Please help.

I am losing my faith in God. Actually, Im a roman catholic, I hope it doesn't make much of a difference under this Christianity category.

Lately, I've just gone through a really upsetting break up. I cannot take the pain. I've been talking to God a lot about my r/s and asking him to give me strength to handle my r/s to the best of my abilities and I prayed long and hard to not get hurt. Because this is my first serious r/s where I actually made an effort for a guy. I know a lot of people will tell me, maybe god has something better. Or, it's a test of your faith.

Well you know what? Im sick of tests of faith. I'm sick of having to deal with this kind of pain. This is not the first time I've prayed for guidance and prayed for God to be here for me.. but every time it just seems to make me feel even more miserable. How am I supposed to believe in God anymore if I'm made to go through trials and tribulations. Im tired of it. I know of friends who don't have religions or are christians but don't practise their faith. AND yet, they aren't sufferning as much as I am.

I really hate this pain. Please help.

First of all, Roman Catholics are Christians. In fact, they were the first Christians.

Even if you weren't a Christian, there would still be suffering in your life. You may not see suffering in the lives of other people, but it's there. Just being in this world and living life means there will be suffering along the way--suffering in relationships, suffering when losing loved ones to death, suffering in disease, suffering in economic hardship.

It's difficult to see someone else's suffering when we are so wrapped up in our own. Many people hide it or rise above it or deny it, but it's there. It's a guarantee for being human. Also, there's suffering and there's suffering--suffering as a bump in the road of life or suffering that freezes us into immobility. We are subject to both kinds, and to all forms in between.

It's how we handle suffering that is important. Do we curse God or use it as a "teachable moment"? As in your case, there is no guarantee any of our relationships will ever be perfect. We are all human and fallible; we all make mistakes and forget to show each other love and respect. We think about what went wrong, figure out our part in the wrongness, forgive ourselves and the other person, and eventually move forward into a stronger and more God-pleasing relationship.

Life is about lessons and being a good student and applying what we have learned to become a better person.

Please help.

I am losing my faith in God. Actually, Im a roman catholic, I hope it doesnt make much of a difference under this Christianity catagory.

Lately, I've just gone through a really upsetting break up. I cannot take the pain. I've been talking to God alot about my r/s and asking him to give me strength to handle my r/s to the best of my abilities and I prayed long and hard to not get hurt. Because this is my first serious r/s where I actually made an effort for a guy. I know alot of people will tell me, maybe god has something better. Or, its a test of your faith.

Well you knw what? Im sick of tests of faith. I'm sick of having to deal with this kinda pain. This is not the first time I've prayed for guidance and prayed for God to be here for me.. but everytime it just seems to make me feel even more miserable. How am I supposed to believe in God anymore if I'm made to go thru trials and tribulations. Im tired of it. I know of friends who dont have religions or are christians but dont practise their faith. AND yet, they arent sufferning as much as I am.

I really hate this pain. Please help.

First, Sorry about your suffering. Break ups suck; and it hurts, and life a lot of times sucks, whether you have faith in God or not.

You are doing the right thing by telling God of your pain. David did this a lot in the Psalms.
God will you give you strength and comfort and though it may take time you will come out better in the long run.



G&P

I lost my faith a long time age and it's worked out for the better, I live to sin because I have to make this life livable. I also love not going to church on Sundays, Now I can really enjoy football. Just go out pick up 3 inches of blood CD and blast the song deadly sinners and you'll feel way better!

When we ask God for things and we do things and we think that was God answering our prays but really we were just TAKING what we wanted and thinking God was in it. Then we think God was testing our faith.

Testing our faith is more when God says NO he is not the one for you and we don't go after the guy or whatever we prayed for.

When we go into his permissible will it rarely works out because God knows what is best for us. So what you need is to heal your hurts, learn your lessons and move on asking God to reveal his will not what we want.

Our faith is not strong if we look to the things that please us and gratify us to see God in it.
It is the simple things that God reveals himself in. Not what happened or didn't happen in your life.
It doesn't work God didn't give me that boyfriend so my faith is low and weak
God gave me a house so my faith is strong.

Our faith is based on knowing God in spite of what we have or don't have.

First of all, Roman Catholics are Christians. In fact, they were the first Christians.

Even if you weren't a Christian, there would still be suffering in your life. You may not see suffering in the lives of other people, but it's there. Just being in this world and living life means there will be suffering along the way--suffering in relationships, suffering when losing loved ones to death, suffering in disease, suffering in economic hardship.

It's difficult to see someone else's suffering when we are so wrapped up in our own. Many people hide it or rise above it or deny it, but it's there. It's a guarantee for being human. Also, there's suffering and there's suffering--suffering as a bump in the road of life or suffering that freezes us into immobility. We are subject to both kinds, and to all forms in between.

It's how we handle suffering that is important. Do we curse God or use it as a "teachable moment"? As in your case, there is no guarantee any of our relationships will ever be perfect. We are all human and fallible; we all make mistakes and forget to show each other love and respect. We think about what went wrong, figure out our part in the wrongness, forgive ourselves and the other person, and eventually move forward into a stronger and more God-pleasing relationship.

Life is about lessons and being a good student and applying what we have learned to become a better person.



Yes, I do know that the Roman Catholics were the very first Christians, Im just not sure everyone knew that. :)

I know that everyone has sufferings, I just don't get why believers of God just seem to have even more pain and suffering. Why? Just to make up for the fact that God died for us? I used to be a strong believer of my faith, I believed so hard that God existed and that everything that happened, happened for a reason.

