God is teaching me about myself. Is this normal?

[Any]

hi everyone, I have been a born again Christian for about a year now. God is teaching me about myself in ways I didn’t think were possible.

He’s changing my mind. The way I think. I used to hate myself and since he showed me his grace those thoughts almost completely stopped.

He made me realize where my insecurities and behaviors stem from. Once I acknowledged it they had no more of a hold over me.

I was able to get out of an abusive relationship because he made me realize how wrong it was. He made me realize that I was codependent, that I blamed myself as a coping mechanism. He made me realize I internalize everything and hated myself as a coping mechanism.

He made me realize I’m afraid of others judgment because I judge them harshly so I think others judge me as harshly as I judge myself and others.

I believe with God all things are possible but I am blown away.

It’s like I have a counselor living inside me. (They call God the great counselor ) but this is completely amazing.

Has this happened to anyone else? Please share!

 

[chuckpeterson]

Yes​

 

[Carl Emerson]

Yep...

Praise God for His work in you...

When we are born again we receive the Holy Spirit in our hearts but many miss the fact that there are actually seven aspects to His spirit as we read in Isaiah 11:2 and this includes the Spirit of Counsel.

Blessings and Joy to you as you journey with Him.

Carl Emerson

 

[devin553344]

hi everyone, I have been a born again Christian for about a year now. God is teaching me about myself in ways I didn’t think were possible.

He’s changing my mind. The way I think. I used to hate myself and since he showed me his grace those thoughts almost completely stopped.

He made me realize where my insecurities and behaviors stem from. Once I acknowledged it they had no more of a hold over me.

I was able to get out of an abusive relationship because he made me realize how wrong it was. He made me realize that I was codependent, that I blamed myself as a coping mechanism. He made me realize I internalize everything and hated myself as a coping mechanism.

He made me realize I’m afraid of others judgment because I judge them harshly so I think others judge me as harshly as I judge myself and others.

I believe with God all things are possible but I am blown away.

It’s like I have a counselor living inside me. (They call God the great counselor ) but this is completely amazing.

Has this happened to anyone else? Please share!

I get counseled by God too.

 

[Tempura]

Yes. Once it gets going, it doesn't stop. I suffered from depression, anxiety, alcoholism and I was severely co-dependent, my relationships were absolutely devastating to both parties and I had no idea what I was doing. Extremely insecure, fearful, angry and thinking+doing all the wrong things. I was blind to everything and my "love" was always selfish and desperate.

Bit by bit God started to weed it out and I started to see my error. I also had good professional help, but God gets most of the credit. The last 5 years have been great progress for me and I haven't been treated in many years anymore, I've started to learn to give my burdens to Christ. I had to suffer and struggle, but it was a blessing.

It's funny how it goes. First is may seem like nothing is happening, and it feels like it takes forever, but then some major breakthrough happens in our understanding and our hearts. Then another dry spell, and another breakthrough. Some steps backwards, often many, and a giant leap forward after that. Even some struggles I didn't anticipate, where I thought I was losing whatever foothold I had gained, but turned out they were good for me no matter how much it weighed on me. Later on it becomes more subtle but very interesting, at least for me. Because nowadays my mind throws at me some weird stuff. Some little bits from my past, strange memories involving either shame or revenge, some moments where I felt humiliated or hurt or where I hurt others, about people I haven't thought of in many, many years. I get to relieve myself of that baggage by giving it to God, by asking Him to bless those people and help me forgive them, and forgive me too, so I wouldn't have to carry these little burdens anymore. My feelings don't always agree with it, but I don't have to obey them. If I feel like I can't forgive, I'll ask God to forgive these people anyway and grant me a more loving heart. Sometimes the same things come to bother me time and time again, but I'll just give them to God one more time, fully acknowledging my own weakness.

