Am I strange in this?

Questioning Brother

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I only desire the spiritual things of God when things are going well. When I am in painful circumstances, I don’t want ANY spiritual help from God, only removal of the problem. Mostly I see people being closer and more spiritual-seeking during difficult times. I am the opposite, I seek spiritual things when times are good. I am driven from Him when times are hard. For example currently, I am going through a severe trial involving my wife’s health. I don’t believe my relationship with God has ever been this strained. I think I felt closer to him when I wasn’t a believer. I don’t see that changing without God fixing the problem.
 
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Michie

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I only desire the spiritual things of God when things are going well. When I am in painful circumstances, I don’t want ANY spiritual help from God, only removal of the problem. Mostly I see people being closer and more spiritual-seeking during difficult times. I am the opposite, I seek spiritual things when times are good. I am driven from Him when times are hard. For example currently, I am going through a severe trial involving my wife’s health. I don’t believe my relationship with God has ever been this strained. I think I felt closer to him when I wasn’t a believer. I don’t see that changing without God fixing the problem.
So I have been wondering... what is it you are wanting God to do? Give us a list. That would help to understand the situation better.
 
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bèlla

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QB,

What do you call a friend who only shares your company when things are well? It's an old term you don't hear often these days. They're called fair-weather friends.

Definition
  • A person whose friendship cannot be relied on in times of difficulty. —Oxford Dictionary
  • Someone who is a good friend when it is easy to be one and who stops being one when you are having problems. —Cambridge English Dictionary
Is the person really your friend or only concerned with themselves? Sometimes we need to see our behavior from God's vantage point. Few would consider the person a friend or welcome a fickle relationship. But He isn't like us. He puts up with a lot of crap that you and I wouldn't tolerate!

Perhaps what's needed most isn't another request. Maybe you should begin with apologizing and confessing what you've shared on the thread. Psalm 51 is a great place to start.

Consider what real friendship involves while you're praying. If you wouldn't want the same how do you think He feels?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

1977533800-friends-types.jpg
 
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Questioning Brother

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1) Heal my wife. I am not talking gradual return to mostly functioning or her dying and she is healed in heaven. I mean “take up thy bed and walk” level healing. This is highest priority.

2) (very much lower priority) Monetary stability. This is far second, I could live with what I am getting, of course an increase would be good. What I have is adequate. I just have several financial issues that could be solved easily with an application of cash. Again not nearly the priority of #1.

not really much else. I guess my own health and just a general smooth boring life is on the list, but not much else. I really want him the prune the branches of my life with the problems at a point before the problem. The promised good growing out of the problem van go into the cuttings just like the problem itself
 
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Questioning Brother

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QB,

What do you call a friend who only shares your company when things are well? It's an old term you don't hear often these days. They're called fair-weather friends.

Definition
  • A person whose friendship cannot be relied on in times of difficulty. —Oxford Dictionary
  • Someone who is a good friend when it is easy to be one and who stops being one when you are having problems. —Cambridge
  • You have provided God’s idea of being a friend. That is exact what he has done to me.
 
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bèlla

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  • You have provided God’s idea of being a friend. That is exact what he has done to me.

"You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"? —Isaiah 29:16

QB,

If you honestly believe He's unfaithful. Why do you bother? You speak as if He owes you something? When I read the bible I come away with the understand that I'm the servant and He's the Master. Do you come to a different conclusion?

"But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." —Isaiah 64:18

Yours in His Service,

~Bella
 
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Questioning Brother

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QB,

If you honestly believe He's unfaithful. Why do you bother?
because I know there is literally no possible choice apart from Him of what I need to happen. I would be there n a heartbeat otherwise
 
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bèlla

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because I know there is literally no possible choice apart from Gim of what I need to happen. I would be there n a heartbeat otherwise

QB,

If I understand you correctly. You remain with God to get what you want? In this instance, your wife's healing and financial provision. If He doesn't come through as you hope. What happens next?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella
 
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Questioning Brother

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QB,

If I understand you correctly. You remain with God to get what you want? In this instance, your wife's healing and financial provision. If He doesn't come through as you hope. What happens next?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

I don’t know. Nothing good I assure you. Really both of those, especially not healing my wife, would probably be the last straw. I don’t know a way back from that.
 
