Faith can be a concept that is difficult for your friend. They may have been taught to believe in themselves. All the pressure in life may have been put on them being able to perform. Their success in life was very much dependent on their skills, knowledge, talents, abilities, and personality. Many people get most of their pleasure, value, love and beneficial relationships from their accomplishments. If they see Jesus trying to take over or trying to take away their accomplishments, they may rebel.

Your friend’s relationship with Jesus is one of Jesus getting them ready for eternity. In eternity, things are going to be incredibly different. Earth is a training class for children of God to learn how to be successful children of God. As long as you and your friend are human, it will be like being a baby, child, or teenager. You will have a lot to learn about how to be good at being a child of God. Now is you and your friend’s opportunity to get trained by Jesus on how to get good at being a child of God. If He is allowed to take charge of your lives, He will teach both of you incredible truths about your eternal life.

Rom 8:17 (NIV) Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. Just like in athletic training, there is going to be some stress, pain, soreness, fatigue, and pressure. You and your friend will be involved in some real battles with yourselves, other people, circumstances, and temptations. But, the objective of it all is to get you ready to rule and reign with Jesus in His eternal kingdom.