Now I just ask myself, if so, what are the reasons? I just never seem to know what the reasons are, how do I find them out? I talk to God, but it doesn't work. Honestly, I feel like Im talking to myself. And, maybe I am. I'm just glad no one sees me talking to myself.

I started telling myself that because I really did not know how to make better decisions in life and how I didn't have the wisdom to do what's really best for myself, I told myself that anything else that happens, I'll always try to take them as a sign from God in tellign me what I have to do next.

Guess what? It obviously didn't work, I had too many "signs" I didn't know which was best or which was really even coming from God or just my own overactive imagination.

It's how we handle suffering that is important. Do we curse God or use it as a "teachable moment"? I tried the latter at first, then it got to be too painful to really believe God is teaching me. If he is, why can't he spare me some of the pain? I'm not like Him, I'm only human.

We think about what went wrong, figure out our part in the wrongness, forgive ourselves and the other person, and eventually move forward into a stronger and more God-pleasing relationship. Yeah, I hoped that would be the case in the future, but I'm now at a low point. I don't think I'm just very convinced anymore that there's a God.

In fact, I'm slowly stopping going for masses and taking the eucharist and such. I got confirmed last year... Ironic huh?

First, Sorry about your suffering. Break ups suck; and it hurts, and life alot of times sucks, whether you have faith in God or not.

You are doing the right thing by telling God of your pain. David did this alot in the Psalms.
God wil you give you strength and comfort and though it may take time you will come out better in the long run.



G&P

Yeah, maybe Im tired of waiting already.

I just don't get why believers of God just seem to have even more pain and suffering. Why?
They don't.

I don't think I'm just very convinced anymore that there's a God.
That's okay. God is carrying you in the palm of his hand. He wants you to take care of your depression by seeing your doctor or a psychiatrist. God will be with you all the way.

A famous man once said that "doubts are the ants-in-the-pants of faith." That's where you are now, with a bunch of ants in your pants. Faith is there too. If it weren't, you wouldn't be asking the question in the first place.

When we ask God for things and we do things and we think that was God answering our prays but really we were just TAKING what we wanted and thinking God was in it. Then we think God was testing our faith.

Testing our faith is more when God says NO he is not the one for you and we don't go after the guy or whatever we prayed for.

When we go into his permissible will it rarely works out because God knows what is best for us. So what you need is to heal your hurts, learn your lessons and move on asking God to reveal his will not what we want.

Our faith is not strong if we look to the things that please us and gratify us to see God in it.
It is the simple things that God reveals himself in. Not what happened or didn't happen in your life.
It doesn't work God didn't give me that bf so my faith is low and weak
God gave me a house so my faith is strong.

Our faith is based on knowing God in spite of what we have or don't have.


When we ask God for things and we do things and we think that was God answering our prays but really we were just TAKING what we wanted and thinking God was in it. Then we think God was testing our faith. [

Exactly! So my question is, how do I know if it's really God answering me by showing me the way or is it just my over active imagination? I really want the signs because I know at this point, I'm not good at making the right decisions. I know, we make mistakes and learn from them but at this point, I don't wna keep making bad decisions.

When we go into his permissible will it rarely works out because God knows what is best for us.

So.. why do we bother? Since it rarely works out.. then why bother trying if we're just going to fail?

They don't.

That's okay. God is carrying you in the palm of his hand. He wants you to take care of your depression by seeing your doctor or a psychiatrist. God will be with you all the way.

A famous man once said that "doubts are the ants-in-the-pants of faith." That's where you are now, with a bunch of ants in your pants. Faith is there too. If it weren't, you wouldn't be asking the question in the first place.

Are you sure that believers of God don't have more suffering? Why is it that when I observe.. around me it just seems that way? I know of friends and family who are catholics but don't bother practising it. Yet, they just seem to not have much sufferings. I know of friends who are staunch Christians. And yet, they seem to go through so much of sufferings and pain. I know because they're my good friends/closer family members. So it's really not as though I'm just being paranoid or thinking too much. They tell me their problems.. and I wonder.. why would "God" make his own "children" suffer if they really want to follow his ways and him??

Faith is there too. If it weren't, you wouldn't be asking the question in the first place.
Yes of course. I want to believe. I obviously don't want to completely ditch my religion. But.. like I said, I just really need convincing to believe that there really is God out there helping me out. How can I know? He doesn't speak to me. Like I said earlier, it's as though Im talking to the wall/myself.

The reason is because people in the world can just do whatever and it doesn't phase them. If their boyfriend breaks up with them Yes they do suffer emotional hurt but they cuss them out in their mind and figure out what they are going to do next to get them back or get even or whatever.
Christians suffer more because they want God but they want THEIR will.
We chase after what we want and don't truly ask God to show us what he wants.
We want this boyfriend, God wants us to go without a boyfriend for awhile and wants us to find our direction in life and where we should be. Guess who wins! We are running around with the boyfriend that isn't the one God has for us and ignoring where we should be. Then we wonder why God hasn't brought the right guy into our life.
Its because we aren't making our priorities right about God's perfect will for us.

I use to always be getting into the wrong relationships and not finding where I should be.
Now I do ask God to show me and tell him that I want his will rather than chasing after the wrong things.
The more I do the more I do hear him speak to me.

In fact, I'm slowly stopping going for masses and taking the eucharist and such. I got confirmed last year... Ironic huh?

First let me say I am not Catholic, however I am Christian, and I strongly believe in Christ.

What I would ask you is who is the winner?

We can be so weak at times, and give into our own weakness. We blame God when instead we should open our eyes. Are there others around us that lead us? Are we accepting, and being held accountable to others, and their actions. Why do we not see, what we have accepted and made ourselves accountable to?

