Why is the Christian life worth living for?

[paulamasu]

Hello all,

I have been having a lot of questions about life and I wished I never existed. However, I am open to change my mind. I don't understand why the Christian life is worth living for. Earth is a messy place, I have been experiencing emotional pain since I am 4 (never been raped or anything, I have just always felt like an outcast and the life God intended for me didn't help me either). I don't feel the need to belong and I am just numb to a lot of human activities (going out, going to movies, meeting friends). I prefer studying or reading books by myself. When I became a Christian, I thought I had received the abundant life of Christ, now I realize that I might only live it in heaven. I think I am depressed, really broken hearted for many things (rejection, unfulfilled longings) happening to me, angry at God but somewhat in reconciliation with Him, afraid to always live in pain. My external environment is not perfect but lots of people will be happy with what I have: I am seen as ambitious, driven woman and with a future. I now see the blessings of God as distractions from the boredom of life. I do have sins (sexual fantasies) and envy that I do to escape being in this world. However, I am working on them: I attend recovery group every week and I assess myself. I am not married but I don't think that's the solution of my problem. I think marriage and family are ties to this earth. I am talented and am very useful to the body of Christ. Church leaders love me because I give and work for the church. I am not saying these things to boast, but to show you that I really have a mental, perspective problem. While I don't want to commit suicide, I sometimes pray to God for Him to take my life: I just don't have the joy of living on earth. If I would have a terminal illness, I would not take any medication and let myself die. None of my happy moments are worth my time on earth and I wished I never existed. I do force myself to keep my relationship with God and share my feelings with Him, but it's hard to live on the sustaining grace rather than the healing of the mind. I also feel sad that some people who want to live die and those who don't, like me, are still alive. I am not meeting a therapist because that won't help and I'm afraid to get addicted to doctors and pills. I am self medicating myself with time alone with God and going through my pain instead of numbing it with alcohol, sex or food ,or shopping. I exercise, force myself into some hobbies. I love my birthday because I know I am a year closer to my death.

So, this is the baggage I carry everyday. Still, I smile because I know it makes people, but me, happy. I know my mind is not right and I memorize some scriptutes about purpose. Living this way is paralyzing: I'm afraid to be a bad witness , I feel like having to fight for joy for the rest of my life Any advice is welcome. Thank you!

 

[faroukfarouk]

Hi; do read John's Frst Epistle with the theme of life in God's Son being so strong.

 

[narrowgateevangelist]

1 Corinthians 13: 1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

It sounds like you suffer from love lacking. Focus on loving God through His Word. Read the Gospel accounts. God the Father will give you ears to hear, and eyes to see. By thinking about Jesus's words and actions.

God bless you, God can equip you to endure all things.

 

[faroukfarouk]

1 Corinthians 13: 1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

It sounds like you suffer from love lacking. Focus on loving God through His Word. Read the Gospel accounts. God the Father will give you ears to hear, and eyes to see. By thinking about Jesus's words and actions.

God bless you, God can equip you to endure all things.

Great chapter! So you're getting married? congrats! and so are you guys planning for this chapter to be read at your wedding?

 

[dreadnought]

Hello all,

I have been having a lot of questions about life and I wished I never existed. However, I am open to change my mind. I don't understand why the Christian life is worth living for. Earth is a messy place, I have been experiencing emotional pain since I am 4 (never been raped or anything, I have just always felt like an outcast and the life God intended for me didn't help me either). I don't feel the need to belong and I am just numb to a lot of human activities (going out, going to movies, meeting friends). I prefer studying or reading books by myself. When I became a Christian, I thought I had received the abundant life of Christ, now I realize that I might only live it in heaven. I think I am depressed, really broken hearted for many things (rejection, unfulfilled longings) happening to me, angry at God but somewhat in reconciliation with Him, afraid to always live in pain. My external environment is not perfect but lots of people will be happy with what I have: I am seen as ambitious, driven woman and with a future. I now see the blessings of God as distractions from the boredom of life. I do have sins (sexual fantasies) and envy that I do to escape being in this world. However, I am working on them: I attend recovery group every week and I assess myself. I am not married but I don't think that's the solution of my problem. I think marriage and family are ties to this earth. I am talented and am very useful to the body of Christ. Church leaders love me because I give and work for the church. I am not saying these things to boast, but to show you that I really have a mental, perspective problem. While I don't want to commit suicide, I sometimes pray to God for Him to take my life: I just don't have the joy of living on earth. If I would have a terminal illness, I would not take any medication and let myself die. None of my happy moments are worth my time on earth and I wished I never existed. I do force myself to keep my relationship with God and share my feelings with Him, but it's hard to live on the sustaining grace rather than the healing of the mind. I also feel sad that some people who want to live die and those who don't, like me, are still alive. I am not meeting a therapist because that won't help and I'm afraid to get addicted to doctors and pills. I am self medicating myself with time alone with God and going through my pain instead of numbing it with alcohol, sex or food ,or shopping. I exercise, force myself into some hobbies. I love my birthday because I know I am a year closer to my death.

