there and breathe.
-
The “Help Me” PrayerOnce today, simply pray: “Jesus, help me.” That’s enough.
-
The Safe Person TextMessage one person who loves Jesus and say, “Can we talk sometime? I’m trying to find my way back.”
-
The ‘Not All Churches’ CheckIf a particular parish or group hurt you, look up another community online that seems gentle, inclusive, and faithful. You don’t have to go yet, just allow the possibility that they exist.
-
The Scripture Re-introductionRead Luke 15:11–24 (the prodigal son). As you read, imagine the Father running towards you.
-
The Tiny Thank YouBefore bed, name one moment, however small, that you’re grateful for today. Thank God for it, even if you’re not sure He’s listening.
If your story includes deep wounds
Some stories involve abuse, manipulation, or trauma done in God’s name. If that’s you, I’m so sorry. That was not the heart of Jesus.
​
Coming back to faith after that kind of pain is holy ground, and it can’t be rushed. Two important things:
-
Your safety matters. It’s okay to step away from people or places that are unsafe or coercive.
-
You don’t have to walk alone. A good counsellor, spiritual director, or trusted priest/Christian leader can help you untangle what happened and find a healthier way forward.
​​
If you’re in Australia and ever feel unsafe or at risk, please reach out to local support services or emergency help, such as:
Lifeline:
-
Phone: 131114
-
SMS: 0477131114
-
Chat: lifeline.org.au
​
Emergency services:
Call 000 (Australia only)
​
Seeking professional support is not a lack of faith — it’s a courageous step towards healing.
Questions you might be asking
A simple prayer to begin your way back
You might not know what to say. If you’d like, you can borrow this prayer:
Jesus, You know where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and what’s been done to me.
You know the distance between us and all the reasons for it.
I don’t have everything figured out, but I want to take a step towards You.
Meet me in my confusion, my hurt, and my questions.
Show me that Your heart is still for me.
Holy Spirit, guide me gently as I come back.
Amen.