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

NYCGal said:

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!

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Aloha Sista Girl: 6 years? That is a long, long, time my friend!

I'm glad your rejecting anyone's idea that you are having some sort of "sin" issue. That is ridiculous!

As a sheep of the fold: what is He doing with you? Really Father: 6 years?

You must be one of His favorites! I doubt few else has been built to endure that much silence!

My biggest drought was 3yrs of being a homeless medical professional surfer in Huntington Beach CA.

That ended with me living on the oceanfront of the North Shore of Maui HI surfing in my backyard! Way beyond dreams!

Apparently, He destroyed me in CA so He could rebuild me in HI. I say, it was all good!

But really girl: 6yrs? I feel your pain just thinking about that! Prayers to you!

All I can suggest is , as I did, go to a near high point, stand on top and scream at the world, "Stand and watch the deliverance of the Lord, it will be spectacular!"

Hi and welcome to the forum.

NYCGal said:

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!

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I have a friend whom is a world traveling evangelist. He once said this, "When I see a fellow Christian going through hard times, I want to know what they are doing right: not what they are doing wrong!" I could have kissed him!

NYCGal said:

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!

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We can't change God's plan for our lives. I've prayed and prayed and prayed, and at times worried that God was going to let me endure more than I wanted to endure. One of my prayer requests took more than twenty years to resolve! Some prayers haven't brought the results I want. But one day I recited the Lord's Prayer, and said "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." God opened my eyes! His will, not my will! I feel so much better trusting His will.

May God give you patience and strength.

NYCGal said:

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!

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One more thing: I was once told by my pastors never to compare "b" parts of Scripture with "b" parts of Scripture to explain Scripture. Good advice but I hope they forgive this one. I call it my "Hope Pill". I suggest it be taken daily:

All things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23b NASB
for He who promised is faithful Heb 10:23b NASB
and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform Rom 4:21 NASB
which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago Titus 1:2b NASB

Altogether:

All things are possible to him who believes, for He who promised is faithful and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.

That is my hope pill: take daily as needed!

Stay shiny my friend!

The silence of God in my life does not contradict the Nicene Creed in any way. Nor does it contradict what he has already done for me. Nor does it have any bearing on whether or not I should follow him. In a fallen world, we can expect life to be rotten. He does have better things for us - in Heaven. Between now and then, things may not get better. Even if we consistently do everything right, they may not. Heaven is our true happy ending. Until it comes we need to endure, become more Christlike, and do the works he prepared for us in advance.

NYCGal said:

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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I waited a couple of decades for an answer to a specific prayer...during all the waiting, there be doubts an fears...but I continued to strive to live godly and
to be a Light where I lived, served others, etc.
While waiting, don't forget about raising up songs of praise.
Daily, put on Christ and walk out the Word of God.

Hi NYC.For me, I started volunteering a few years back at a ministry. It helped me see God's grace in others lives and also reminded me there are people who have it worse than I do. It also helps keep my walk as straight as possible (although not perfect). The verse about "faith without works is dead" struck a chord and helped make my Christianity more than a spectator sport. God bless you!

Praying for you. I have been there, and have a friend who felt the same as I did. I learned it is actually a very common phenomenon, some call it "the dark night of the soul". Here is a wikipedia article about it:
Spiritual dryness - Wikipedia

Here are some articles written about it as well:
Facing a ‘Dark Night of the Soul’

Spiritual Depression: The Dark Night of the Soul

Understanding the ‘dark night of the soul’


Finally, here are the words of God to encourage you:

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...

Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 27:13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Lamentations 3:25
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

James 5:7-8
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Isaiah 30:18
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Romans 5
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Psalm 33:20-22
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Psalm 130:5-6
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 37:34
Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Psalm 62:5
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

Isaiah 64:4
From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Colossians 1:11
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

Psalm 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Psalm 37:9
For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm 62:1
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.

Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 123:1-2
A Song of Ascents. To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.

Isaiah 30:15
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

James 1
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wea have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And web boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but wec also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

2 Timothy 2:12
If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

Matthew 24:13
But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Luke 8:15
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Hebrews 6:15
And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.

Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Colossians 1:11-12
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

James 1:3
For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Revelation 14:12
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Hosea 12:6
“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”

God bless you.