Are we so in love with the mistreatment of that r/s, that we don't see that it hurt us?

I don't believe God reached down, and took the r/s away. I believe instead that God sees the pain you are suffering. And God can give you HIS help "if" you stay tune to HIS open door.

Is there something learned during our experiences in life? Most assuredly we do become stronger from our weakness. What I would say is stand with God, and allow HIM to carry you for now.. But when the time comes to stand strong, remember who can guide you to be a stronger. Pray that weakness of flesh bows down and flees from you, so no harm is caused to you or others.

Compare your pain to what Christ suffered on earth: For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. (otherwise there is no hope)

Are you sure that believers of God don't have more suffering? Why is it that when I observe.. around me it just seems that way? I know of friends and family who are catholics but don't bother practising it. Yet, they just seem to not have much sufferings. I know of friends who are staunch Christians. And yet, they seem to go through so much of sufferings and pain. I know because they're my good friends/closer family members. So it's really not as though I'm just being paranoid or thinking too much. They tell me their problems.. and I wonder.. why would "God" make his own "children" suffer if they really want to follow his ways and him???
.


Yes it seems true. The apostles all became martyrs.

I know of widows and widowers that rely on their faith to get them through. I've known parents that have lost children or have children with serious medical problems and they keep the faith.

God does not promise a pleasant life. His son suffered more than I can imagine.

But what faith is it if it is not tested? Or only present in the "good times?"
Would we want friends, family, our spouse to be that way?


Hang in there, Pixie... I hope your suffering will diminish.





G&P

I wanted to add to what Inthebox said
Martyrs are martyred for Jesus name
What we do when we are in God's permissive will is our own suffering and what we learn from it is what is important.
Every lesson, every trial we go through either makes us or breaks us. It is how we utilize what we learn from the choices we make.
Do we draw closer to God, do we become bitter toward God, do we turn from our ways and become more submissive to God's will rather than what we want?

Please help.

I am losing my faith in God. Actually, Im a roman catholic, I hope it doesnt make much of a difference under this Christianity catagory.

Lately, I've just gone through a really upsetting break up. I cannot take the pain. I've been talking to God alot about my r/s and asking him to give me strength to handle my r/s to the best of my abilities and I prayed long and hard to not get hurt. Because this is my first serious r/s where I actually made an effort for a guy. I know alot of people will tell me, maybe god has something better. Or, its a test of your faith.

Well you knw what? Im sick of tests of faith. I'm sick of having to deal with this kinda pain. This is not the first time I've prayed for guidance and prayed for God to be here for me.. but everytime it just seems to make me feel even more miserable. How am I supposed to believe in God anymore if I'm made to go thru trials and tribulations. Im tired of it. I know of friends who dont have religions or are christians but dont practise their faith. AND yet, they arent sufferning as much as I am.

I really hate this pain. Please help.

Try giving up your faith and see how you feel. I'd bet you'd feel a lot better.

The reason is because people in the world can just do whatever and it doesn't phase them. If their bf breaks up with them Yes they do suffer emotional hurt but they cuss them out in their mind and figure out what they are going to do next to get them back or get even or whatever.
Christians suffer more because they want God but they want THEIR will.
We chase after what we want and don't truly ask God to show us what he wants.
We want this bf, God wants us to go without a bf for awhile and wants us to find our direction in life and where we should be. Guess who wins! We are running around with the bf that isn't the one God has for us and ignoring where we should be. Then we wonder why God hasn't brought the right guy into our life.
Its because we aren't making our priorities right about God's perfect will for us.

I use to always be getting into the wrong relationships and not finding where I should be.
Now I do ask God to show me and tell him that I want his will rather than chasing after the wrong things.
The more I do the more I do hear him speak to me.


Okay, then tell me how am I supposed to know what God's will is. I mentioned before that I tried talking and everything but I don't get answers on what I'm supposed to be doing. I know of people who are so devoted and stuff then that's when they hear what God wants them to do.

If that's the only way to hear God, or know of God's will.. (by being so into the bible, etc) I don't think I can do it. It's not like I didn't try... no matter how hard I tried (and I did try my best) I still don't seem to hear anything.

I hope this isn't confusing, it's just kind of difficult putting my thoughts and annoyance into words.

Pixie,
I was raised Roman Catholic, went to those schools, the whole nine yards. It never really caught on with me. I'm atheist now, so is my wife and kids and life is good (not that it wasn't before). Just wanted you to see one option available to you. Not having a belief is not the end of the world.

You keep praying, asking for direction and don't jump into things because you desperately want them. Listen to your gut instinct over your head and your feelings that you have to have something.

I ended up divoriced because I just had to be married because I wanted it so bad. In the meantime something kept telling me it was a bad decision and I kept excusing it as pre wedding jitters. I was wrong because I get the feeling every time I want to do something and it isn't what I should be doing.

I lost my faith a long time age and it's worked out for the better, I live to sin because I have to make this life livable. I also love not going to church on Sundays, Now I can really enjoy football. Just go out pick up 3 inches of blood CD and blast the song deadly sinners and you'll feel way better!

This is exactly what many of us have experienced (with the exception of the football--not interested in that).

One more thing,

I was thinking about this today.

One thing that might be good for you is to look to God and not religion. Look for the spiritual things of God. There is a difference between religion and being set free in your spirit.

Every real Christian goes through valleys where they don't feel God's presence. Like a writers block or an artist not feeling the inspiration to draw. God allows us to go through the highs and the lows to learn to lean on him through it all. He also wants to make us stronger in that.

