Faith in the face of misery?

BrokenSpirit88 · Jun 12, 2020

I’ve struggled against this for a long time, but recently I finally gave in and admitted what I’d been feeling deep down inside all along, I guess. I was told I had weak faith by other Christians who I was seeking advice from on another question forum. I didn’t want to admit it because it made me feel bad, but eventually I had to give in and admit that I didn’t have any faith once I realized that I couldn’t see how or believe that anything God had planned could be better than what I’d had planned out for myself (which isn’t much by most people’s standards I guess)

I’ve posted many times about art and my struggle to improve my skills and the strong desire I have to pursue this as my life-long career. I have many reasons, one of them being that creativity is the best thing I have to offer as I have no other skills or passions. My struggle began to make me question if this was God’s purpose or not and though I’ve prayed many a times I don’t know if I’ve gotten an answer or if I have, I missed it or dismissed it.

I’m starting to think God has other plans, ones that don’t include me being an artist (possibly, I still have hope that this is my calling), plans that potentially keep me grounded in my childhood home way past the age I’d thought I’d be leaving by (my parents are elderly and some recent events with my father’s health brought this fear to the forefront of my mind. That and my mother and her desire to seem to keep me here, something that came up many years ago when I 15 which I am NOT ok with).

I have many fears and a long list of things I don’t want to do and places I don’t want to be. In which working a job I hate, being homeless, and living with my parents till they die or I’m near 50 are at the top of that list as of now.

I don’t know how to have faith in this area of my life. My career and independence were all I had to look forward to in my life. And It’s hard to have any when literally the opposite of what you want to happen is happening. I want to have faith and agree to go along with wherever God is leading me, if anywhere specific, but I fear a continuous life of misery on his path. I’ve been unhappy for a long time, almost as long as I can remember and I don’t want to continue this way.

If I knew for sure the my future held the things I'd always feared and dreaded, I'd just tap out.

I'm interested to hear what seasoned Christians have to say. How do you have faith in the face of potential misery?

chapmic · Jun 12, 2020

Thanks for sharing, I believe if God has gave you an interest in Art that you should still create Art. Now, he may be leading you to find a different job to pay the bills but even still you can always do art on the side. The gift of creativity is a blessing and God doesn't want you to stifle. I myself have been working a 9-5 for years and sometimes struggle with thoughts that I miss my calling, I used to be really into making music. Now however, after work I find a little time to learn dj'ing skills and it feels really rewarding because I still get to use some type of creative expression. I will be praying for you and I want you to know there is hope. God bless!

Victor in Christ · Jun 12, 2020

Please seek the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and body. Humble yourself/evaluate your life, put all your earthly desires aside, repent from your sins and ask the Lord Jesus to come into your heart and cleanse your sins through that endless, continuous fountain of forgiveness (the precious blood shed at Calvary).

I've you're already saved and earnestly repented you may be going through a ruff time in life, a valley where you may not think there is anyway out of. Do not try to think on your career just yet, let the Holy spirit guide you through the scripture, reflect on the past don't dwell on it, and do not ever abandon your parent's even although things may seem hard. such teaching are from the Pharisees and chief Priests, they're tradition was to pay money into the temple so the Jews didn't have to look after their parents. Jesus rebuked them.

Remember the parable from our Lord about the wheat and tares, reflect upon that parable. Man can't pull up a tare to let the wheat grow as he doesn't know what he's up-rooting, that is the job of the angels.

Look after your mother and father, the Lord will give you a comforter in the holy spirit and you'll start to learn to be patient, tolerant, longsuffering all through God's almighty Love. Ask a friend or family member to help you out, go for a walk to calm yourself and don't forget to pray to the Lord, sitting at the right hand of our father in heaven. God's plans aren't always our plans, so let the Lord guide you and instruct you and you'll grow stronger and stronger in grace and recieve blessing more abundant that you can even begin to imagine.

god bless.

Victor in Christ · Jun 12, 2020

longwait · Jun 13, 2020

BrokenSpirit88 said:
How do you have faith in the face of potential misery?