So, this is the baggage I carry everyday. Still, I smile because I know it makes people, but me, happy. I know my mind is not right and I memorize some scriptutes about purpose. Living this way is paralyzing: I'm afraid to be a bad witness , I feel like having to fight for joy for the rest of my life Any advice is welcome. Thank you!

When we obey the Lord's commandments, we stay out of trouble and, therefore, have peace of mind.

 

[narrowgateevangelist]

Great chapter! So you're getting married? congrats! and so are you guys planning for this chapter to be read at your wedding?

It will be, our marriage ceremony will be a small affair. Thank you

 

[faroukfarouk]

It will be, our marriage ceremony will be a small affair. Thank you

YW. Some ppl like to keep it small, right? Just a few friends and family, the rings, the dress and lipstick and earrings, suit and necktie, the Word of God: and it's all some people need to keep it simple and God honoring, right?

 

[ubicaritas]

Hello all,

I have been having a lot of questions about life and I wished I never existed. However, I am open to change my mind. I don't understand why the Christian life is worth living for. Earth is a messy place, I have been experiencing emotional pain since I am 4 (never been raped or anything, I have just always felt like an outcast and the life God intended for me didn't help me either). I don't feel the need to belong and I am just numb to a lot of human activities (going out, going to movies, meeting friends). I prefer studying or reading books by myself. When I became a Christian, I thought I had received the abundant life of Christ, now I realize that I might only live it in heaven. I think I am depressed, really broken hearted for many things (rejection, unfulfilled longings) happening to me, angry at God but somewhat in reconciliation with Him, afraid to always live in pain. My external environment is not perfect but lots of people will be happy with what I have: I am seen as ambitious, driven woman and with a future. I now see the blessings of God as distractions from the boredom of life. I do have sins (sexual fantasies) and envy that I do to escape being in this world. However, I am working on them: I attend recovery group every week and I assess myself. I am not married but I don't think that's the solution of my problem. I think marriage and family are ties to this earth. I am talented and am very useful to the body of Christ. Church leaders love me because I give and work for the church. I am not saying these things to boast, but to show you that I really have a mental, perspective problem. While I don't want to commit suicide, I sometimes pray to God for Him to take my life: I just don't have the joy of living on earth. If I would have a terminal illness, I would not take any medication and let myself die. None of my happy moments are worth my time on earth and I wished I never existed. I do force myself to keep my relationship with God and share my feelings with Him, but it's hard to live on the sustaining grace rather than the healing of the mind. I also feel sad that some people who want to live die and those who don't, like me, are still alive. I am not meeting a therapist because that won't help and I'm afraid to get addicted to doctors and pills. I am self medicating myself with time alone with God and going through my pain instead of numbing it with alcohol, sex or food ,or shopping. I exercise, force myself into some hobbies. I love my birthday because I know I am a year closer to my death.

So, this is the baggage I carry everyday. Still, I smile because I know it makes people, but me, happy. I know my mind is not right and I memorize some scriptutes about purpose. Living this way is paralyzing: I'm afraid to be a bad witness , I feel like having to fight for joy for the rest of my life Any advice is welcome. Thank you!

I really like how you are being honest about how you feel. Life is often full of ambivalence, even the Christian life.

Maybe a different religious perspective would help you find more joy? Or maybe just learning to live in the "now" could be more helpful. I once listened to a very moving sermon by Pr. Richard Wurmbrand where he talked about the "sacrament of nothing" he encountered in a prison cell in Romania, about how a Christian can feel grateful for the nothing in our lives. I think that's very much tied into a perspective focused on the "now" and not the "what if".

 

[AvgJoe]

When I became a Christian, I thought I had received the abundant life of Christ, now I realize that I might only live it in heaven.