It's like I'm being trained to give everything to God, and to relieve myself of destructive attitudes and fear which I held on to so long, and feelings of shame and hate towards myself and others. It has also produced a more brutal form of honesty towards myself. Not the kind where I punish myself or drown under it, but the kind where I see myself as I am and accept my weakness and where I'm wrong, no matter how ugly those things may be, and many things about me are really ugly. but it's relieving. Truth is good, it sets us free. Forgiveness is good, and in our weakness God's strength is perfect. Would we even go to God if we didn't feel weak or struggle? Knowing myself, I wouldn't, I'm not good or wise enough. Luckily God is so much better and Christ's love does wonders.

God bless you.

 

[Kerensa]

That's wonderful, Any! Praise Him.

 

[AvgJoe]

hi everyone, I have been a born again Christian for about a year now. God is teaching me about myself in ways I didn’t think were possible.

He’s changing my mind. The way I think. I used to hate myself and since he showed me his grace those thoughts almost completely stopped.

He made me realize where my insecurities and behaviors stem from. Once I acknowledged it they had no more of a hold over me.

I was able to get out of an abusive relationship because he made me realize how wrong it was. He made me realize that I was codependent, that I blamed myself as a coping mechanism. He made me realize I internalize everything and hated myself as a coping mechanism.

He made me realize I’m afraid of others judgment because I judge them harshly so I think others judge me as harshly as I judge myself and others.

I believe with God all things are possible but I am blown away.

It’s like I have a counselor living inside me. (They call God the great counselor ) but this is completely amazing.

Has this happened to anyone else? Please share!

Yes, amazing isn't it! It's part of God's 'making you more like Jesus' process, called sanctification~~~> What is sanctification? What is the definition of Christian sanctification?

 

[bèlla]

It’s like I have a counselor living inside me. (They call God the great counselor ) but this is completely amazing. Has this happened to anyone else? Please share!

Yes, the Holy Spirit is always talking. I used to spend hours conversing with Him each day. Now we have moments throughout the day and others when He attends to me. I'll feel His presence or a greater sense of calm and peace and rest in Him.

I've never admitted the depth of influence He has on my life but I suppose it's okay. It started with prayer. I would pray what I received from Him (for myself) and His concerns. I'd ask the Lord what was on His heart each day. Needless to say, my quiet time was lengthy! But that was necessary to aid my discernment and prayer muscles. Both strengthened over time.

My diet is the result of the Holy Spirit's input. I have a weight standard that I need to stay within and exercise guidelines. There are foods I'm forbidden to have and stores I've been advised not to shop at. Not because they're bad. He desires me to prepare fresh dishes even though my life season would allow more conveniences. My natural homemaking and canning are His doing.

He is responsible for my business pursuits and its blueprint. I received a ten-year plan along with the time frame for each element I'm meant to undertake. I've been advised financially and given feedback on future and long-term investments.

My current lifestyle and the one I'm permitted to live as I move forward in my purpose are His design. I have behavioral standards and protocols for my appearance and deportment. And philanthropic aims I'm meant to accomplish. I believe this is due to my calling to fashion and the image He wishes for me to portray in that sector.

I've taken courses and obtained training as directed. I've learned new skills and I'm returning to school and picking up several languages as well. I'm relocating on His direction and going overseas for a time too. My writing and its focus is His design. I've been given titles for future books and specific genres to focus on. And a speaking platform which illustrates my faith and the reason for my joy.

I have prayer initiatives I've received over time. Some are short and others are continuous. I have been permitted to serve and denied my desire to serve on some instances. I'm driven and am prone to working too much. He keeps me balanced and won't allow me to overextend myself.

My friendships, business associations, and future partner are subjects we cover on occasion. I have been told to draw near and step away from connections. I am queried about the company I keep online and what I'm seeking from the interaction.

This morning He addressed a former mindset that had fallen away and what it meant. Marriage was on the menu once more and I was requested to surrender control to Him. I was told I'd done enough and need to allow Him to guide me and order my steps. We discussed my wants and needs and He shared other concerns (spiritual) that hadn't crossed my mind. I received insight about my future partner and the role he'll play in my life.

