You Didn't Try Hard Enough

[Duke of Stratford]

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection for our sins, not works. Works (aka spiritual fruit) flow from a saved life and are evidence of saving faith. I believe I have faith, and I believe I have spiritual fruit. I know there are so many ways I'm still falling short, and I know that everyone is the same way. I pray for more love for God, for stronger faith and trust in Him, and for guidance to do His will. I know that I will never be perfect, but that I should seek to grow in Christ through His strength.

I love this C. S. Lewis quote:

To have Faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.

But I worry that I'm still not trying enough to obey Him. Putting forth effort in obedience isn't legalism. I don't want to obey out of fear, but out of love. I want to embrace grace and truth. But I worry that, in my love of His grace, in my acceptance that sanctification takes time and that I shouldn't stress so much, that I'm not disciplined enough.

I'm terrified of the idea of my judgement. I just can't imagine Him saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" to me. Like I'm the disobedient one in every parable, or the one who came close to getting it but was ultimately cast out. That's the scariest thing in the world to me. I don't want Him to be mad at me.

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing. There's just this feeling that I'm bad. That He won't be pleased with my life. No direction for how to change it. I'm just an anxious wreck who's scared of falling into dependence on my performance to prove I've made it. How do I find that balance? How do I trust in Christ, rely on Christ, but not be lazy in my faith?

Or am I just overthinking?

 

[Michie]

You are overthinking. Salvation is a journey and we are not all on the same page. Do not compare yourself to others and do not let others tell you at what point you should be in your journey. We are all growing. We all stumble, etc. As long as you are still trying to cultivate your relationship with God, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[charsan]

You are overthinking. Salvation is a journey and we are not all on the same page. Do not compare yourself to others and do not let others tell you at what point you should be in your journey. We are all growing. We all stumble, etc. As long as you are still trying to cultivate your relationship with God, you have nothing to worry about.

Exactly. We all are on a different part of the Salvation journey. So many think Salvation is it, one time and done but Salvation as you said is a journey

 

[crossnote]

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing.

A few promises from God's Word...

Proverbs 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I'm terrified of the idea of my judgement.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
(Joh 5:24)

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
(Rom 8:34-37)

 

[Tone]

what is He calling me to do?

Ask, Seek, Knock.

Matthew 7
"7Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

"12In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the prophets."

Luke 11
"13So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”"

 

[ReesePiece23]

When you go to bed tonight, just load up all of your thoughts and worries into a hot air balloon and send them up to Him. Because He WILL work through them.

All YOU have to do is say to Him "I trust in you 100%." - Actually visualise yourself doing that. Feel the full weight of those thoughts as you load them up, and enjoy watching them float away into space.

Sometimes, the BIGGEST testimony to faith is to let all of your worries go.


Edited about a hundred times due to typos - time for MY bed I think. Smh

 

[Junia]

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection for our sins, not works. Works (aka spiritual fruit) flow from a saved life and are evidence of saving faith. I believe I have faith, and I believe I have spiritual fruit. I know there are so many ways I'm still falling short, and I know that everyone is the same way. I pray for more love for God, for stronger faith and trust in Him, and for guidance to do His will. I know that I will never be perfect, but that I should seek to grow in Christ through His strength.

I love this C. S. Lewis quote:



But I worry that I'm still not trying enough to obey Him. Putting forth effort in obedience isn't legalism. I don't want to obey out of fear, but out of love. I want to embrace grace and truth. But I worry that, in my love of His grace, in my acceptance that sanctification takes time and that I shouldn't stress so much, that I'm not disciplined enough.

I'm terrified of the idea of my judgement. I just can't imagine Him saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" to me. Like I'm the disobedient one in every parable, or the one who came close to getting it but was ultimately cast out. That's the scariest thing in the world to me. I don't want Him to be mad at me.

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing. There's just this feeling that I'm bad. That He won't be pleased with my life. No direction for how to change it. I'm just an anxious wreck who's scared of falling into dependence on my performance to prove I've made it. How do I find that balance? How do I trust in Christ, rely on Christ, but not be lazy in my faith?

Or am I just overthinking?

no, i relate a lot to this. i think many christians do.

and yes i have the constant feeling that am bad, and God hates me

i think it is our anxiety condition tbh

 

[Pavel Mosko]

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing. There's just this feeling that I'm bad. That He won't be pleased with my life. No direction for how to change it. I'm just an anxious wreck who's scared of falling into dependence on my performance to prove I've made it. How do I find that balance? How do I trust in Christ, rely on Christ, but not be lazy in my faith?

Or am I just overthinking?

How about just focus on the things God has given you that can help and bless others and make sure you make a conscious effort to "invest your talents" everyday.

That I think is a good place to start and that is what I try to do more or less.