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bèlla

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I don’t know. Nothing good I assure you. Really both of those, especially not healing my wife, would probably be the last straw. I don’t know a way back from that.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19

QB,

You’re in a bit of a pickle. How do you force the hand of Someone stronger than you? Since He knows the beginning and end, He’s aware what you’ll do before you are. You can’t win this fight or blackmail Him to get your way.

You’re in pain but grace has no favorites. Some problems are resolved and some aren’t. God didn’t heal Joni Eareckson Tada. That didn’t stop her from spearheading the ADA act and developing a vibrant ministry for caretakers for the disabled.

He didn’t heal Kara Tippetts cancer. She died and left two children and a spouse behind. That didn’t prevent her from blogging her story until the end. She withered before the world and proclaimed God’s faithfulness.

Maybe this isn’t for you. This isn’t a problem free journey and it’s not for quitters or people dipping a toe and playing hokey pokey with their faith.

It’s for soldiers. Men and women whose yes is solidified no matter what. If the what must be on your terms; you’re not suited for the job.

You’ll be happier bowing out. It would be a tragedy to spend your life believing you were walking with God and discover you weren’t at all. What you describe isn’t salvation or service. It’s convenience.

You need a genie not a Savior. You don’t want Him. Maybe you never did. Who knows. You’ve posted several threads. The ball is in your corner. Choose wisely.

Yours in His Service,

~Bella
 
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Tony B

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I only desire the spiritual things of God when things are going well. When I am in painful circumstances, I don’t want ANY spiritual help from God, only removal of the problem. Mostly I see people being closer and more spiritual-seeking during difficult times. I am the opposite, I seek spiritual things when times are good. I am driven from Him when times are hard. For example currently, I am going through a severe trial involving my wife’s health. I don’t believe my relationship with God has ever been this strained. I think I felt closer to him when I wasn’t a believer. I don’t see that changing without God fixing the problem.

We've all been through struggles in our Christian walk, and at times have felt that our Father has abandoned us. Jesus Himself felt that on the cross. However, in His walk He was always quick to humble Himself and declare, "Your will be done", thus bending to His Father's sovereign right in all matters. Job, in the midst of feeling despair, grief and pain, thought he had a personal right to question God, and got rebuked whilst he was still suffering.

So, many of us, including the Greatest of all, can empathise with your situation, but we are careful not to adopt an attitude that maligns God and is therefore self-defeating.

We feel for you in your circumstances, but we can't support your present attitude towards God, we have too much love for you and your welfare, and that of our own, to do that.

No doubt you would agree, your wife needs your continued faithfulness in God, and a stoic and even-tempered attitude for her emotional and other support at this time. You need support too, so also seek out the help and encouragement you can get from your local church group, which is there for you, and which God expects of His children.

Would you mind telling me what you are meaning by your comment 'look for spiritual help from God when things are going well', ie what is the spiritual help you receive then?

I'm sorry to learn that you and your wife are going through such a painful time at the moment, and am grateful that there is a forum such as this that gives you an opportunity to release the pressure valve of pent up disappointments. It is a good thing not to allow that to continue though, as you may not only trash your own faith in God, but that of a brother or sister observing your thread, that is weak in faith too, and that would be tragic for all, to say the least.

Shalom, Tony
 
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Questioning Brother

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Would you mind telling me what you are meaning by your comment 'look for spiritual help from God when things are going well', ie what is the spiritual help you receive then?

Shalom, Tony

I said sought the spiritual things of God. Those do not hold any amount of interest to me when my situation is painful.
 
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Tony B

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I said sought the spiritual things of God. Those do not hold any amount of interest to me when my situation is painful.


This is what you wrote "I only desire the spiritual things of God when things are going well". I used the term 'look for' which can be regarded as a synonym of 'sought, sought after, desire'. But let me put my question using that term if I might, what are the spiritual things of God that you sought?
 
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Questioning Brother

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This is what you wrote "I only desire the spiritual things of God when things are going well". I used the term 'look for' which can be regarded as a synonym of 'sought, sought after, desire'. But let me put my question using that term if I might, what are the spiritual things of God that you sought?
I wanted that relationship. The fellowship. I wanted His guidance. I actually was moved by the spirit to do things. As an example, I was given a directive with the words “anoint the border” with images of the borders of my property. I did it (Anointed the fence posts with oil) and felt the difference It made. But then the painful situations started. It destroyed that desire. I just want the problem excised from my life. I don’t care what is on the other side. I just want it gone. I don’t care what His plan for it is, I just want it gone.
 