There are other things but I think that's enough.

 

[Carl Emerson]

LaBella,

Thanks for sharing about your personal walk, He is indeed interested in every aspect of our lives and wants to converse about it...

Blessings,

Carl Emerson.

 

[bèlla]

LaBella,

Thanks for sharing about your personal walk, He is indeed interested in every aspect of our lives and wants to converse about it...

Thank you for the kind words. I've grown accustomed to His presence and input. But I don't usually admit how far it extends.

 

[Any]

Yes. Once it gets going, it doesn't stop. I suffered from depression, anxiety, alcoholism and I was severely co-dependent, my relationships were absolutely devastating to both parties and I had no idea what I was doing. Extremely insecure, fearful, angry and thinking+doing all the wrong things. I was blind to everything and my "love" was always selfish and desperate.

Bit by bit God started to weed it out and I started to see my error. I also had good professional help, but God gets most of the credit. The last 5 years have been great progress for me and I haven't been treated in many years anymore, I've started to learn to give my burdens to Christ. I had to suffer and struggle, but it was a blessing.

It's funny how it goes. First is may seem like nothing is happening, and it feels like it takes forever, but then some major breakthrough happens in our understanding and our hearts. Then another dry spell, and another breakthrough. Some steps backwards, often many, and a giant leap forward after that. Even some struggles I didn't anticipate, where I thought I was losing whatever foothold I had gained, but turned out they were good for me no matter how much it weighed on me. Later on it becomes more subtle but very interesting, at least for me. Because nowadays my mind throws at me some weird stuff. Some little bits from my past, strange memories involving either shame or revenge, some moments where I felt humiliated or hurt or where I hurt others, about people I haven't thought of in many, many years. I get to relieve myself of that baggage by giving it to God, by asking Him to bless those people and help me forgive them, and forgive me too, so I wouldn't have to carry these little burdens anymore. My feelings don't always agree with it, but I don't have to obey them. If I feel like I can't forgive, I'll ask God to forgive these people anyway and grant me a more loving heart. Sometimes the same things come to bother me time and time again, but I'll just give them to God one more time, fully acknowledging my own weakness.

It's like I'm being trained to give everything to God, and to relieve myself of destructive attitudes and fear which I held on to so long, and feelings of shame and hate towards myself and others. It has also produced a more brutal form of honesty towards myself. Not the kind where I punish myself or drown under it, but the kind where I see myself as I am and accept my weakness and where I'm wrong, no matter how ugly those things may be, and many things about me are really ugly. but it's relieving. Truth is good, it sets us free. Forgiveness is good, and in our weakness God's strength is perfect. Would we even go to God if we didn't feel weak or struggle? Knowing myself, I wouldn't, I'm not good or wise enough. Luckily God is so much better and Christ's love does wonders.

God bless you.

Praise God! I relate to much to your story. It's just so amazing and I am blown away. God made me realize that I was selfish in everything I did, and that my relationship was selfish. I always came from the wrong place. I thought I was good because I was pretending to be, he made me realize that he knows my thoughts.

"Would we even go to God if we didn't feel weak or struggle?" thank you for this quote. It resonates with me. I wouldn't have gone to him if I didn't go through the pain I went through.

 

[Any]

Thank you for the kind words. I've grown accustomed to His presence and input. But I don't usually admit how far it extends.

Thanks for your story! I can relate. Since I became born again I have been learning to cook and make more homemade meals. He made me realize it's healthier and better. God bless! I'd love to hear more about how God has helped you. I feel like many people don't discuss it much. In reality it is between them and God...However today I can't believe how deep God has gotten into my mind.

 

[bèlla]

Thanks for your story! I can relate. Since I became born again I have been learning to cook and make more homemade meals. He made me realize it's healthier and better. God bless! I'd love to hear more about how God has helped you. I feel like many people don't discuss it much. In reality it is between them and God...However today I can't believe how deep God has gotten into my mind.

