crying....

[Musician4Jesus]

Okay, I know God has given me blessings in my life. I know there are those less fortunate then me. I'm struggling financially, yet choosing to help because I'm aware of this. I'm doing everything I can think of to please God. I tithe, I serve him in my church, I try to help others in their walk with God, and I share the love of Christ to the lost when God provides an opportunity. However, things are still so frustrating. I see all my friends receiving the desires of their hearts. I'm happy for them, but at the same time, this is such a nightmare for me. I have all these circumstances beyond my control. I think God provides a solution to my problem, and I end up right back where I started.

I don't believe waiting on God's timing is a crock. God will reveal to you a blessing you've been longing for, if it's according to his will. I believe he'll allow to wait on his timing for two reasons. One, to develop patience (yuck....). Two, to prepare yourself for the blessing he's going to give you via the resources he's made available to you to accomplish this. I understand people are saying things will get better as a solace. However, I've really become fed up with hearing it. People say things will get better and they don't. On the contrary, they just become worse.

I see the desires of my friends hearts becoming fulfilled. This is wonderful because I know they truly love God. I also know their motives for serving him are pure. They actually live out their faith, and they're not lukewarm. However, I see such a longing in my heart. I desire my turn to for the blessings to enter my life. Not that I don't have them, because I do. However, I just wish one of the situations I'm in, things would get better. Waiting on his timing is not easy when things are difficult. Relationships drifting is not easy. There are two factors that make this a rough transition. One, I can understand if there is a rift in a relationship with somebody who's not saved. My lifestyle and their lifestyle is completely different. I live for God and they don't, thus our perspectives clash on everything (I've learned this from experience).

However, it's much more difficult with friends who are Christians for these reasons. I once enjoyed close fellowship with them. They were a great source of support in my walk with God since my biological family is not saved. The fact that the relationships are drifting when I'm already going through a difficult season just exacerbates the situation. I just desire to serve God in what he's called me to. I desire to do what I love, which is sharing the love of Jesus to the lost. Dealing with this longing, and having to wait on his timing just exacerbates the desire.

I'm happy for my friends....I'm just extremely frustrated.

 

[Musician4Jesus]

I'm acknowledging what God has done for me, and say thank you for what he's doing in my life. I'm trying to have a positive attittude. However, I just try to have a realistic perspective. I try to take the good with the bad. I know in Scripture that after you go through a long season of suffering, God will give you blessing and peace. I'm clinging to this promise, but that doesn't making waiting easier.

 

[A2597]

I have another friend that is under some spiritual warfare...and he had this little quote that went something like "The higher the wave, the deeper the troft that follows"...saying after every really good thing something bad follows...I suppose theres an argument to be made for it...but I've always thought the oppocite.

When I'm in the ocean, the water is pulled into the next wave..thats the troft. it can bard to keep your balance when the water is rushing deeper into the sea...even through the water is getting lower. It almost pulls you off your feet sometimes.

And then the wave follows...and it can be so overwhelming that it simply lifts you off your feet. It engulfs you, and pulls you with it. You cannot help but be moved by it.


I think theres a lesson in there. The troft, where the water is rushing out, it's shallow...thats the bad times in life. We feel left open, we feel unloved. We are fighting just to remain standing. Fighting for our faith, for everything.

And the longer it is..the shallower the water gets...the harder it can be.

But it is also a constant reminder that the wave is coming. And the harder it gets, the bigger the wave. And when it hit's us...it overwhelms us. We are swept away by it.

I think that is symbolic of when God's plans for us are revealed...it overwhelms us. It carries us away and we cannot help but be moved by them. They carry us through and lift us to new heights.


Your wave is coming. The troft is getting lower, it's getting harder to stand strong. Things keep trying to pull you down. It threatens to rip away your hope and joy, to pull you from God.

Let them be a reminder that the wave is coming. And it will sweep you off your feet and bring you to new heights.

Your wave is coming.

 

[eatenbylocusts]

Not too long ago the message in church was about the speck of time we spend on this Earth compared to the eternity to come, and how this time is supposed to be preparation and for bringing others to Christ.

How shallow I felt for spending my time lamenting my love life.