1 John 4:18

 

[Aussie Pete]

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection for our sins, not works. Works (aka spiritual fruit) flow from a saved life and are evidence of saving faith. I believe I have faith, and I believe I have spiritual fruit. I know there are so many ways I'm still falling short, and I know that everyone is the same way. I pray for more love for God, for stronger faith and trust in Him, and for guidance to do His will. I know that I will never be perfect, but that I should seek to grow in Christ through His strength.

I love this C. S. Lewis quote:



But I worry that I'm still not trying enough to obey Him. Putting forth effort in obedience isn't legalism. I don't want to obey out of fear, but out of love. I want to embrace grace and truth. But I worry that, in my love of His grace, in my acceptance that sanctification takes time and that I shouldn't stress so much, that I'm not disciplined enough.

I'm terrified of the idea of my judgement. I just can't imagine Him saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" to me. Like I'm the disobedient one in every parable, or the one who came close to getting it but was ultimately cast out. That's the scariest thing in the world to me. I don't want Him to be mad at me.

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing. There's just this feeling that I'm bad. That He won't be pleased with my life. No direction for how to change it. I'm just an anxious wreck who's scared of falling into dependence on my performance to prove I've made it. How do I find that balance? How do I trust in Christ, rely on Christ, but not be lazy in my faith?

Or am I just overthinking?

Trying is not trusting. Doing is trusting. Lord Jesus lives in us to be all that God requires us to be, even to having the desire to do what pleases God. When you see the reality of your co-death with Christ and your co-resurrection, you will quit worrying. You are "there". You were terminated at the cross. Then you rose again with Christ. You really are a new creation and the old really has passed away. All that remains is for us to find out what that means in practice and enjoy the perfect salvation that cost Lord Jesus everything to provide for undeserving sinners. Quit worrying about yourself and accept the grace and mercy offered so freely by our heavenly Dad.

 

[Junia]

i wa speaking to someone on here earlier who was reassuring me that our salvation is not based on our own efforts. i know that can be hard t to receive

Perfect love casts out fear

 

[Junia]

Trying to make God approve of you is like trying to enter a room you are already in! you are in the kingdom. stop striving!

 

[Junia]

Trying is not trusting. Doing is trusting. Lord Jesus lives in us to be all that God requires us to be, even to having the desire to do what pleases God. When you see the reality of your co-death with Christ and your co-resurrection, you will quit worrying. You are "there". You were terminated at the cross. Then you rose again with Christ. You really are a new creation and the old really has passed away. All that remains is for us to find out what that means in practice and enjoy the perfect salvation that cost Lord Jesus everything to provide for undeserving sinners. Quit worrying about yourself and accept the grace and mercy offered so freely by our heavenly Dad.

what Aussie Pete said. 100%

 

[boxman144]

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection for our sins, not works. Works (aka spiritual fruit) flow from a saved life and are evidence of saving faith. I believe I have faith, and I believe I have spiritual fruit. I know there are so many ways I'm still falling short, and I know that everyone is the same way. I pray for more love for God, for stronger faith and trust in Him, and for guidance to do His will. I know that I will never be perfect, but that I should seek to grow in Christ through His strength.

I love this C. S. Lewis quote:



But I worry that I'm still not trying enough to obey Him. Putting forth effort in obedience isn't legalism. I don't want to obey out of fear, but out of love. I want to embrace grace and truth. But I worry that, in my love of His grace, in my acceptance that sanctification takes time and that I shouldn't stress so much, that I'm not disciplined enough.

I'm terrified of the idea of my judgement. I just can't imagine Him saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" to me. Like I'm the disobedient one in every parable, or the one who came close to getting it but was ultimately cast out. That's the scariest thing in the world to me. I don't want Him to be mad at me.

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing. There's just this feeling that I'm bad. That He won't be pleased with my life. No direction for how to change it. I'm just an anxious wreck who's scared of falling into dependence on my performance to prove I've made it. How do I find that balance? How do I trust in Christ, rely on Christ, but not be lazy in my faith?

Or am I just overthinking?

I am having most of the thoughts you are having. But realize this, we all have doubts. We're all on different walks to get to Jesus. Some are almost finished, and some are just taking the first step.

Even though you and I may be scared of this, we are in this together. We are always here to guide you to the truth.

We can talk about this if you wish, and do this together so you're not alone in your journey to and with Christ. Just shoot me a message, and I'll check in on you.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

Trying is not trusting. Doing is trusting. Lord Jesus lives in us to be all that God requires us to be, even to having the desire to do what pleases God. When you see the reality of your co-death with Christ and your co-resurrection, you will quit worrying. You are "there". You were terminated at the cross. Then you rose again with Christ. You really are a new creation and the old really has passed away. All that remains is for us to find out what that means in practice and enjoy the perfect salvation that cost Lord Jesus everything to provide for undeserving sinners. Quit worrying about yourself and accept the grace and mercy offered so freely by our heavenly Dad.

Thanks. This was really, really good to hear. I guess I needed a bit of tough love.

It can be a bit hard to understand, honestly. But I'll trust that what He says is true. That I'm His, and nothing can change that.

