What do you do when you realize that a life pleasing to God, has no chance of being pleasing to you?

[Questioning Brother]

Perhaps you haven't found a role that fits you? The body of Christ is diverse. We're called to serve, but serving doesn't require the same things of everyone. We're all different. If you're well off, for instance, perhaps you might support Christian charities.

I'd pray about it more.

No, that is one of the things I want (well off)

 

[Michael Garrett Andrews]

That is great for Jesus. I am not satisfied with the painful hurtful life he planned for me. And before you start on the He didn't plan the pain part. He didn't stop it, he didn't say no, he gave his approval to the pain, so this is HIS plan.

Hi, Questioning Brother, In response to this, i would say read the story of Job. I am praying for you I really want to see you Win here. in this Life. And You will. It's good that you are here at Christianforums asking humble Men and Women of the Almighty Creator God for advice. It will ultimately be the Holy Spirit of God who gives you the best advice. Hang in there my friend. I'm sure we all care about you and are praying for you to overcome. And i feel many of us are fighting /have fought the same battles you are fighting. That's why we are here to Love and Help one another. God Bless You

 

[Questioning Brother]

I have read Job. It actually discourages me more. A) I don't get helped by hearing of another's misfortunes. B) I don't care about the end of the journey, I care about the journey. A extremely awesome destination is poisoned by a harsh journey. C) I don't have the faith of Job. If I was Job at the time, my wife would not have had to tell me to curse God. D) It also makes me think less of God for doing the whole thing for a bet. E) Finally, God didn't bring the kids back from the dead. I wouldn't have forgiven that part.

The Book of Job REALLY shows the truth: God doesn't care.

 

[DreyDay]

What do you do when you realize that you want NOTHING to do with a life of service, you don't want ANY suffering for ANY reason, you have minimal care about spiritual matters, and you want to be materially wealthy and comfortable? Yet, at the same time, you don't want to go to Hell. How can you reconcile the terrible life that God wants you to live, when it is basically everything you DON'T want in life?

You're taking this to two extremes. You can still be a Christian and live a happy and fulfilling life. Just because God wants you to do something doesn't mean you DON'T want to do it. If God calls you to be a preacher and you're happy doing it, then what's so bad about that? Or if God calls you to be a musician, then that's something that both you and God want you to do. Don't limit yourself.

 

[CaspianSails]

Sadly they are irreconcilable. A life as a Christian is a life of service to Him. It is not a life of service to the church. It is not a life of service to your minister. The life of a follower of Christ is a life where our desires for earthly treasure and human success is replaced as we are transformed into being like Christ. As we become more like Christ our focus becomes focused outward on others and our life becomes as His was while He was ministering among us, service to others. Some have replaced faith and even God Himself with acts of service. That is not this. The truth of the matter is that as we are transformed by the Holy Spirit who indwells the Christian we desire to do His will. It is no longer a burden or an act of say contrition to service; instead it is desire to do His will. Again, this is not and I repeat not acts of service to a church necessarily. Serving in your local church, while important for the function of the church is not in and of itself service to Christ. It can be if that is where God is calling you, however there is much more. Christ reached outside of the Synagogue and we must reach outside of the church to where the need is. The need to know Christ, the need to know God. We are commanded to go into the world and preach the Gospel. We are also commanded to make disciples and teach them the things of God. One function is to the world the other is to the believer. As modern Christians we need to understand those are the primary functions of our service. If you are overwhelmed by service it could be you are involved in too much service, yes I here the gasps, by this I mean are we doing service for service sake or are we seeking God and asking Him where we can join Him in His work in service. God is our source and strength. We need to join Him where He calls us and Him alone.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Interestingly enough, I can't say I focus as much as I should on my spiritual life. However at the same time I have not a single care about being rich or famous or popular...etc. I'd rather just live a meager boring life. Sure I may enjoy some things like movies and what not, but I am fufilled. I am married, I am saved... its all good. Though I am focusing more on spiritual things as of late.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

He may care, but not enough to avert the plan (not planting the tree) or to intervene (not acting to actually help).

Those who know Him have an entirely different window into the matter. They, it course, believe Genesis as written but know it’s much deeper than those who reject it think. Those who reject the Bible have no understanding of it at all.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

I have read Job. It actually discourages me more. A) I don't get helped by hearing of another's misfortunes. B) I don't care about the end of the journey, I care about the journey. A extremely awesome destination is poisoned by a harsh journey. C) I don't have the faith of Job. If I was Job at the time, my wife would not have had to tell me to curse God. D) It also makes me think less of God for doing the whole thing for a bet. E) Finally, God didn't bring the kids back from the dead. I wouldn't have forgiven that part.

The Book of Job REALLY shows the truth: God doesn't care.

Job is certainly the WRONG book for you to read. So can appreciate your feelings about it.