Question: "What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life?"

Answer: In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.

This word “abundant” in the Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In short, Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He does it by His power, a power that is at work within us if we belong to Him (Ephesians 3:20).

Before we begin to have visions of lavish homes, expensive cars, worldwide cruises, and more money than we know what to do with, we need to pause and think about what Jesus teaches regarding this abundant life. The Bible tells us that wealth, prestige, position, and power in this world are not God's priorities for us (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). In terms of economic, academic, and social status, most Christians do not come from the privileged classes. Clearly, then, abundant life does not consist of an abundance of material things. If that were the case, Jesus would have been the wealthiest of men. But just the opposite is true (Matthew 8:20).

Abundant life is eternal life, a life that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Savior, and goes on throughout all eternity. The biblical definition of life — specifically eternal life — is provided by Jesus Himself: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). This definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. As a matter of fact, the only thing it does mention is knowledge of God, which is the key to a truly abundant life.

What is the abundant life? First, abundance is spiritual abundance, not material. In fact, God is not overly concerned with the physical circumstances of our lives. He assures us that we need not worry about what we will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25-32; Philippians 4:19). Physical blessings may or may not be part of a God-centered life; neither our wealth nor our poverty is a sure indication of our standing with God. Solomon had all the material blessings available to a man yet found it all to be meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15). Paul, on the other hand, was content in whatever physical circumstances he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12).

Second, eternal life, the life a Christian is truly concerned with, is not determined by duration but by a relationship with God. This is why, once we are converted and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are said to have eternal life already (1 John 5:11-13), though not, of course, in its fullness. Length of life on earth is not synonymous with abundant life.

Finally, a Christian's life revolves around “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This teaches us that the abundant life is a continual process of learning, practicing, and maturing, as well as failing, recovering, adjusting, enduring, and overcoming, because, in our present state, “we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day we will see God face to face, and we will know Him completely as we will be known completely (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will no longer struggle with sin and doubt. This will be the ultimately fulfilled abundant life.

Although we are naturally desirous of material things, as Christians our perspective on life must be revolutionized (Romans 12:2). Just as we become new creations when we come to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), so must our understanding of “abundance” be transformed. True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not an abundance of “stuff.” It consists of life that is eternal, and, therefore, our interest is in the eternal, not the temporal. Paul admonishes us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).

www.gotquestions.org/abundant-life.html

 

[faroukfarouk]

I really like how you are being honest about how you feel. Life is often full of ambivalence, even the Christian life.

Maybe a different religious perspective would help you find more joy? Or maybe just learning to live in the "now" could be more helpful. I once listened to a very moving sermon by Pr. Richard Wurmbrand where he talked about the "sacrament of nothing" he encountered in a prison cell in Romania, about how a Christian can feel grateful for the nothing in our lives. I think that's very much tied into a perspective focused on the "now" and not the "what if".

Yes, some of the servants of the Lord have greatly suffered. Philippians has as a central theme that of joy in suffering; with the supreme example of the Lord Jesus being 'obedient unto death, even the death of the cross' (Philippians 2)

 

[Chinchilla]

I wished I never existed

Me too

I don't understand why the Christian life is worth living for

Your purpose is to glorify God which he does by gloryfing himself in you.
Basic anaglory would be potter making vessel to hold wine inside so it has purpose , likewise your purpose is to glorify God .

Earth is a messy place, I have been experiencing emotional pain since I am 4 (never been raped or anything, I have just always felt like an outcast and the life God intended for me didn't help me either). I don't feel the need to belong and I am just numb to a lot of human activities (going out, going to movies, meeting friends).

Me aswell I don't do any of these I don't find any joy of anything other than currently eating and winning souls . I enjoy other things but they are like meh and meaningless and my conscious is reminding me that it's worthless . I don't even want to make carieer .

I prefer studying or reading books by myself. When I became a Christian, I thought I had received the abundant life of Christ, now I realize that I might only live it in heaven. I think I am depressed, really broken hearted for many things (rejection, unfulfilled longings) happening to me, angry at God but somewhat in reconciliation with Him, afraid to always live in pain

Me too .

I do have sins (sexual fantasies)

Like all males . There is no sin which is uncommon are ale common to man.

While I don't want to commit suicide, I sometimes pray to God for Him to take my life:

At least once a week for me , mostly after sin .