You're welcome. Writing it out was a little surreal. Do you like to cook? I have culinary training. If you need tips or help feel free to ask.

The foundation of my relationship with God is surrender. Everything goes back to that position. He's had a dramatic impact on my life because yielding is my goal. And I trust Him completely. I can discuss sex and other controversial topics with ease. It's a relationship in every sense of the word.

The early years were developmental and meant to establish a foundation of love and trust that would yield obedience. Oftentimes He addresses my mistakes and the disconnection between my heart and what I'm doing. We get to the nitty gritty. The why behind my actions and feelings. He wants me to understand the impact of the behavior and its root.

He advises me throughout the day. And He's stretching me in other ways. Marriage was never a desire. I was happy dating and surrendered that when He brought me Home. There's been a lot of preparation and instruction to align my will with His and bring me to a place of readiness.

He wants me home so I'm home. My life revolves around my purpose and I've created a lifestyle that feeds and strengthens it. Everything I do is connected to my calling. Including leisure. My engagement on the site enables me to take a pulse of the Christian community to gauge what someone might encounter in the world. I'm more informed when we cross paths. I'm not killing time.

As of late, we've been dealing with lifestyle design and where He wants my attention. This is the manner of being He desires for me to cultivate and share openly with the public. Not a Sunday witness but something more intrusive. Its inviting the world in and allowing them to see faith in action through marriage, work, and everyday life. It's about loving my man, serving my God, and fulfilling my purpose. If that requires transparency to accomplish His mission so be it. I'm His bondservant.

 

[Jonaitis]

hi everyone, I have been a born again Christian for about a year now. God is teaching me about myself in ways I didn’t think were possible. He’s changing my mind. The way I think. I used to hate myself and since he showed me his grace those thoughts almost completely stopped. He made me realize where my insecurities and behaviors stem from. Once I acknowledged it they had no more of a hold over me. I was able to get out of an abusive relationship because he made me realize how wrong it was. He made me realize that I was codependent, that I blamed myself as a coping mechanism. He made me realize I internalize everything and hated myself as a coping mechanism. He made me realize I’m afraid of others judgment because I judge them harshly so I think others judge me as harshly as I judge myself and others. I believe with God all things are possible but I am blown away. It’s like I have a counselor living inside me. (They call God the great counselor ) but this is completely amazing. Has this happened to anyone else? Please share!

Yes, I continue to experience this in my walk with Christ.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:2

I remember a time when I was in this men's study a few year back, and I brought up a verse that said that we must denounce all things to be disciples of Christ. After throwing my own pitiful thoughts about what that exactly means, an older brother corrected me by stating that we don't really denounce particular things when we come closer to Christ. Rather, we go through a relearning process, or as the quote above says, we are continually being transformed by the renewal of our thinking. Once our thinking changes, our personal preferences change as well, and that in turn affects the way we live and see the world around us.

In sanctification, we are continually relearning what was distorted in our thinking to what God says in his word, and that leads us to denounce, as it were, all things in the world, including the sin we once so cherished and harbored in our lives. God, I would say, is teaching us about ourselves by showing us what we really are in light of his will, and in light of who he is most of all, that we may direct our love from the things of this world (or from ourselves) to him instead. We learn to see how much we depend on him. He wants us to find him as our all in all.

You will continue to learn more about yourself the more you learn about him, and (spoiler alert) you will see more and more of how great of a sinner you are and how deep his love is for you despite it. He wants us to find him as our all in all, that in him we may enjoy him forever.

I realize after all these years how wretched of a person I really am, how much wordiness remains in my life, yet God relentlessly pursues this worm! He could have crushed me under the weight of his wrath, but he didn't. All the faults and kicks I made on this journey, and yet God turns it around for good to me in some unexpected way, all to show how he loves even me. He is the great Counselor, I personally know that.