Make a list of your blessings from childhood till now, read it and see if it changes your mood for the better.

BrokenSpirit88 · Jun 14, 2020

Victor in Christ said:
Please seek the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and body. Humble yourself/evaluate your life, put all your earthly desires aside, repent from your sins and ask the Lord Jesus to come into your heart and cleanse your sins through that endless, continuous fountain of forgiveness (the precious blood shed at Calvary).

I've you're already saved and earnestly repented you may be going through a ruff time in life, a valley where you may not think there is anyway out of. Do not try to think on your career just yet, let the Holy spirit guide you through the scripture, reflect on the past don't dwell on it, and do not ever abandon your parent's even although things may seem hard. such teaching are from the Pharisees and chief Priests, they're tradition was to pay money into the temple so the Jews didn't have to look after their parents. Jesus rebuked them.

Remember the parable from our Lord about the wheat and tares, reflect upon that parable. Man can't pull up a tare to let the wheat grow as he doesn't know what he's up-rooting, that is the job of the angels.

Look after your mother and father, the Lord will give you a comforter in the holy spirit and you'll start to learn to be patient, tolerant, longsuffering all through God's almighty Love. Ask a friend or family member to help you out, go for a walk to calm yourself and don't forget to pray to the Lord, sitting at the right hand of our father in heaven. God's plans aren't always our plans, so let the Lord guide you and instruct you and you'll grow stronger and stronger in grace and recieve blessing more abundant that you can even begin to imagine.

god bless.

Thanks for your response. I think I understand what you're getting at with the parable. You're saying I should stay put to see how things are going to turn out instead of jumping to conclusions just because thinks look like they could be dark at the end of the tunnel right now?

My parents are alright as of now. My dad is recovering well and my mom is healthy. I have no problem caring for my parents if and when (God forbid) they get ill or become incapacitated. I guess I'm just worried I'll never be able to care for myself really. I'm scared I'll end up trapped in my childhood home, not necessarily because I have to care for my parents, but just because I'm a failure.

My mother expects me to stay behind, not because I'm the favorite and not necessarily because they won't be able to care for themselves or each other, but because they never expected me to make anything out of myself and they want to give me something to do. I've even heard her saying to my father and probably others in my family that I wasn't going to be going anywhere and that i was going to be living there with them for the rest of their lives. I worry God will make me stay because I'm no good and I wasn't good to do anything else. Not because they need me.

Sorry for the long explanation, but I left out some details that might have been important in order for people to get my train of thought.

BrokenSpirit88 · Jun 14, 2020

chapmic said:
Thanks for sharing, I believe if God has gave you an interest in Art that you should still create Art. Now, he may be leading you to find a different job to pay the bills but even still you can always do art on the side. The gift of creativity is a blessing and God doesn't want you to stifle. I myself have been working a 9-5 for years and sometimes struggle with thoughts that I miss my calling, I used to be really into making music. Now however, after work I find a little time to learn dj'ing skills and it feels really rewarding because I still get to use some type of creative expression. I will be praying for you and I want you to know there is hope. God bless!

Thank you for your response. It gave me some hope for the future. Though I'd love to be doing it as a job, I know art will always be apart of my life so if I have to do it on the side will be nice too.

BrokenSpirit88 · Jun 14, 2020

longwait said:
Make a list of your blessings from childhood till now, read it and see if it changes your mood for the better.

Thank you for your suggestion, I'll definitely give it a shot.

Victor in Christ · Jun 14, 2020

BrokenSpirit88 said:
Thanks for your response. I think I understand what you're getting at with the parable. You're saying I should stay put to see how things are going to turn out instead of jumping to conclusions just because thinks look like they could be dark at the end of the tunnel right now?

My parents are alright as of now. My dad is recovering well and my mom is healthy. I have no problem caring for my parents if and when (God forbid) they get ill or become incapacitated. I guess I'm just worried I'll never be able to care for myself really. I'm scared I'll end up trapped in my childhood home, not necessarily because I have to care for my parents, but just because I'm a failure.