Here is a story in the Bible that may help you.

mark Bible Study - Mark 4:1-34 - The character of people in God's kingdom (http://www.westpalmbeachchurchofchrist.com/articles/mark/mark4.html)

Okay, then tell me how am I supposed to know what God's will is. I mentioned before that I tried talking and everything but I dont get answers on what I'm supposed to be doing. I know of people who are so devoted and stuff then that's when they hear what God wants them to do.

If that's the only way to hear God, or know of God's will.. (by being so into the bible, etc) I dont think I can do it. It's not like I didnt try... no matter how hard I tried (and I did try my best) I still don't seem to hear anything.

I hope this isnt confusing, it's just kinda difficult putting my thoughts and annoyance into words.

It is simply to love God and to love others. Luke 10:27.

This is a process, not an instantaneous event. An ongoing present tense dialogue. No I don't hear the voice of God, But His word is in the Bible. Start with the Gospels.

If you think you are losing faith - know that there is the parable of the prodigal.
All the world has an answer of this world to the question of meaning, suffering, purpose.
Whether you have faith in God or not, the answer is not to turn inward or to pursue self indulgence. Others have gone before us - they use drugs or alcohol or materialism or self knowledge. You can go these ways but I tell you that there is no answer there.

The joy behind your suffering that there is a God that loves you beyond your imagination.
I hope you grow and discover this.




G&P

First let me say I am not Catholic, however I am Christian, and I strongly believe in Christ.

What I would ask you is who is the winner?

We can be so weak at times, and give into our own weakness. We blame God when instead we should open our eyes. Are there others around us that lead us? Are we accepting, and being held accountable to others, and their actions. Why do we not see, what we have accepted and made ourselves accountable to?

Are we so in love with the mistreatment of that r/s, that we don't see that it hurt us?

I don't believe God reached down, and took the r/s away. I believe instead that God sees the pain you are suffering. And God can give you HIS help "if" you stay tune to HIS open door.

Is there something learned during our experiences in life? Most assuredly we do become stronger from our weakness. What I would say is stand with God, and allow HIM to carry you for now.. But when the time comes to stand strong, remember who can guide you to be a stronger. Pray that weakness of flesh bows down and flees from you, so no harm is caused to you or others.

Compare your pain to what Christ suffered on earth: For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. (otherwise there is no hope)

I get your point, but I still feel very let down.

Sorry, we, and I think I speak for most here at AMHD feel your pain and will listen to what you have to say.




G&P

It is simply to love God and to love others. Luke 10:27.

This is a process, not an instantaneous event. An ongoing present tense dialogue. No I don't hear the voice of God, But His word is in the Bible. Start with the Gospels.

If you think you are losing faith - know that there is the parable of the prodigal.
All the world has an answer of this world to the question of meaning, suffering, purpose.
Whether you have faith in God or not, the answer is not to turn inward or to pursue self indulgence. Others have gone before us - they use drugs or alcohol or materialism or self knowledge. You can go these ways but I tell you that there is no answer there.

The joy behind your suffering that there is a God that loves you beyond your imagination.
I hope you grow and discover this.




G&P



I think.. I will start reading the bible. I want to see if it can apply to my daily life. The gospels? What else will you.. suggest?

I know for sure Im not like.. going to turn inward or to pursue self indulgence as you say. Sure, it makes me happy but only short term.

The joy behind your suffering that there is a God that loves you beyond your imagination.

THAT'S my joy?? I find it so.. strange that that's good enough for people to believe they're suffering isn't in vain.

My suggestions are the link I posted on page 1
Post #20

1 Corinthians 13
Romans
Luke 6:20-26 & 43-49
1 kings 19:11 & 12

Do a Bible study on trials and long suffering.

This link is a good start too
http://www.christianlibrary.org/authors/John_L_Kachelman_Jr/phil14.htm

SO much has gone on wrong in my life. Sometimes I sit here and I ask myself "how did I get here". I tell God that I don't understand how it ended up this way. I just don't understand. I think of Job. He lost everything. His children, his wealth, and even his own health. My children are gone but they are not dead. They are adopted now. I miss them terribly, and yet I can't imagine what it would be like if they were dead. They are fine. I just miss them. They were sexually abused. For years actually, and I didn't know. I had a boyfriend who use to hit on me, and I loved him so much. So now I'm like what the heck it going on. I'm so tired of this guilt and blame that I feel. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve to live, yet I don't deserve to die. Maybe I deserve to suffer. Well I take my stand like Job. I don't blame God. I try my best not to ask him why because he is God. I do tell him I don't understand why this is happening or how I got here.

I believe God has shown me some of the reasons life turned out so bad, and so full of pain. First off, my children were born with a purpose. I believe they have a high calling in God's kingdom. They loved church and Jesus. But somewhere in there I decided to do drugs and party with my friends. I was having sex out of marriage as well. So I opened this door to let Satan come in our lives. While I was out partying my kids were getting raped by my father. And people told me that I needed to be careful because if he found his way in he would steal everything from me. And he did. But my actions and my sins gave him the right to destroy my life. So now my kids are gone. I am reminded of the times I use to tell them to leave me alone so I can sleep. (after a night of partying) So who did they have to go to? My father. He watched them while I slept through the day. Now I know why he did. So here I am and I hate to know that I let Satan steal from me what meant the most to me. And he's in hell right now laughing at every tear I cry. So I thank God for allowing me to birth these 3 beautiful girls into this world. I thank him for the time I had being their mom. Hearing them laugh. Them picking flowers for me and telling me how much they loved me. Even though it's gone now, I thank him that at one time he allowed me to have that life. Satan wants me to blame him. He wants me to take my life and let him have my soul. He has fought for it since I was a child. Just like he is trying with my children. But I won't let him win. He thinks he won. Cause everything hurts right now. I have no joy. Just guilt. Blame. Shame. Anger. It's all there. But I will never give up on Jesus. Somehow he thinks I can handle this. When I took the knife and imagined myself dead in a pool of blood, God reminded me that my girls would hurt even more if I died. Satan would win. So I ruled out suicide. And as for my faith, I won't let him stael that from me. It's the one thing he can't take.