If I would have a terminal illness, I would not take any medication and let myself die

That's actually worst thing to do if you wanted to die because you would get better , most drugs are evil , will cure you of one thing but you will die for example due to liver failure by taking them .

I am not meeting a therapist because that won't help and I'm afraid to get addicted to doctors and pills.

That's correct , I tried once and guy put me on placebo or some other stuff prior to me being born again and ordered me to pay for the visit . When I asked him why he said " I perscribe drugs which are recommended to me " he didn't add that by perscribing that poison to me he is taking cut from the company but that's another story ...

So, this is the baggage I carry everyday. Still, I smile because I know it makes people, but me, happy. I know my mind is not right and I memorize some scriptutes about purpose. Living this way is paralyzing: I'm afraid to be a bad witness , I feel like having to fight for joy for the rest of my life Any advice is welcome. Thank you!

Everything is meaningless apart from winning Souls . If you want to find a meaning in life there is nothing else you can do as Christian because your inner self will always remind you that you are not doing it .

 

[Sanoy]

We share the same disposition. Jesus's life was full of troubles and pain, He lived for others, and before He left He sent us as His father sent Him. John 20:22. Some of us are captured and imprisoned where we are sent and others are captured in the safe places we live. But Paul continued to write, even from His prison. In our differences as human beings there are different weaknesses and different strengths. The greater the difference the more unique the strength is. So I know you have something that can uniquely be used for Christs kingdom. Use those stengths and it will help you through. If the road ahead seems too long then watch your feet, they faithfully make each step forward.

 

[paulamasu]

Question: "What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life?"

Answer: In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.

This word “abundant” in the Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In short, Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He does it by His power, a power that is at work within us if we belong to Him (Ephesians 3:20).

Before we begin to have visions of lavish homes, expensive cars, worldwide cruises, and more money than we know what to do with, we need to pause and think about what Jesus teaches regarding this abundant life. The Bible tells us that wealth, prestige, position, and power in this world are not God's priorities for us (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). In terms of economic, academic, and social status, most Christians do not come from the privileged classes. Clearly, then, abundant life does not consist of an abundance of material things. If that were the case, Jesus would have been the wealthiest of men. But just the opposite is true (Matthew 8:20).

Abundant life is eternal life, a life that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Savior, and goes on throughout all eternity. The biblical definition of life — specifically eternal life — is provided by Jesus Himself: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). This definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. As a matter of fact, the only thing it does mention is knowledge of God, which is the key to a truly abundant life.

What is the abundant life? First, abundance is spiritual abundance, not material. In fact, God is not overly concerned with the physical circumstances of our lives. He assures us that we need not worry about what we will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25-32; Philippians 4:19). Physical blessings may or may not be part of a God-centered life; neither our wealth nor our poverty is a sure indication of our standing with God. Solomon had all the material blessings available to a man yet found it all to be meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15). Paul, on the other hand, was content in whatever physical circumstances he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12).

Second, eternal life, the life a Christian is truly concerned with, is not determined by duration but by a relationship with God. This is why, once we are converted and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are said to have eternal life already (1 John 5:11-13), though not, of course, in its fullness. Length of life on earth is not synonymous with abundant life.

Finally, a Christian's life revolves around “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This teaches us that the abundant life is a continual process of learning, practicing, and maturing, as well as failing, recovering, adjusting, enduring, and overcoming, because, in our present state, “we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day we will see God face to face, and we will know Him completely as we will be known completely (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will no longer struggle with sin and doubt. This will be the ultimately fulfilled abundant life.

Although we are naturally desirous of material things, as Christians our perspective on life must be revolutionized (Romans 12:2). Just as we become new creations when we come to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), so must our understanding of “abundance” be transformed. True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not an abundance of “stuff.” It consists of life that is eternal, and, therefore, our interest is in the eternal, not the temporal. Paul admonishes us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).

www.gotquestions.org/abundant-life.html

Thank you for your response and for for the link. I strongly believe that if I die now, I'm going to heaven. Still, whether I'm rich or poor on this earth, I wish I never existed. I have passed the level in which I think life will be rosy; I wish I wasn't living at all

 

[paulamasu]

I really like how you are being honest about how you feel. Life is often full of ambivalence, even the Christian life.

