Greetings! And..How Do Some of You Keep the Faith?

NYCGal

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Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!
 

“Paisios”

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Welcome to the forums.

I am sorry that you are facing such struggles, but I hope and pray that you will come through them even stronger. When I was at my lowest, I met God by the lakeshore. His Presence was a reality that was undeniable. Since then, most of the time I have been unaware of that Presence, but because of that initial encounter, I know that He is real, present and cares for me.

I pray, meditate and read Scripture, fasting on occasion, and remember that even in the times when my vision is too small to see Him that He made Himself known to me by the lakeshore and I lived. That holds me through the tough times.
 
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rockytopva

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If E = mc2 then we can divide and conclude that...

Mass (m) = Energy (E/c2)

And there are three varieties...

Natural E/c2 - All mass is basically cooled plasma
Mental E/c2 - Mentally, A mathematical formula, but this has chemical and spiritual properties as well.
Spiritual E/c2 - E (motivation, warmth, love) / c2 (faith, hope, charity, joy)

It is all important to dwell in atmospheres of light and energy such as conferences, revivals, prayer meetings, etc. I have just created a video emphasizing the importance of such activity. In the world of chemistry likes blend in with likes.

 
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I'm_Sorry

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Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

Hi NYCGal

Welcome and may God bless you :)

I pray for God to increase your Faith.
 
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Instrument150

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Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

What thing in your heart is resisting? Some fruit of your flesh. Something you know is sinful and you almost cry every time you do it, then beg for forgiveness afterwards, then do it again. What is it?

Galatians 5:19-26King James Version (KJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
 
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HereIStand

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Welcome to CF. :wave:
At times we all feel abandoned by God. That seems to be one message of the Psalms. We have to trust that God is near, even if He feels absent. Try to fellowship and seek guidance from other Christians, and continue your prayer and Bible studies. That's all that any of us can do.
 
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NYCGal

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What thing in your heart is resisting? Some fruit of your flesh. Something you know is sinful and you almost cry every time you do it, then beg for forgiveness afterwards, then do it again. What is it?


No.... there's no addiction or compulsion or anything like that. That's not to say I'm a flawless person, I'm certainly not, but it's not like I have this one thing that's holding me back.

And, to be honest, I think that can (sometimes) be a dangerous way of thinking. Like, to believe we are consistently being punished because we don't believe our sins are forgiven and we have to instead earn grace.. when we don't get to earn grace, grace can only be provided by God and it's through Jesus. It doesn't mean we can sin as much as we want and be forgiven, or keep up with bad habits, we have to turn from that of course, but we don't get closer to God by our 'works' alone.

That being said, of course I go to God with asking forgiveness of my sins and to help clear whatever I'm harboring, and asking what I can do for him, etc. So, I really don't think that's it.
 
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Hidden In Him

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It's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

This is why I strongly stress the importance of experiencing God, whether it be during worship, where you literally feel His Presence, or when you experience Him speaking to you clearly through the word, or when you clearly hear His voice during prayer telling you something.

Tell Him you want to experience Him more, and keep praying this prayer incessantly. It's no sin to ask God to make Himself more real to you.

I know you live up North, and the spiritual climate up there is a little different... But start praying more that the Lord make Himself real to you. I believe it's one of the ways He likes to confirm His Love for us, and that He is there no matter what we are going through.

God bless,
Hidden
 
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Godlovesmetwo

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I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything?
spiritual drought? Mother Theresa experienced that a lot, but she just kept going everyday. Maybe the secret is just hang in there until one day everything makes sense.
 
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NYCGal

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Welcome to CF. :wave:
At times we all feel abandoned by God. That seems to be one message of the Psalms. We have to trust that God is near, even if He feels absent. Try to fellowship and seek guidance from other Christians, and continue your prayer and Bible studies. That's all that any of us can do.

