mutual support/encouragement

Life in Abundance said:

i'm single, disabled and have never had a relationship. This year has been the hardest of my life because there have been many times when I've wanted a relationship so much just to be held and to experience the joy of a relationship. Temptations are hard and at times I nearly gave up because the desires of the flesh were really powerful and the saddest part was I had no one to talk to about this. In spite of this my deepest desire is to live a holy life pleasing to God.

I therefore wonder if there are other females who are like me and are facing similar temptations and would value mutual encouragement and prayer support, if, so, please do not hesitate to contact me.


God bless

Karen

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Sending hugs & prayers Karen

Sweetie, we ALL experience the temptations of the flesh. Don't feel bad about feeling the temptations. Just "flee from tempation" and don't give in to it. You know what I mean. Everybody feels these things, the challenge is not giving in to them. I'll be praying for you.

Hi Karen

I can definitely relate to this, and have been having a similar struggle lately. I have had relationships in the past, before I became a christian and so in a way know what I am missing.

Sometimes the hardest thing is not the need for physical satisfaction so much as the need for some affection.

I agree SFBUK. I want affection more than anything. The sexual part would still be there I am sure and it is probably working to my advantage not to have affection given to me because I would be afraid that the temptation would be present not long after the affection was received. I have relieved from past mistakes that I need to fill the void in my heart with God's love. Only after I do that can I love a man and accept his love the way I need to. I need to seek God first and always. Unfortunately my past does not reflect that desire and need. I am glad that God enlightened me to that need. I just became aware one day that I was having bad relationship after bad relationship because I was trying to fill a void that only God could fill. I have to admit with everything I am and hope to be that I feel so much better since I realized this or rather God told me. I have to give Him credit because I would not have figured that out on my own. We are human and have physical desires but what sets you apart as a child of God is how you react to those desires. A friend of mine gave me a Wonderful book. I am not trying to advertise for any writer. I have just found this book to be of great support to me in my walk with God and overcoming obstacles in my life: Breaking Free of Spiritual Strong Holds: Praying God's Word. Be Blessed!!

SFBUK said:

Sometimes the hardest thing is not the need for physical satisfaction so much as the need for some affection.

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I completely agree, SFBUK. Even sometimes when I feel the desire to experience physical intimacy, I have to admit it is more a desire for affection. What I have been trying to do recently is channel those thoughts into more platonic ones. I believe we *can* experience joy in our friendships with men, if we approach the friendship with a thankful heart, rather than from a need or sense of desperation.

stepha1 - what a beautiful and honest testimony. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Praying that we might all lead holy and pleasing lives - full of the joy of the Lord and His goodness, rather than feelings that we are deprived.