Maybe a different religious perspective would help you find more joy? Or maybe just learning to live in the "now" could be more helpful. I once listened to a very moving sermon by Pr. Richard Wurmbrand where he talked about the "sacrament of nothing" he encountered in a prison cell in Romania, about how a Christian can feel grateful for the nothing in our lives. I think that's very much tied into a perspective focused on the "now" and not the "what if".

Thank you for the advice. I do journal 2 things I am thankful to God for everyday and try to practice gratefulness. The "now" is painful: sometimes I stay in the "now" when I can handle the pain. Other times, I have to make up a story in my mind and make myself sleep so that time flies.

 

[AvgJoe]

Thank you for your response and for for the link. I strongly believe that if I die now, I'm going to heaven. Still, whether I'm rich or poor on this earth, I wish I never existed. I have passed the level in which I think life will be rosy; I wish I wasn't living at all

I'm sorry the you're in you current presence of mind but I'm not good at knowing what to say in these types of crises, however, I do have another article to share, from that same website, that I hope will be helpful to you. Here it is:

Question: "Is it wrong to want to die?"

Answer: Many people who are suffering from terminal illness, painful conditions, or intense sadness or emotional pain want to die. Those who are suffering wonder if they can just ask God to take their lives. Is this a form of suicide? Will God take us to heaven if we pray to die? The question that also arises is whether such a prayer is sinful.

Wanting to die and escape from suffering, whether emotional or physical, is a very human condition. Even the Lord Jesus Christ prayed, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). This was the humanity of Jesus speaking. Jesus knew what lay ahead at the cross, but notice that He submitted to God’s will. In all things, Jesus submitted Himself to the will of the Father (John 5:30). In the Garden, Jesus verified that there are times when it is necessary to suffer, and He willingly suffered because it was the will of the Father.

As believers we are always to pray, “Your Will be done.” None of us will die before it is our time, even if we want to die. David verifies the truth that all our days are planned out by God and nothing will shorten them outside of God’s will: “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Rather than praying to die, it is better to pray for God's strength and grace to stand fast in whatever suffering we are experiencing and trust in God to determine the time and the details of our passing.

Suffering is hard, and sometimes the hardest part is the questions we have about why. Suffering is humbling, and as humans we don't like being humbled or weak and dependent. But when we ask, “Why me, Lord?” the answer may just be “Why not you?” When born-again believers suffer on this earth, God has a purpose for that suffering, and His plans and purposes are perfect and holy, just as He is perfect and holy. The psalmist tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30). If God’s ways are perfect, then we can trust that whatever He does—and whatever He allows—is also perfect. This may not seem possible to us, but our minds are not God’s mind, as He reminds us in Isaiah 55:8–9.

The apostle Paul suffered from a “thorn in his flesh”—some affliction that is not explained in the Bible—and three times he prayed for the Lord to remove that thorn. But God, who could have eased Paul’s suffering in an instant, chose not to do so. He reminded Paul that the “thorn” was to keep him from becoming proud and “exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations” he had been given, to keep him from exalting himself. But God did not leave Paul powerless to suffer alone. God assured him that the grace he had been given by God was “sufficient” and that God would be glorified by Paul’s reliance on His power to sustain him. Paul’s response to these truths was to be glad of his frailty and sufferings because in them God is glorified when the miracle of His power and strength are on display (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Therefore, rather than seeking to escape from suffering of any kind through death, we depend upon God and rest in Him, for His purpose in suffering will always bring glory to Him and abound to our blessing.

When we are under the intense pressure of suffering, we sometimes feel like we simply can’t go on any longer. But God reminds us that there is no suffering or trial that comes upon a believer that someone else hasn’t gone through before us. Other believers have suffered pain that could not be alleviated by modern medicine. Other believers have suffered persecution and hideous deaths at the hands of God-haters. Other believers have been lonely and abandoned, some imprisoned for their testimony. So we are certainly not alone. But God is always faithful, and He will not allow us to suffer or be tested above what we can withstand and will also make a way to escape so that we are able to bear up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Finally, to answer the question of whether it is actually sinful to pray to die, quite simply it may come down to the principle “whatever is not of faith, is sin” (Romans 14:23). In other words, if our inner man says that it is sin, then to us it is sin. There is also the Scripture that says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins” (James 4:17). There is only one sin that keeps us out of heaven, and that is the sin of rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. But praying to God to allow us to die can be sin because doing so indicates a lack of faith. A better prayer would be “God, you have promised to sustain me through any trial. I beg you to ease my suffering or provide a way of escape through it. But in all things, not my will but yours be done. Amen.”

www.gotquestions.org/want-to-die.html

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

This thread was moved from General Mental Health to Recovery Related Spiritual Advice.

