ever feel that God's blessings have strings attached?

A few weeks ago God said "yes" to something that was very strong in my heart but I was afraid to ask for out of fear that He would say "no". But lately I've had the joy sucked out of me and replaced with the fear that this is coming with a "catch": that I change universities and guilt for not wanting to go there. The school in question is known for being a party school where there is a lot of drug activity and witchcraft that's been going on since the '70's (Kent Ohio if anyone is curious). Now I'm back to where I was but I've been getting mixed messages about it. I don't know, o feel like a "selfish pig" for asking to go back to my original college and that I ask for too much in addition to "if you want to do this you'll go here". It's at the point where I'm so ashamed that I never want to ask God for anything ever again and I'm expecting a no. Despite this I still thank and praise God for all He has done for me every day and will continue to do so even if things don't work out.

He may want you to be a light at Kent.

Oh, my sounds like quite a pickle to be in: When I have felt like that scirptures help me remember that God loves us and wants our very best. This one comes to mind now:

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered my from all my fears." (Psalm 34:2-4; 6-10)

When we talk about transactions with "strings attached" in every day life, it's usually pretty easy to see what benefits us and what is a trade-off or string. God's will doesn't work that way. In many cases, something we perceive negatively may be a great benefit to our Spiritual development. It's natural for us to look at things through the "what makes me happy" lens, but walking the path of God's will has plenty of ups and downs.

Also, be careful not to depend on God for specific Yes or No answers to our questions and decisions. It usually doesn't work that way. We have to make our own decisions, and they can be informed by scripture, advice from trusted friends and family, and our own careful, practical consideration.

Just be sure you are a "born again" believer in Christ, and not just a follower of His teachings! One needs the Lord Jesus in their heart to have any part in His Father --Jehovah-God (see John 14). I will pray for God's leading and help to you.

Pilg please, with the font. My poor old eyes are going to collapse in upon themselves.

Godislove have you ever heard the Garth brooks song - unanswered prayers?

Imagine you look back in 10 years time, you've gone to a different university. Met a, not perfect, but good hearted group of friends. Maybe fell in love with your future husband. And you'd be looking back singing that same old song we, your slightly older brothers and sisters in Christ have sung many times before.

So don't be doing something if you're going to get all - feeling like you have to do something. It probably won't rank to highly in your walk towards Christ. Love is not burdensome. Your heavenly Father knows best, he doesn't ask you to do something because he wants to be an inconvenience to you. You might think you're strong enough in Christ to go to this place. Frankly I'm sorry but I don't agree. Not to be a spoil sport but for your own spiritual safety. You'll make new friends, everything will be ok.

Thanks all. The hardest part is distinguishing whether it's the enemy coming at me causing me grief or if it's only my flesh fighting against God's will (I'm also a very emotional person and naturally high strung somewhat). I have a hard time believing that God would give me something good without "pulling the rug out from under me". I'm still very much a baby Christian (<6 months old) and don't know if I'm already being asked to take a leap of faith.

It might be a very good idea to request a meeting with your allocated personal tutor to discuss how unsettled you feel with the college and possibly the course. Many people have doubts over the course and place they have opted to study in and sometimes talking to a tutor can help by signposting you to the staff who could help resolve problems.

It might also be helpful to ask to talk with a local youth pastor perhaps via college chapliancy services or a local church fellowship.

Its often easier to discern where you should be if you ask God to bring other people alongside you.

Praying that God will give you signposts of where you should be at this time in a manner that is helpfully clearer.

(tutor=academic advisor US)

The school doesn't define you. You are going there to study, and you will. If the dorms are too loud, get a quiet apartment-- the cost is usually the same, or cheaper.

You will find some of the students there are busy working, sometimes on campus. You might look into campus jobs yourself -- so you meet people who can give you job references later.

There will always be people that drag us down in one way or another, but I don't think a few years will ruin things for you. It is hard to make a transition, so naturally your brain is probably seeking out simpler ways to deal with the choice. Just set your will firmly in one spot, and dive in.

Make the transition easier for yourself -- look at pictures of the campus so you know your way around before you get there. Bring your favorite slippers, decide what restaurant you might want to visit there... make it an adventure!

A few weeks ago God said "yes" to something that was very strong in my heart but I was afraid to ask for out of fear that He would say "no".

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Why would you dread God saying "No"? Do you not trust that whatever God directs you to do will be always ultimately for your benefit?

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

You ought to be very careful of those things you desire so greatly that you fear that God will keep you from them. God's will and way are always best - even if He prevents us from having what we very much want. If you aren't convinced of this, it will be very difficult to walk with Him.

But lately I've had the joy sucked out of me and replaced with the fear that this is coming with a "catch": that I change universities and guilt for not wanting to go there. The school in question is known for being a party school where there is a lot of drug activity and witchcraft that's been going on since the '70's (Kent Ohio if anyone is curious). Now I'm back to where I was but I've been getting mixed messages about it.

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God does not give us mixed messages; He is always very clear about His will for us.

1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Things get murky, or "mixed," when our desires and will are not submitted to, and aligned with, His.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

I don't know, o feel like a "selfish pig" for asking to go back to my original college and that I ask for too much in addition to "if you want to do this you'll go here". It's at the point where I'm so ashamed that I never want to ask God for anything ever again and I'm expecting a no.

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Asking God for things is nothing to be ashamed of - except if what you're asking for is sinful.

Luk 11:9 And I say to you, Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.
Luk 11:10 For everyone who asks receives. And he who seeks finds. And to him who knocks it shall be opened.

Jas 4:3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts.

Selah.

Godislove94 said:

Thanks all. The hardest part is distinguishing whether it's the enemy coming at me causing me grief or if it's only my flesh fighting against God's will (I'm also a very emotional person and naturally high strung somewhat). I have a hard time believing that God would give me something good without "pulling the rug out from under me". I'm still very much a baby Christian (<6 months old) and don't know if I'm already being asked to take a leap of faith.

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The best way is to continue praying, do regular bible reading (and see how it applies in your life) and remain in the fellowship of other Christians who can help you discern the difference. Be assured that God it not the one who wants to pull the rug out..He wants to catch you when you fall. And He is there to do just that every time you let Him. It is all about "trust."

Prayers.