Don't let the trials of this world make you lose your faith. It is called "apostacy" (matt 24:9-13) or falling away from the faith. So God knows this is going to happen. We must be strong. One day you will be blessed with another relationship (hopefully a saved person). And you will wonder why you ever let this one affect you so much. Jesus didn't have to suffer for us, but he chose to. And the pain of it wasn't strong enough for him to give up and NOT die for us.

Pixie,
I was raised Roman Catholic, went to those schools, the whole nine yards. It never really caught on with me. I'm atheist now, so is my wife and kids and life is good (not that it wasn't before). Just wanted you to see one option available to you. Not having a belief is not the end of the world.

I don't reply to those who tell me to give up my faith. Because as much as I don't understand why I have to suffer, I still don't want to completely ditch my faith. I'm also raised as a Roman Catholic and now at this point when I am not having much faith it feels kind of lonely. I don't know if you can understand but having that invisible means of support made me feel better at times cause I know Im not alone. But then, there are times like these when I feel so low and clouded by my emotions my faith wavers.

I understand when you tell me that there are other options available. This is why I replied because you're not suggesting that I give up:) But.. I just feel lost. So now that you're an atheist, where do you believe you'll go after death?

My suggestions are the link I posted on page 1
post #20

1 Corinthians 13
Romans
Luke 6:20-26 & 43-49
1 kings 19:11 & 12

Do a Bible study on trials and long suffering.

This link is a good start too
HOW TO RUN THE CHRISTIAN RACE WITH JOY (http://www.christianlibrary.org/authors/John_L_Kachelman_Jr/phil14.htm)

Sorry, I guess I overlooked your suggestions on page one:/

Thank you for the advice and I will try and see if I can bring back my faith. Like I said, I obviously don't want to ditch my faith but at times like these when my faith wavers and is practically at an all time low, I really don't understand why I should bother trying anymore to believe that God is still there, you know?

I really hope that this isn't boring you or anything and it's just kind of unbelievable that there are people out there who are interested in helping total, random strangers.

So now that youre an atheist, where do you believe you'll go after death?
I don't worry about afterlife, I worry about this life, here and now. I made a decision not to live in fear: fear of hell, fear of being smitten, etc. I don't care about eternity, I care about 80-90 years we have, that's enough for me. So far, so good:)

I get your point, but I still feel very let down.

I know... but I pray that you can look at this one day and see it differently... AND that your heart will trust that God's love is faithful to you...

God loves you, it is HIS promise.

The Bible is the only book that does not lie, and its states clearly
John 8:42-8:47 NIV

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God, and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my launguage not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is not truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell ther truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you beleive me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

Remember my brothers in Christ, this is not our home, we are on enemy territory, this was once Gods place for us, but it was tainted by sin of course to the sinner it does not hurt to sin, and for a man of the world the world is not an unpleasent place, but to a man of God, we fight the natural order of this world, for our greater reward, these men live for there 80 years, let them have it, I live for enternity with God, is it painful for me here, yes but I know that means I am obvously pissing the prince of this world off pretty bad, worldy people do not understand God, in fact the Bible states they can not, it also states that a man can not serve two masters (remeber the Bible does not lie) I say to the man who is struggling with faith, know that it is the worst life to live, you are serving two masters and your pain will never end, choose who you like, but know the reality do not be deceived by what your eyes see, remember the enemies greatest weapon is making us focus on "real" things "real" life. The life of a man who has complete faith in God is a life of peace, even in massive pain. Jesus is the greatest example of this by far, how many people do you think truly cared about Jesus, 14? The twelve, and Mary and Mary, they loved and cared for him, now by the time his life was over and he was on the cross all of them but 2 had betrayed him, in his last hours Jesus was alone... even God left him while he was on the cross, but he still had faith, and was rewarded with a new enternal body (the first btw) throughout his life Jesus showed what it means to live in this world as a Christian, if you live for the pleasures of this world and want God, you are in the most painful place, you will not find peace ever, if you seek God with all your faith and put your trust only in him, you will have the life of a Christ, painful, sad, taunted,crushed smashed and bruised, no one believed him, not even his disicples in the end, they had to see him resurrected do not forget this. God can grant you a peace in all of this though, you just have to understand God does not give you what you want in this world, but what you need to grow closer to him, are reward is not this life but the next, and worldy men, they have this life, but not the next, it is stated cleary time and time again, that men of this world will fit in, they will feel good here. Followers of Christ will be exiles, it does not lie, The only time, and I am not lying that I feel truly happy in this world is when I am surrounded by my brothers and sisters and doing my Gods work, and I will always do just that, if I were to pursue anything of the world, I would reject God and go because I could not serve two masters, I could be happy in this world, but I sacrifice that for God, I know he is real, I feel him, I see him in my people, they are different from this world and in them I see something beyond the "Get some" society we live in. The reason I know that Christ is real because its hard to follow him, I know he is real because the Bible is complex to the point that no man could have made it up, and yet the things it speaks, if you can hear (note a man of the world CAN NOT HEAR, it is not possible it states this in the bible) speak to each and everyone of us, to our hearts and as believers we can all see it, and yet the world can not, its seems folly to them (just as the bible said it would) but to us it speaks, God has taught me so much through my suffering that when I am in pain this is my prayer. "God thank you for this trial, thank you for giving me an opportunity to rely on you, to grow closer to you, but please lets make this quick ;p) If God is testing you the only way you will fail is if you do not follow him that is what he is testing nothing more nothing less, he is checking out your faith!!