Please read the guidelines here before posting if you are new to this forum.

Spoiler: Statement of Purpose

https://www.christianforums.com/thr...se-recovery-related-spiritual-advice.8025414/

Spoiler: Recovery Guidelines

Recovery Guidelines


The site wide rules give the outline for what is and what is not acceptable in the Recovery, Mental Health, and Physical Health forums. These Forum-specific guidelines clarify those rules specifically for this area of the site.

Recovery is a place for member peer support and encouragement, not as a substitute for professional care, nor a place for ethical/moral discussions. Only those who are seeking help may start threads in the recovery forums. Informational posts may be submitted to the recovery library for review to be posted.

Recovery Staff feel very strongly that members need to seek out real life licensed professional services and local pastoral care in addition to asking for support and advice here.

These things are considered off topic and will not be allowed in the Recovery forums:
Promoting yourself as an expert in your posts, or in your user title

Diagnosing anyone's symptoms

Offering treatment or any kind to other members

Prescribing/promoting medications of any kind, including over the counter or herbal remedies

Discouraging someone from taking prescribed medications, using or seeking professional services, using hotlines or crisis lines.

Ethical and moral discussions are dealt with in other areas of the forum. These discussions will be removed from recovery or moved to another area if possible.

Any posts dealing with spiritual warfare will be removed. Insinuating that members are possessed or that their health issues are demonic or due to sin is not permitted. This includes the devil is the whole problem. Linking to sites offline that address spiritual warfare are not permitted as well.

Asking or requesting that members engage in research topics or volunteer as research subjects, or links directing web-traffice to another site for this purpose is not appropriate and will be removed.

No polls are allowed.

Endorsement of certain topics - This is not allowed and staff will remove any posts which endorse any of the following topics.

• abortion
• alcohol and/or drug abuse
• extramarital or premarital sexual activity
• gambling
• harmful and/or hurtful behaviors of any nature
• homosexuality
• polygamy
• transsexuality
• violence

Recovery is a place people come to stop doing these things and using the Christian faith to help cope with problems. Other areas of CF can be used for discussions of many of these topics including, in some cases, endorsement of them. Included in this rule is posting triggers to self harmful behaviors.

Over the Counter & Alternative Remedies

• Over the counter remedies can interact with prescription medications. Because of that, do not recommend what someone should take, including alternative medications. Limit discussion to your experience with a medication.
• Cannabis (Marijuana) is an illegal drug with much controversy, as it is legal in some areas for medical purposes only. If you live in an area where it is legal, you may find more information on it from your physician. Discussion to promote it as an alternative drug not permitted in the recovery area as this should be addressed with your physician.

Harmful or hurtful posts:

The Recovery Team Staff will remove posts or threads that we think could be harmful in any way to any member or group of members, Even if the post or thread might not be intentionally harmful.

The Recovery Team Staff will edit or remove posts that we see as being a trigger for someone who is trying to stop doing some behavior. For example, a post that "argues a member should do x, y or z anyways because it doesn't matter" or "I'm just going to drink myself sick."

Because of the risk of triggering suicidal thoughts in others, we remove threats and/or endorsement of suicide. This includes posting that another member others know have killed him/herself. If you are having thoughts about suicide but have no immediate plans or intentions your posts may be able to show. Make sure to **Trigger Warn** the top of your post. If you are having serious issues, log off now and contact 800-SUICIDE in the US,www.imalive.org online, or www.befrienders.org for international crisis centers (found in the upper right hand corner of their site).

We want to allow you to have support from others but we must be careful not to have posts that might trigger others to follow suit. Staff will err on the side of safety and caution for other members in these situations. Please utilize local professional services such as calling 911, going to the emergency room or to a local medical clinic.

When Staff remove these suicidal posts or self harm posts of any threat or description from view we are encouraging the members to seek professional services in their local area and provide phone numbers to local crisis lines if available. Christian Forums is NOT a crisis center, nor are the Recovery Team members trained in Suicidal Intervention. Members continuing to post outside these guidelines may be banned temporarily to seek help offline.

Please note, the Eating Disorders forum may not have numbers in any format in posts, and they will be edited out without notice.