Yea, Psalms is good for that.. and thanks for your words! But dang, like why can't I hear that inner voice people talk about? If it's there, it's not obvious it's the Holy Spirit. For example, I have a question on if I should move or not and I pray on it, and I want my steps to be pointed in the right direction, but I'm getting no answers. I want to do the right thing, but I'm not getting any direction! Sigh.. and I keep hoping that reading the Bible and Praying and all of that will help but if I'm honest, it's just not. Which is confusing, because the Bible says, seek and you shall find.. well I'm seeking!!
 
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I'm_Sorry

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No.... there's no addiction or compulsion or anything like that. That's not to say I'm a flawless person, I'm certainly not, but it's not like I have this one thing that's holding me back.

And, to be honest, I think that can (sometimes) be a dangerous way of thinking. Like, to believe we are consistently being punished because we don't believe our sins are forgiven and we have to instead earn grace.. when we don't get to earn grace, grace can only be provided by God and it's through Jesus. It doesn't mean we can sin as much as we want and be forgiven, or keep up with bad habits, we have to turn from that of course, but we don't get closer to God by our 'works' alone.

That being said, of course I go to God with asking forgiveness of my sins and to help clear whatever I'm harboring, and asking what I can do for him, etc. So, I really don't think that's it.

To me, there is a groaning for the new body, to be with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

And there is much trial we must undergo in the body to please our Lord.

One is faithful patience.

I'm going through some groaning as we speak.

I'm just coming to a level of "improvement" after a traumatic event 12 months ago.

And I long for change whilst in the body, but must remain patient and trust in the Lord and move when it is clear.
 
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HereIStand

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Yea, Psalms is good for that.. and thanks for your words! But dang, like why can't I hear that inner voice people talk about? If it's there, it's not obvious it's the Holy Spirit. For example, I have a question on if I should move or not and I pray on it, and I want my steps to be pointed in the right direction, but I'm getting no answers. I want to do the right thing, but I'm not getting any direction! Sigh.. and I keep hoping that reading the Bible and Praying and all of that will help but if I'm honest, it's just not. Which is confusing, because the Bible says, seek and you shall find.. well I'm seeking!!
My belief is that as long as a decision doesn't go against the clear teaching of Christianity, then it should be permitted. It certainly would help if we felt a more definite sense of God's guidance, but the lack of it shouldn't dissuade us from a decision.
 
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NYCGal

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Beyond the moving, what if you're asking something specific from God and you've been waiting for years for an unanswered prayer? Then ask about whether or not you're on the right path and what should be changed if it needs to be changed?

That's where I'm at right now. Maybe it is a drought. I don't know how long it can go on for though, it's hard not to give up!

I guess if Mother Theresa weathered it..
 
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Godlovesmetwo

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from link above:
It helped to know that one of my heroes, Mother Teresa, experienced something similar. She wrote: "In my heart there is no faith, no love, no trust. There is so much pain, the pain of longing, the pain of not being wanted. I want God with all the powers of my soul and yet there between us is a terrible separation."
 
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HereIStand

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Beyond the moving, what if you're asking something specific from God and you've been waiting for years for an unanswered prayer? Then ask about whether or not you're on the right path and what should be changed if it needs to be changed?

That's where I'm at right now. Maybe it is a drought. I don't know how long it can go on for though, it's hard not to give up!

I guess if Mother Theresa weathered it..
Honestly, unless there is good reason not to make a decision as a Christian, then I believe that I would make it. For example, I'm deciding to take a new job. The job that I want is working as a DJ in a strip club. Clearly, I know that I can't do that as a Christian.

I recall a number of years ago a homeless woman stayed with me for a time. She would say things like, "I feel the Lord telling me to leave your apartment." It was difficult for her to make even a slight decision without having feelings of being drawn away (or toward) committing herself. While she was a sincere and strong Christian, she really over-stressed. This isn't you, but I only note that as an example.
 
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faroukfarouk

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Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!
Hi; good to see you; God bless His Word to you; a daily Bible reading habit is very important and valuable; Hebrews 11 is a costly account of those who acted and sometimes suffered faithfully for their Lord; Philippians 2 has a passage about the the Lord Jesus Himself becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.
 
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