It’s a sobering question, but one every believer must ask:
Is my walk with God producing real fruit, or am I simply going through the motions?
We live in a time where church attendance is high, but kingdom impact is not as high as we know it should be. There are conferences, prayer meetings, worship events, live streams and Christian podcasts everywhere, but many lives remain unchanged, prayers go unanswered, and faith often feels more like a performance than a power.
So what’s really going on?
Let’s talk about it-honestly, practically, and biblically.

Unanswered prayers: Is God ignoring me?

One of the most common frustrations among Christians is this:
Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? I prayed. Yet, it didn’t happen.
If we are really honest, in the past year (or even month) many of us have things we prayed so desperately about and yet! The exact opposite happened. We smile and wave, but inside of us, there are questions. Why? Why didn’t the answer come?
Jesus said: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7 (NIV)
The promise is clear, but there’s a condition – abiding in Him. That means a surrendered life, not just a Sunday life. Are we really aligned with His Word and will? Or do we treat prayer like a divine vending machine? Some of us have been Christians for so long, we are good at speaking (as my husband calls it) Christian-ese. We know all the Christian lingo, but beneath the veil, there are so many questions, so many whys and hows. We live with bated breaths wondering how the tide will turn. Maybe this way, or that way. Prayer is a game of chance?
James puts it even more bluntly: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” – James 4:3
Sometimes the answer delays, but sometimes the challenge is us. Prayer isn’t magic. It’s relationship. Are we abiding? Are we asking for the right motives? Are our hearts right?

Life still feels hard: Isn’t God supposed to make it better?

Jesus never promised a challenge-free life. He said: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”– John 16:33 Faith in Christ doesn’t eliminate hardship, it empowers you to overcome it. Real Christianity isn’t proven when life is easy; it’s proven when you can worship, trust, and serve God deep in the fire. Paul faced beatings, imprisonments, hunger, and betrayal and yet he said: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12, 13 (NIV)
The power of God isn’t shown by a trouble-free life-it’s shown by a transformed life in the middle of trouble.

Why isn’t my life changing? I go to church. I pray.

Going to church doesn’t mean you’re growing. Reading the Bible doesn’t mean you’re being changed.
The Bible says: “Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” – 2 Timothy 3:5. Real Christianity isn’t just external behaviour. It is internal transformation.
When Jesus is truly Lord of your life, the fruit will show:

  • A renewed mind (Romans 12:2)
  • Victory over sin (Romans 6:14)
  • The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23)
  • Love for truth (Psalm 119:97)
  • A desire for holiness (Hebrews 12:14)

If these are missing, it’s time to ask: Do I truly know Him-or do I just know about Him?

Is it all worth it? Really?

Sometimes, the Christian life feels hard. You resist sin, while others indulge. You tithe, while others cheat and prosper. You pray, fast, and sacrifice-and still face trials.
So, IS IT WORTH IT? YES. And, this is why:

  • “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.” – Psalm 73:28
  • “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”– 2 Corinthians 4:17
  • “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

The peace, power, and presence of God now – and eternal reward later – make every sacrifice worth it.
Finally, stop playing church. Start following Christ.
The question isn’t whether you attend church, read the Bible, or say prayers.
The question is: Are you abiding in Christ, obeying His Word, and being transformed daily by the power of His Spirit?
Because that’s the only Christianity that works.
Everything else is just noise.
So today, ask God:
“Lord, where have I settled for performance instead of presence?”
“Show me how to walk in true relationship with you.”
And remember: “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9
Let’s be real, this half-in, half-out Christianity doesn’t work. You can’t have one foot in the Word and the other foot in the world, dancing between “Your will be done” and “YOLO.” Either you’re fully in-loving Jesus, living surrendered, and growing-or fully out there, chasing vibes, affirmations, and soft life Sundays. But lukewarm faith is like decaf coffee -what’s the point?
“So because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” – Revelation 3:16
Pick a lane. God is not confused, and neither should you be.
If this blessed you, please share it.
Someone else may be tired of playing church and ready to start living Kingdom.