I think we are in the time of the great apostasy even though Christianity is advancing in many parts of the world. Just remember it is all about Jesus and our relationship with him, so commit yourself anew and look to be led by him. Perhaps you need to get rid of some of the background noise so you can hear the still small voice, try having a quiet time and be still. Sometimes it can seem that heaven has a low ceiling made of brass but get into some worship and let go and let God

We all suffer, every one of us. It's a part of life. It's not necessarily a bad thing either. Pain makes you stronger. You can't have joy without sorrow. The harder things get, the more rewarding those great times will be! Don't expect god to answer prayers in your favor all the time. Don't expect him to make everything perfect. It isn't meant to be perfect. You have to trust God. Don't worry he knows what he's doing ;)

When I began doubting my faith, I started having terrifying realistic nightmares of being possessed. I was so scared and kept praying but still always had doubts. I kept praying and praying out of fear but I still didn't feel it in my heart that I truly believed without a doubt. I prayed for soooooo long for him to guide me, make me strong, give me faith, help me understand, help me accept Jesus without just saying that I do. I was in this stage for about 3 years. I don't really know what did it but my faith grew, starting with the guy I met in college telling me about the bible and his father doing the same. What really made my faith grow so strong was actually on the worst day of my life.

I was taking care of my dying grandfather who I prefer to call dad. He raised me, was such a wonderful, loving and caring man, he was my favorite human being. And he was slowly and miserably dying from lung cancer spreading through his body.
I took care of him for a week, hardly ever sleeping. It was so hard to see him dying before my eyes. I always dreaded the day it would happen I didn't know what I would do without him. A few days before he died he was so extremely restless. He had no strength to hold up his own body but refused to lay down. He said he saw his grandmother who had raised him and his German Shepard who he loved soooo much and who had died a few years before. The nurses said many people near their death have these same "delusions". It was a beautiful thought that he saw his loved ones and I can't wait for me to see him and so many others when it's my time. But still, the day he did die I cried so hard and for so long that I had a hard time breathing and my body was shaking violently and uncontrollably. My finance took me out to a big empty parking lot to walk and talk while I balled my eyes out, nearly screaming. Suddenly I saw the brightest light ever bring my eyes from the blacktop to the sky. It was the brightest green shooting star moving in our direction. As soon as I saw the light I was filled with instant joy. I just stopped crying. Just stopped. And I felt so wonderful for absolutely no reason. But now I know it was from god. It's been a year now but I am still in pain. I still think about him every day and I still stare at his pictures crying for hours. But I just feel that it's fine to feel this pain and it will pass. Morning is a part of it all. I still feel joy in knowing he is so unimaginably happy and that I will be someday too with him. It all just made my faith in god stronger. It made me follow the bible more strictly. It made me hardly fearful of my own death.

I think that experience was a time when my faith was tested and making it through it has made my faith so strong and unbreakable and it feels so liberating and I finally feel at peace. All the hardships I go through now seem like nothing.

For example, I'm in college and can't afford rent and my dad kicked me out and I had to live in a tent with my dog and finance for 3 months. But instead of self loathing and suffering I thought of it as a nice long camping trip. I love camping. Nothing really matters anymore because I have faith in god and nothing could possibly be better than that.

It was a beautiful thought that he saw his loved ones and i can't wait for me to see him and so many others when it's my time. but still, the day he did die i cried so hard and for so long that i had a hard time breathing and my body was shaking violently and uncontrollably. my finance took me out to a big empty parking lot to walk and talk while i balled my eyes out, nearly screaming.
.

What appears to have escapes your memory after, was that God had shown your Granddad what would be his returning unto God. Through your Granddad's visions, like so many other people, you were also being told to find joy in God's plan for eternal life.

Faith is that we hold the reality of eternal life, that as Christ did raise, we also will raise and return home in heaven. There is no sadness or sorrow in faith. We should not get caught up in our lives on earth as being the relativism of our souls.

The fact is that here on earth is the sorrow that bring birth of new life. And actually death/final as it can sound, would be satan in eternal darkness. We have been spared from death because God has delivered us, redeemed us by HIS love in giving us life eternal.

What I would say concerning your experience of grief, is that when the body is shaking uncontrollably, it is the Holy Spirit within the body. (Warning perhaps)

And I trust the shaken body is the Holy Spirit saying listen to me in joy because your Granddad has raised. Have Faith child for I love all my children.

~in Christ

The joy behind your suffering that there is a God that loves you beyond your imagination.[/B]

THAT'S my joy??!?!?? I find it so .. strange that that's good enough for people to believe they're suffering isn't in vain.

I don't get that either. Generally when the bible speaks of such a joy it's referring to finding joy in being persecuted or tested for the cause of Christ. I have difficulty believing God wants the "joy" of suffering to be good enough since Jesus said He came so we could have life "more abundantly." I guess that can mean a lot of things, though so I suppose we do need to look for reasons to be joyful.

Anyway, I could go on about my own trials and sufferings but I won't. Just know you're not alone, God loves you and we all lose our faith once in a while... but God is always there.

I really hope that this isn't boring you or anything and it's just kinda unbelievable that there are people out there who are interested in helping total, random strangers.