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Richard T

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I only desire the spiritual things of God when things are going well. When I am in painful circumstances, I don’t want ANY spiritual help from God, only removal of the problem. Mostly I see people being closer and more spiritual-seeking during difficult times. I am the opposite, I seek spiritual things when times are good. I am driven from Him when times are hard. For example currently, I am going through a severe trial involving my wife’s health. I don’t believe my relationship with God has ever been this strained. I think I felt closer to him when I wasn’t a believer. I don’t see that changing without God fixing the problem.
Grace and peace to you brother. I wish your circumstances were better. Having a loved one in trouble is probably the most difficult thing we can face. How do you separate the spiritual from the removal of the problem? To me the two go hand in hand. Thus, whenever I am in a jam, my first reaction would be to fast, to move closer to God, to listen, to make adjustments. I wish I would do more of that when the skies are blue, but that is not my reality. It might also be the case that you have some issues with God being just. I would be careful here, because who really knows what is causing your wife's pain? It is the devil that kills steals and destroys, I would be mad at him, rather than God. I know often, we can think that God must be the source of sickness and pain, but that does not agree with scripture,
Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."
I think you absolutely need to have a revelation from God on this situation and the only way you can do that is by moving closer spiritually. Remember the violent take the kingdom of God by force. You have to be humble, pour out your heart and do everything you can. I am not saying works is going to get this, but just as Jacob wrestled with an angel, you have no choice but to become more spiritual in this, no matter what the outcome.
One other thing i might add. You are going to remain in Christ no matter what. Thus, I pray you set yourself resolutely in God's corner, in all and every circumstance.
 
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returntosender

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We all say we want Gods will but when push comes to shove....
Very strong faith is the only thing that carries us through.
I know very well where you are coming from. I am praying for you. Try to build your faith in God.
God bless you and yours.
 
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Tony B

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I wanted that relationship. The fellowship. I wanted His guidance. I actually was moved by the spirit to do things. As an example, I was given a directive with the words “anoint the border” with images of the borders of my property. I did it (Anointed the fence posts with oil) and felt the difference It made. But then the painful situations started. It destroyed that desire. I just want the problem excised from my life. I don’t care what is on the other side. I just want it gone. I don’t care what His plan for it is, I just want it gone.

I mean you no disrespect, but it doesn't make sense that God would want you to anoint your boundary posts. I've done some weird things like that in the past too. I think Satan taps in on those of Jesus' followers that have a burning zeal to know God's ways, and are prepared to do whatever He directs.

I can't recollect that any prophets of old were called to do something like you were directed unless it was a precursor/an enlightment to a forthcoming prophetic utterance or revelation. Jesus wasn't directed that way, and none of the apostles either, ie as far as is recorded.

I think the evil one is having a lend of you as he has done of me, and many of your other brothers and sisters in The Lord. And now he is trying to divert you even further away by suggesting that God is unfaithful.

It is impossible for God to be unfaithful in any way...indeed, consider what He put Jesus through, so that His faithfulness to the promise to Abraham could be cemented, and subsequently through that act of love and faithfulness, God to God, Son to Father, we who follow on after have been blessed with adoption into that promise, by faith through grace, not by any religious act.

Tell Satan to begone, and may The Lord rebuke him, man up, and stay the course no matter what is dished out to you. That is true courage and strength, and all we wounded will be hobbling along that path with you...you aren't/won't be alone. :)

Shalom, Tony.
 
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bèlla

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“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.“ —1 John 4:1

QB,

When you receive a word you must test it to prove its source. Just because its found in the bible doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit is speaking. We’re all prone to deception and more so when we crave supernatural experiences and results.

Few realize the spirit world isn’t one-sided. When you open your mind to receive signs and wonders you’ll encounter both. The counterfeit and the real thing. You must know how to discern between the two.

The Holy Spirit provides the gift of discernment for a reason. Because we need it. When you accept a lying spirit it’s a lot like leaven. You’ll never get it out of the nooks and crannies in your heart. Others follow that build on the first and deepen your confusion. Until you’re frustrated and believe the Lord abandoned you. Deceiving spirits attack our mind and heart. The goal is the diminishment of love and trust in the Lord. They want us to question Him.