I read through Colossians this evening--that actually helped a lot. Day by day. Growing in wisdom. Not understanding everything yet, but moving forward.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

I am having most of the thoughts you are having. But realize this, we all have doubts. We're all on different walks to get to Jesus. Some are almost finished, and some are just taking the first step.

Even though you and I may be scared of this, we are in this together. We are always here to guide you to the truth.

We can talk about this if you wish, and do this together so you're not alone in your journey to and with Christ. Just shoot me a message, and I'll check in on you.

Thanks, man. I'm feeling a lot better now. It's so easy to slip into fear, even when you have this great hope. Praise the Lord for being so patient with us and our erratic feelings!

 

[Aussie Pete]

Thanks. This was really, really good to hear. I guess I needed a bit of tough love.

It can be a bit hard to understand, honestly. But I'll trust that what He says is true. That I'm His, and nothing can change that.

I read through Colossians this evening--that actually helped a lot. Day by day. Growing in wisdom. Not understanding everything yet, but moving forward.

Be patient with yourself! Doubt your doubts! God really is on our side. I went through great turmoil and doubt that God loved me. An evil spirit tried to get me to doubt God's love. And God said to me, "What about the Cross?" That puts everything in the right perspective. "God so loved...... me!"

 

[Aussie Pete]

Thanks. This was really, really good to hear. I guess I needed a bit of tough love.

It can be a bit hard to understand, honestly. But I'll trust that what He says is true. That I'm His, and nothing can change that.

I read through Colossians this evening--that actually helped a lot. Day by day. Growing in wisdom. Not understanding everything yet, but moving forward.

Please keep in mind that you are a spiritual being, not just a mind. Understanding very often comes after you have accepted truth. A great example is Lord Jesus talking to Nicodemus. Nicodemus was clueless! He may have been the first person to hear about the concept of being born again. Would we have been any less bewildered? I doubt that very much.

 

[ReesePiece23]

Interestingly, I had a dream that I was in heaven last night. I felt like a tourist - I was asking everyone "where can I find God?". I then found myself striding effortlessly up this great big mountain - one that was twice the height of Everest, and yeah... Met God.

I can only describe Him as an effervescent confetti cloud of consciousness. I saw NO physical indication of it, but He was annoyed at me for something. As soon as I felt sad, I felt an overwhelming sense of forgiveness rain over me.

Interesting - that dream was no doubt triggered by this thread, so there you go. Another (more abstract) answer.

*Important note: a dream is just an extension of my imagination. It is NOT a real (or even accurate) representation.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

Interestingly, I had a dream that I was in heaven last night. I felt like a tourist - I was asking everyone "where can I find God?". I then found myself striding effortlessly up this great big mountain - one that was twice the height of Everest, and yeah... Met God.

I can only describe Him as an effervescent confetti cloud of consciousness. I saw NO physical indication of it, but He was annoyed at me for something. As soon as I felt sad, I felt an overwhelming sense of forgiveness rain over me.

Interesting - that dream was no doubt triggered by this thread, so there you go. Another (more abstract) answer.

*Important note: a dream is just an extension of my imagination. It is NOT a real (or even accurate) representation.

That’s a really beautiful dream! Thank you for sharing!

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection for our sins, not works. Works (aka spiritual fruit) flow from a saved life and are evidence of saving faith. I believe I have faith, and I believe I have spiritual fruit. I know there are so many ways I'm still falling short, and I know that everyone is the same way. I pray for more love for God, for stronger faith and trust in Him, and for guidance to do His will. I know that I will never be perfect, but that I should seek to grow in Christ through His strength.

I love this C. S. Lewis quote:



But I worry that I'm still not trying enough to obey Him. Putting forth effort in obedience isn't legalism. I don't want to obey out of fear, but out of love. I want to embrace grace and truth. But I worry that, in my love of His grace, in my acceptance that sanctification takes time and that I shouldn't stress so much, that I'm not disciplined enough.

I'm terrified of the idea of my judgement. I just can't imagine Him saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" to me. Like I'm the disobedient one in every parable, or the one who came close to getting it but was ultimately cast out. That's the scariest thing in the world to me. I don't want Him to be mad at me.

But at the same time, what is He calling me to do? I don't know what, exactly, He'd want me to be doing. There's just this feeling that I'm bad. That He won't be pleased with my life. No direction for how to change it. I'm just an anxious wreck who's scared of falling into dependence on my performance to prove I've made it. How do I find that balance? How do I trust in Christ, rely on Christ, but not be lazy in my faith?

Or am I just overthinking?

It is always hard to say where such feeling originate from, I have the same thoughts, from time to time. I would say the pressure that you are feeling though, may come from the devil, not God. For it is a pressure to feel like you are not good enough. i.e. see the path way. 1) the devil says: you are not good enough for God, 2) we get frustrated, and feel unworthy 3) The devil: tries to get us to stop following God because it seems just too hard. We are being pushed beyond what our courage allows.