Ecclesiastes and Proverbs help me. I don't know what your version is, but I read them with the ESV. Hope that helps. I understand what you're going through

Worship. I find if I am not worshipping God I struggle. It is a love relationship and that needs to be reflected in the relationship with God. The modern church has moved away from worship and nearly entirely sings praise songs.

The difference is (in my meaning of the two words) is that worship is giving to God for who he is and what you think of Him. It is the loving relationship. Praise is thanking Him for what he has done for us and what He has given us.

Praise without worship by these definitions is a hollow relationship in comparison. I see from your profile bit that you are divorced. To put what I mean in context, when you were married if your husband thanked you for what you do around the house, say cleaning and cooking but never said he loved you it would be similar to how I see praise in the Church at the moment. It lacks the worship aspect. If your husband said he loved you and wanted to be with you for who you are it gives a fuller relationship and this second part is missing from the church. Add it in your personal life and I expect your relationship with God and spiritual life to improve.

NYCGal said:

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!

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Hi, nice to meet you.

I am afraid there is no easy answer to your question. Some people seem to lead charmed lives, and have everything easy, others struggle for years as you describe.

For what it is worth, the Lord was in the latter category, so we are in good company. In the end it becomes a matter of keeping the faith and just getting on with whatever needs to be done, as well as we can. The question is, if we turn away from God, who is there to turn to?

Try to stay strong; perhaps try a few different churches to see if you can find some new friends; perhaps that would help.

Dear NYCGAL. In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus gives us good advice. " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. The second is like it: love thy neighbour as thyself." In verse 40 we are told: on these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." God is Love, and God wants loving sons and daughters.
The Bible tells us: give up all selfish wishes and desires, ask God for Love and Joy, and Compassion.
Matthew 7: 7-10: then thank God and share all love and joy, and compassion with our neighbour: all around us. God will see our loving and caring, and God will Bless us greatly. What do we do? We Love God and love each other. Love is very catching, and before long we will be the men and women which God wants. Why not give it a try, NYCGAL ? WE will soon be the loving sons and daughters which God our Heavenly Father wants. I say this with love. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

Instrument150 said:

I'm not talking about earning grace, that can't be done. I mean are you dead to your flesh?

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Good grief!

NYCGal said:

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!

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6 years. Thats about how long i was stuck in a deep hole. I thought i would never get out, but finally i see the outside again. I suffered depression, anxiety, and other mental problems. I reaped what i sowed i guess, but God didn't give up on me.

NYCGal said:

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!

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Loyalty plays a large role in the face of any opposition. In my experience, knowing who you placed your trust in, what He is like can help. Philippians 4:8

NYCGal said:

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!

Click to expand...

We often view faith like a light switch. We turn it on then we turn it off, then we turn it on then we turn it off. We need our faith to be switched on then left alone regardless of what our experiences are. God said that he would never leave us nor forsake us. He said it, that settles it. Leave the switch on and don't touch it. We do not need to sense God for him to hear us. We are advised to lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge the Lord. This is another switch that needs to be left on.

From what I have read, you want God to do your will. There is no indication from your letter that you are willing to accept his will regardless of what that may be. Many prayers are either thwarted due to expecting God to do something the way you see fit, or are missed because he does answer the prayer but he does it his way and you don't recognize it.

Hearing God's voice is a process of immaturity to maturity. When young in Christ his voice is loud and distinct, but as you mature his voice because less perceptible because your will is becoming one with his will, so that it no longer is a "voice" but simply knowing what to do.

You said you have been a Christian your whole life, when did the voice and presence seem to disappear (it has not since he said he would never leave you)?

Catherineanne said:

Good grief!

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care

Galatians 2:20

Ephesians 4:22-24
Philippians 3:8
Colossians 3:5
Luke 9:23
John 12:24
Luke 9:23-24
Romans 6:11
Romans 12:1-2
1 Peter 4:1-2
Galatians 5:24


That is only 10 verses of 23 that speak on being "Dead to your Flesh"

Good grief the lies Catherine and not the words of your very own prophets and apostles

NYCGal said:

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!

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Don't link your faith in Jesus to anything that happens or fails to happen in this world... The main game is eternity not the here and now.. If your faith is based upon recieving blessings and protection in this life then your faith is founded on quicksand.. Good times? Hard times? even times of tribulation should not affect our love for the truth of Jesus and our hope in the eternal life He is gifting us.. As Jesus said::::

John 16: KJV
33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."