You have to return to the place of error. The point in your walk when you began to see things differently. When you no longer desired spiritual things of God save in certain circumstances. You return to that position to find the lie and remove it and proceed differently.

The frustration is hindering you from asking the Lord for help. Not only in your circumstances. But also the hardness in your heart and the spiritual confusion you’re experiencing.

Look where its led you. See the things you’ve said in these threads and your feelings and demands of the Lord. We all experience anger sometimes. When He permitted me to suffer a year of demonic affliction I grieved heavily. But I was angry too and I felt betrayed.

I remember the little girl in bed reading the bible by flashlight. I remember the hunger for His presence at a tender age. I recall the quest to find Him here and there through many paths. To end up in that position nearly drove me mad.

I asked why. Why did you let me suffer? Why did you let them hurt me? He sent me to Job. I was upset at first. Then I began to read. I never understood my suffering. But I did find peace and confess the pain and anger. He healed and restored me. Just like Job.

I didn’t understand the reason for my pain and anguish until I received my calling and understood my purpose and what I’m facing. I needed to be certain like Paul. I required knowing not belief to enter Satan’s camp. I couldn’t have a morsel of doubt of God’s existence or the other’s. I needed to know He’s the same God of old who delivers His children. Because He delivered me.

He stepped into my circumstances and removed the problem! I know He’s the answer. I help and encourage others because I’ve lived it and watched Him restore what Satan intended to destroy.

Adversity sharpens in a manner belief cannot. It forces you to confront your beliefs and see where you stand in the heat of battle. We’re a lot like Peter. We think we’re tougher than we really are. We equate our feelings as facts. But you’ll never know until you’re tested. Until the tree is shaken and your circumstances are impacted.

It’s easy to follow when all is well. It doesn’t cost you anything. But everyone comes to the fork in the road. We face a moment when the decision to move forward requires a sacrifice or we turn back. That’s one of many challenges we’ll encounter.

This is a lot like the heroes journey. We’re little Frodos leaving our nest and following our Guide. We can’t see the perils ahead. We know there’s danger. But it’s greater than we expect. Sometimes we risk life and limb to stay the course and reach our goal. Team evil has their henchmen and stumbling blocks to derail us.

But the Guide never disappoints nor is He late. He’s always there in a nick of time. Through our circumstances we confront our fears and shortcomings. We didn’t see them in the nest. Comfort shielded them from us and others. But peril brings it out. It reveals who we are inside. The journey smoothes the rough spots like a stone and humbles us in the process. We’d be lost without Him.

Because we can’t walk alone. We need help and eagerly receive it on the road. We don’t discriminate about appearances and denominations. When you’re in a jam you want relief! It doesn’t matter who it comes from. Their presence renews our hope and allows us to press on.

The key in all of this is obedience and submission. You need to plug into the right Spirit and fellowship to have the means to complete the journey. If you’re swayed by flesh or deception you’ll have a longer trek. Find the narrow path and you’ll have peace once more.

Yours in His Service,

~Bella
 
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Questioning Brother

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The Bible verses for the marking of the borders was the test of the spirit. I knew what I was being told to do and asked for confirmation in the word. I received it. I also have real doubt that an evil spirit would have given me the words to speak at each marking as “sealed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit” which came only when I actually marked the first post. I had no clue to say anything until I marked the post, I wasn’t even aware of how to mark the posts until I actually started. I also didn’t describe the nature of the directive. I had to mark every wooden post around my 6 acre property (a post approximately every 10’ on a 400’ by 700’ rectangle) of which about 40% or so were buried in thorny mesquite trees that I had to push through to mark.

Also, do not presume that I do not ask Him for help! I ask many times a day. He either ignores me or says no. I continue to ask because I hope to be like the woman who continually bother the magistrate until he acts on her behalf.

I have never gotten a positive message from Job. I intellectually know the message I am supposed to get, but in my heart that message is COMPLETELY spoiled by the bet made between God and Satan in the beginning. When I try to put myself in Job’s place, I would not have been able to get past the death of the first set of his kids. The replacements later would not have been enough. Again I relate more to Job’s wife, who was suffering the same losses as him without actually being part of the bet. Where was God’s compassion where she was concerned?
 
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