Here is a thought for you that is written in scripture.

Hebrew 13:1-2Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Pixiedust123,
Yes there is a God and He does allow us to suffer. It is a consequence of living in this world.
I feel sorry for you and your suffering but you must trust God and persevere if you want to go to heaven. That is the most important part of the journey through this life.
For several years I have been involved with a great deal of suffering. If you want I can tell you all about it with all of the physical and mental pain.
I'm 76 years old, very weak, sick, and I'm going to stay that way till I die for there so no cure for what I have.
But I know that God is with me and will help me through this suffering no matter how bad it gets for it is the very rough road to the next life in heaven where the is no tears.
Like you I am a Catholic.
Talk it over at length with your priest. It is his job to help you through this,
If you are not satisfied with what he says, talk to another and another.
You must work your way through your problems and pains of this life and make the best of it that you can.
God does help those who help themselves.
And often we don't see that help until later on because our minds eye is temporarily blind to it.
Rest assured that God DOES know what is best for us under the circumstance of living here on this planet.
I pray for strength for you to get through this period of your life for the better.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

Suffering is not God doing something to you.

Suffering comes from your ego.
Your ego wants this and that and if it does not get it then it suffers.
Also your ego wants to reject some things and if it can't keep them away it also suffers.

Go back to the beginning.
God was the only Being, perfect and and created us in Him to experience through us. He sees through our eyes and feels our pleasures and our pains. We liked this so much that we wanted to go deeper in the game of experience. We ate from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of extreme separation. It can be a lot of fun, but also a terrible agony.

God made sure we would not get stuck in this world of separation. He set up a mechanism called Death.
Also, the extreme suffering coming from ego and separation leads to questioning what is this all about and remember: "Ah, yes, I really am not this that I thought I was for a while." You really are a part of God.

There are many ways to get out of the mess. Try this one:

Your happiness is directly proportional to YOUR CAPACITY TO LOVE.
Forget about loving this person or that person, I am talking about unconditional love, which is about trying to understand the other person, "being" the other person, wishing for the other person what they desire. Love all equally, fully. Love your worst enemy. You do not need to do anything for them, you just need to change how you feel.

If you love one more than you love another, that is not love, that is ego need. That one you "love" specially is somebody your ego thinks will cover one of your needs.

Try that for a whole day, for a whole week if you can.
It is tough in the beginning, but I assure if you persist your misery drops away and you walk around in a state of continuous bliss. Cultivate this every day and you will start to see God everywhere.

Sickness becomes more difficult when you are in this state.

Study Lester Levenson.

I feel like I'm losing my faith in God lately, though before I really have so much faith in God and in the bible, even if I have many trials in life I was still able to survive and stand by my faith, and believed that these are just the so-called test of faith.
But now, I feel something different in me, I have encountered multifarious problems these days, I am struggling everyday from my previous problems with the new ones and I don't know what to do exactly, I don't want to give up on my faith,. but here, do you know what to do when you have so much problems in all aspects of your life, then you are trying to be good and be patient but still no one lend you a hand to help, no one listens, and then you keep on praying but still nothing works, don't you think that it is just human enough for you to feel that you want to give up on God and in your faith?If God is just testing me how strong my faith is,maybe I will say oh, how I wish God did not trust me that much... I am just human w/limitations and needs, who gets tired and weakens when trouble takes its hardest blow.
I still believed in God but I don't know if he pays attention on me, listens and cares for me, I am not so sure now.

I feel like i'm losing my faith in God lately, though before I really have so much faith in God and in the bible, even if i have many trials in life I was still able to survive and stand by my faith, and believed that these are just the so-called test of faith.
But now, i feel something different in me, I have encountered multifarious problems these days, i am struggling everyday from my previous problems with the new ones and i don't know what to do exactly, I don't want to give up on my faith,..but here, do you know what to do when you have so much problems in all aspects of your life, then you are trying to be good and be patient but still no one lend you a hand to help, no one listens, and then you keep on praying but still nothing works, don't you think that it is just human enough for you to feel that you want to give up on God and in your faith?If God is just testing me how strong my faith is,maybe I will say oh, how I wish God did not trust me that much...I am just human w/limitations and needs, who gets tired and weakens when trouble takes its hardest blow.
I still believed in God but I don't know if he pays attention on me, listens and cares for me, i am not so sure now.

I know the feeling well. A long time ago I was on the verge of concluding that God wasn't actually Jehovah, but Zeus. You know, whimsically tossing his lightning bolts at helpless humanity just for fun, and most of them seemed to be landing on me and my family.

All I can tell you is, truth is truth. Circumstances don't change that. In my case, I was able to hang on to two bits of truth: 1) God does exist. I've seen too much evidence not to believe that. And 2) Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. The historical evidence says it actually happened. Those two facts kept me going for over a year.

Another thing I can tell you is, circumstances are temporary. Life is a roller-coaster of good and bad experiences. This situation WON'T last forever. The best thing you can do right now is find a group of believers and reach out to them. I encourage you to be honest. If they spurn you, they're the wrong group and they have no idea what this is really about. But keep looking until you find the group that wraps its arms around you, cries with you, and helps you endure. It's worth the searching, and it's even worth putting up with the idiots who don't get it. You can beat this. I wish I could tell you that with enough prayer, Bible reading, steps a, b and c will make everything hunky-dory. But I refuse to lie to you, because that's not how it works. The best I CAN tell you is, find something to hold on to like I did. Eventually you WILL come out the other side of this tunnel, and your faith will be stronger for it. But while you're in the tunnel, it sure doesn't look like it.