My mother expects me to stay behind, not because I'm the favorite and not necessarily because they won't be able to care for themselves or each other, but because they never expected me to make anything out of myself and they want to give me something to do. I've even heard her saying to my father and probably others in my family that I wasn't going to be going anywhere and that i was going to be living there with them for the rest of their lives. I worry God will make me stay because I'm no good and I wasn't good to do anything else. Not because they need me.

Sorry for the long explanation, but I left out some details that might have been important in order for people to get my train of thought.

Stay put until the time is right, don't panic. The Lord will let you know in his time what to do. The Lord may be using your mother for something you and her may not foresee right now. Only the Lord knows. Faith and patience is key. As for being worried about yourself there is a passage in the NT where Paul is assured through Christ that a Christian who comforts others in their time of need will also be comforted by others when they themselves are burdened, stressed worried, down in the valley and see no way out. Paul was even comforted by the coming of Titus (the coming of a man), because he knew the Holy spirit dwelled in Titus as much as he did in Paul.

god bless.

Olly Vie · Jun 14, 2020

Hello dear, I can understand how you feel about faith and your desires to pursue your passion for art. Its not everyone who is talented like you on earth. I believe that God gave you that talent for a purpose. God can still use you to be a blessing through your artwork. If you can pursue it then go for it.

Matthew 11:28 says “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Every relationship is based on trust and faith. It’s the same way with God. When you choose to walk and commit your ways to God ALL THING WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD. Its doesn’t matter how challenging life will be, God will always come through for you. Its very necessary that we trust God with our life because our resource and ability to push us through in life is limited. So when you try to make it on your own it becomes a struggle for a long time but with God after you have worked hard, He gives you rest and reward your hard work . Trusting and having faith in God is like having extra hands to help you through in life. Without God you are on your own and it will be a struggle that is why you need God. God know you better and can see ahead of you, so He is the right person to direct your steps in life.

When you feel like your faith is not enough pray to god to help you unbelieve because I know that sometimes it can be so difficult to hold on to faith in the mist of unending challenges. Spend time talking to God and listen to him by reading the word of God. There is still hope for you. Don’t give up on faith. God never fails. Matthew 5: 14 say a city set on a hilltop or rock CANNOT be hidden. Meaning that a life established or built on the solid Rock Jesus CANNOT be crushed or submerged forever. A time will come that the glory and the beauty of God will be seen in the person’s life.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

The life of a believer may appear to have a dim or no light like dawn, but it will start shine as time goes by and the appointed time God makes all thing beautiful. Jesus also felt your pain and had wanted to give up bit he said that God let your will be done. Its easier to go by our will but we will not get the Gods best in life.

Am praying that things get better for you but in case things doesn’t go as expected consider how do make the most out of your life now? Happiness is a choice you must make every day regardless of our circumstance, let it not take your joy away from you.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is sufficient for you, My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Its only In God we can turn our lives around. Have been in your shoes before when nothing seems to work or improve in my life. I chose to trust God and He never let me down. Delay in God is not denial from God. Things can get better. Am here in case you want us to further discuss this. I pray that the peace of god the surpasses all understanding will be your portion. Sending love and hugs to you.

Brenda Blakely · Jun 15, 2020

Your handle makes me sad for you. Let me help you know that there is no such thing as weak faith. The scripture says, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can do great and mighty things.” It also says “ when I am weak,” He strengthens me.” This is where I stay most of the time. I know that when God calls me to do something that is not really in my plans or may not look favorable, His grace is sufficient. I call it “grace grease.” Like a “spoonful of sugar, that makes the medicine go down.” Grace grease make everything easier and alright. I also try to remember that 1. God knows, 2. God understands. 3. God is already wherever I am going. 4. He will never leave me nor forsake me. Praise God I can live in that and trust it. I can’t trust other people or circumstances but I can trust God.

I am praying for you to be able to “contend for the faith,” in God’s strength. I am praying for you to know He is with you, always. I am praying for you to be able to rest in Him, let Him comfort and sustain you. I pray for you to be able to receive His blessings without questioning. God is with you. God bless you and give you peace and joy. For encouragement you might try some numbers from this list and ask them for resources to help you to study His word, and for encouragement.

BrokenSpirit88 · Jun 18, 2020

Olly Vie said:
Hello dear, I can understand how you feel about faith and your desires to pursue your passion for art. Its not everyone who is talented like you on earth. I believe that God gave you that talent for a purpose. God can still use you to be a blessing through your artwork. If you can pursue it then go for it.

Matthew 11:28 says “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Every relationship is based on trust and faith. It’s the same way with God. When you choose to walk and commit your ways to God ALL THING WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD. Its doesn’t matter how challenging life will be, God will always come through for you. Its very necessary that we trust God with our life because our resource and ability to push us through in life is limited. So when you try to make it on your own it becomes a struggle for a long time but with God after you have worked hard, He gives you rest and reward your hard work . Trusting and having faith in God is like having extra hands to help you through in life. Without God you are on your own and it will be a struggle that is why you need God. God know you better and can see ahead of you, so He is the right person to direct your steps in life.

When you feel like your faith is not enough pray to god to help you unbelieve because I know that sometimes it can be so difficult to hold on to faith in the mist of unending challenges. Spend time talking to God and listen to him by reading the word of God. There is still hope for you. Don’t give up on faith. God never fails. Matthew 5: 14 say a city set on a hilltop or rock CANNOT be hidden. Meaning that a life established or built on the solid Rock Jesus CANNOT be crushed or submerged forever. A time will come that the glory and the beauty of God will be seen in the person’s life.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

The life of a believer may appear to have a dim or no light like dawn, but it will start shine as time goes by and the appointed time God makes all thing beautiful. Jesus also felt your pain and had wanted to give up bit he said that God let your will be done. Its easier to go by our will but we will not get the Gods best in life.

Am praying that things get better for you but in case things doesn’t go as expected consider how do make the most out of your life now? Happiness is a choice you must make every day regardless of our circumstance, let it not take your joy away from you.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is sufficient for you, My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Its only In God we can turn our lives around. Have been in your shoes before when nothing seems to work or improve in my life. I chose to trust God and He never let me down. Delay in God is not denial from God. Things can get better. Am here in case you want us to further discuss this. I pray that the peace of god the surpasses all understanding will be your portion. Sending love and hugs to you.

Thank you for your spiritual encouragement and your kind words.

I guess one thing I should've mentioned was that art isn't really a talent for me. It's something I struggle with to improve on. I haven't made much progress either. I should practice more and I'm trying too, but honestly it just looks like my figures are getting worse. I've had a lot of setbacks with this in my life, but I just know it's what I'm meant for. Or at least I hope it is I guess, maybe I'm just telling myself that.

I've had hope that things in my life would improve, when I was a little girl I used to think i'd grow up and everything would be better, but unfortunately I've been wrong so far. Literally the opposite of everything I wanted has happened and I fear that will continue to be the case. I'm sort of getting to the point where I'm starting to think that the way my life is going, even though it causes misery, is what God has planned. And the only way I'll ever really be ok is if I just accept it and let it unfold. If that means living in my childhood home till I die and working a job I don't feel passionate about and never seeing any of my personal goals and dreams come to pass, what choice do I have but to live with it?

Is it wrong to think that God's plan for your life could be something that makes you miserable?

BrokenSpirit88 · Jun 18, 2020

Brenda Blakely said:
Your handle makes me sad for you. Let me help you know that there is no such thing as weak faith. The scripture says, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can do great and mighty things.” It also says “ when I am weak,” He strengthens me.” This is where I stay most of the time. I know that when God calls me to do something that is not really in my plans or may not look favorable, His grace is sufficient. I call it “grace grease.” Like a “spoonful of sugar, that makes the medicine go down.” Grace grease make everything easier and alright. I also try to remember that 1. God knows, 2. God understands. 3. God is already wherever I am going. 4. He will never leave me nor forsake me. Praise God I can live in that and trust it. I can’t trust other people or circumstances but I can trust God.