Also, get to a doctor. Antidepressant medication helps, too. And that is not a joke. I mean it.

Also, get to a doctor. Antidepressant medication helps, too. And that is not a joke. I mean it.Someone is wavering in their faith and you want to prescribe anti-depresssants? You should know that the are millions of people that live and breathe in this world without reliance on any religion and they don't require anti-depressants. Telling someone to take medication for this is very unwise.

Someone is wavering in their faith and you want to prescribe anti-depresssants? You should know that the are millions of people that live and breathe in this world without reliance on any religion and they don't require anti-depressants. Telling someone to take medication for this is very unwise.

I suggested medication for the circumstances and the apparent depression that's growing out of them, not for the loss of faith. Try reading the whole thing.

Maybe you are not hearing god. God is everything around you that is alive. Music, ideas, love, trees, birds, and people. God is the reflection of your mind. God shows you what you fail to show yourself. Some will call god truth. Some call god love. No matter what religion, what name, or what color you paint the world of god to resemble you must remember that the same way a parent treats all children equally with love and concern, so does god. Be patient as all things pertaining to the greatness of god takes time. Jesus was over 30 before he began his ministry. Buddha was already an emperor when he took the walk to enlightenment. Its not a test of your faith, it's a test of your endurance. Sometimes we want it now but where our mouth lies, our heart is heard by god and will give you what you need not necessarily what you want. Non materialism. This is my perspective.

Pixie,

I have felt like you before, in fact everyone feels pain and hurt. It doesn't matter whether you are a christian or not.

The difference though is that you have power if you are a Christian. Jesus said in Luke that he has given us Power over things and that nothing by any means shall hurt us. ( I didn't quote it perfectly, just the jist of the verse)

The problem is you have to know who you are IN Christ. You need to start declaring the word of God over you life. The Bible says that you are MORE than a conqueror. MORE than one. That is huge! Do you believe the Bible ? It also says you are the head and not the tail and NO weapon formed against you shall prosper. Instead of being defeated you need to know who you ARE because of what Christ did for you on the cross. And you need to delcare these verses out of your mouth everday outloud.

The bible says that the shield of faith will quench all of the fiery darts the enemy throws at you. ALL of them. You just need to dig into the word and speak it out. Put up that shield of faith, start quoting scripture. If you have been hurt in a relationship, move on. Start fresh today believe what God says that he has a GOOD plan for you life, plan to prosper you and give you a good life. Christians are called believers for a reason. You need to get into the Word and start really believing.

One more thing, why do you suppose things are going better for your non Christian friends? You assume it is the Lord throwing the trials and tribulations your way, but you have an enemy. If he can get you discouraged and depressed and thinking this isn't real, He wins. Stand and proclaim the word. OK.. I'll shut up now.

Without trials and tribulations how will we know God? How will we know that He is indeed alpha and omega, our provider? How will we know that he will do just what He said he will do? If it wasn't for trials would we really seek God with our whole heart? God wants to prove to you that He is able. Read James 1st chapter. We should be happy that we are being tested so we can see God bring us out. The more He does it the stronger our faith and trust will be towards Him. I am only 20yrs old but I have been through a lot in my lifetime. This testimony: I grew up in a low income family, parents divorce, mother had a nervous breakdown and was in and out the hospital. One day the cops came and force her to go to the hospital and she never came back home. Uncle stay with my sister and I and had to move to a smaller & brokedown house, got evicted because we didn't have money for rent. My sister and I went and stayed with our dad for the first time and later moved out cause we were treated like nothing compare to our step brother. Move in with aunt and she kicked us out for not having money for rent. We were staying in a motel for a month or so. I was working all the time missing school my senior year BUT GOD! I graduated, my sister found a house, money was coming in, I got into college, and from a year of not knowing where my mom was we finally found her and she doing a whole a lot better. I wasn't a strong christian than but I never lost faith. There were times I felt like giving up, but look at what god has done for me. I got my heart broken twice by to guys I really love and did everything for but if they didn't treated me wrong I wouldn't have found the guy I'm with now who is a christain man and who I'm about to marry next yr. God do and put people in your life for a reason. What you should do is acknowledge the test and ask God what is it that you want me to learn from it. It could be that He want you to focus on him first, He probably want to use you for now. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all things are added to you" Read Romans 8, nothing should separate you from the love of God. Much love

Someone is wavering in their faith and you want to prescribe anti-depresssants? You should know that the are millions of people that live and breathe in this world without reliance on any religion and they don't require anti-depressants. Telling someone to take medication for this is very unwise.

NK,

Unless Dave got a medical license, he can't prescribe squat. I know this first hand, you can get in lots of trouble. :D and... I don't think he was telling the OP to go out and take medicine. He was saying some of the OP's issues could be depression and need medical intervention. Even those who don't believe in God get down from time to time.

It is rare to find a Christian who hasn't questioned their faith ,if they have any life experience at all. It is normal. I always think when I see that you respond in the Christianity forum with comments of being moral outside of God, having a great life outside of a with God, how do you know? If you have never had a relationship with the Lord Jesus, how do even know what you are missing? Just wondering

NK,

Unless Dave got a medical license, he can't prescribe squat. I know this first hand, you can get in lots of trouble. :D and... I don't think he was telling the OP to go out and take medicine. He was saying some of the OP's issues could be depression and need medical intervention. Even those who don't believe in God get down from time to time.



Thank you, that's exactly what I meant. I thought I made it clear, but one never knows...

Oh ye of little faith

Clete,

Name the two people in the NT who the Lord said had great faith and what was the common denominator. For grins.