I am praying for you to be able to “contend for the faith,” in God’s strength. I am praying for you to know He is with you, always. I am praying for you to be able to rest in Him, let Him comfort and sustain you. I pray for you to be able to receive His blessings without questioning. God is with you. God bless you and give you peace and joy. For encouragement you might try some numbers from this list and ask them for resources to help you to study His word, and for encouragement.

Thank you for your spiritual response, I really appreciate it. Your words have given me some encouragement, but I do worry about just grinning and baring it. I struggle to find happiness in this life and I have since I was a child. I don't know what is a blessing and what is not.

For me, not being able to go to art school was not a blessing, but I realize God may feel the opposite and that makes me sad not just because he doesn't agree with me, but because I wonder why. I take heart in knowing that after my life ends he'll explain everything to me though and I'll no longer have to wonder what he meant or why.

grace4ever · Jun 18, 2020

Hello BrokenSpirit88,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns with us. I am so sorry you are dealing with such a difficult situation. These forums are great for sharing burdens, venting, and asking for advice. Let me tell you my friend that you are important, valuable and a person worth of dignity. I’m truly sorry for what you are going through. Even in the darkest moments in our lives, there is always hope. Let me tell you my friend that there’s nothing wrong in having a weak faith. There’s a beautiful prayer that Thomas said in the Gospel: I believe, O Lord but increase my faith. There are beautiful passages in the Gospel that shows that Jesus disciples did not have a strong faith either. When Jesus asked Peter to walk on to the water and he almost sank. In another situation, Peter denied Jesus three times because the people recognized him that he is one of Jesus’ disciples. When his disciples were in the boat and Jesus was sleeping and they woke Jesus up that help them because they thought that the storm they were going to sink with the boat. The thing is that we need to ask with a humble and contrite heart every moment: I believe, O Lord, but increase my faith. Creativity is a wonderful skill that you have. If art is your passion, it is not clear why do you have struggles to improve your skills? Definitely, God has a plan of love for you on earth and the thing is that you have to discover what is that plan. He promises that in Jeremiah 29,11: For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. In spite of this situation let me tell you my friend that you are important, valuable person and you are a person of worth of dignity. God loves you very much. He made you as His image and likeness. Let me tell you that you may be having a hard time believing this, but that doesn’t disqualify you from being loved and valued for exactly who you are. It is normal that sometimes we question our lives because we do not live with a purpose. Sometimes, that makes us that our life that this doesn’t make sense. However, let me tell you that you do have a purpose in life. Maybe it can sound like a cliché however things happen for a reason. Perhaps have you ever thought to seek Christian counseling or therapy? Counseling or therapy works through things like this. You are valuable and worthy of fighting for. Christian life is the narrow path, is not easy for anyone. It is full of obstacles however a life that you will be fulfill is. Lord Jesus says in his Sacred Word in John 16,33: I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] Lord Jesus promises us a life with his peace, but we cannot avoid suffering. And he promises us that will overcome the world. Suffering is neither good nor bad. However, if we embrace it, it can transform us, to get the sainthood. If we embrace it, it can lead us to be closer to Jesus and for the path of virtue. And in the Book of Romans the Apostle St Paul says in Romans 8,35: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: “For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things,* nor future things, nor powers. nor height, nor depth,* nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Please, hang it there! Our Lord Jesus Christ says 365 times. Do not be afraid! In the Gospel. If God is with us, who can be against us. (Romans 8,31). Have you ever thought of seeking social outlets such as: Bible courses, church ministries for young adults, or volunteer in charitable organizations? I encourage you to seek a Christian community where you can strengthen your faith in mind, heart and works. This list-ly is extremely important for you are going through: Looking Up From The Stubborn Darkness | A Listly List. Please let me tell you my friend that you are not alone in this battle. Hope this helps. Sending you hugs. I will keep you and your relative in my prayers, my friend.

Paul4JC · Jun 19, 2020

Hang in there. He has a purpose for everything, and he will show you. Keep asking, seeking, knocking. (Matthew 7:7-11)

Psalm 52:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Isaiah 66:2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Faith in the face of misery?

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