 

[Beauty4Ashes]

The age-old feel good, infant christian story we are fed on baby spoons as we sit in our spiritual high chairs with bibs on to catch the slop; that the christian life is supposed to be easy, is a lie. God never once said it would be easy, in fact he said it would be much the opposite. He said we would be hurt, rejected, persecuted and undergo trials of all kinds. But he said he will also provide us witht the strength and support of his HOly Spirit to make it through these things.
Being a Christian isn't easier and the closer you desire to grow to God, the harder things will get and the more will be thrown at you. That's the way it was for Jesus as well as pretty much everyone in the bible. If we are to become like Jesus by identifying in his suffering, why should we expect it to be any different for us? I'll tell you why because our culture is all about serving of self, about getting everything you want when you want it and about supposedly finding this proverbial cure to the cause and effect of sin that will make every day happy, fuzzy and warm and everything we desire we can get in 2 minutes through a drive through window.
Yes, we have eternal life and yes we have the most amazing relationship ever with the creator of the universe who loves us each with an undivided and personal love, yes we have the support of his Spirit living and breathing within our very being, yes there will be blessings. . . but there will be hardship also.
I think the fact that we have this predisposed notion that the closer we get to God and the more we do that is good and the more we serve and live our life right, the better, easier and simpler life will get and that we will be rewarded here on earth. How about the opposite, we will pose a greater threat to satan so he will attack us more and God will see our desire to become better individuals and will discipline us further because he loves us and wants to help us become all we can be for him. And how about every single reward we miss out in the earthly realm will be given to us in heaven. That may sound like the short end of the stick from a wordly perspective. But I am SURE that when we get to heaven we will be glad 100 times over for every blessing and reward we "missed out" on on earth for the reward in heaven will be SOOOOO much more satisfiying, not to mention eternal!

props to you for trying to be positive though. Just don't try that by your own strenght or I can guarantee you will fail. Rely on the Spirit of God for every bit of spiritual food that you need. And remember that when things seem unbearable, that may actually be one of the best signs that God is at work in your life!

 

[Irascible]

I understand people are saying things will get better as a solace. However, I've really become fed up with hearing it.

Stop complaining to and/or around them and they'll stop attempting to provide solace. Then you'll stop hearing it. It's a win, win.

The Bible says to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. You say that you do as much. But based on the flood of bitter words in your past threads, not to mention the angry and insulting PM you sent me, I don't believe it for a second. All this "I'm happy for them, but..." business is a front IMO. As far as I can tell, you've got bitterness and anger through and through. Until you let that go you'll languish in your rut. All the good works in the world won't change that.

 

[Musician4Jesus]

Excuse me but you have no right to judge me. You're NOT GOD!

You have no clue the kind of relationship I have with my friends! The fact that they are receiving blessings provides comfort to me in a way. I know how hard they've worked and how much they desire to love and serve God. I know their motives for serving him are pure. The fact that they're going to be in something they love and fulfilling the plan God has for their lives is wonderful. You don't know what is going on in my life! You don't know how torn I feel. Things are going wonderfully for them. I do all I can to find joy in God and not circumstances. I try to have a positive attitued by looking at the blessings God is giving me. However, that is awfully hard to do when I just keep receiving problems.

I DO appreciate the solace they're trying to give me. It's just difficult because in many ways they cannot relate because they're not going through the struggles I'm going through. Actually I don't know what is going on in their lives because I just don't bother to talk to them because I know they're so busy.

 

[Musician4Jesus]

The only reason I do know what is going on in their lives is from what I've heard from their families who attend my church.

 

[dv81]

Job loved God and God loved Job. Seriously, read the book of Job and you'll understand that life is about trials not rewards and you'll get a glimpse of why these things happen - you're not alone

 

[Blank123]

Excuse me but you have no right to judge me. You're NOT GOD!

no one is judging you without merit or beyond what the Bible allows for, what ras was doing was basing his post off of what he's seen from you. A very reasonable thing to do when responding to someone in a situation like this. If you really were doing everything you said you're doing, we'd see some kind of evidence from you, but its nowhere to be found.

Remember, you choose how you respond to situations and whether its going to be an unbearable thing or if you're going to praise God in the midst of it and allow Him to be sovereign and to be your strength. If you're convinced though you want to be angry and bitter there's really not much we can do or say, but you shouldn't be offended when we call you on that. We're supposed to hold you accountable to that sort of stuff if we're your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Go read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, that was a real nightmare and yet Corrie and her sister ended up praising God for fleas, disgusting fleas! Go read The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun and see what he lived through in the name of Christ and was still able to find joy and praise God. if they can do that you can praise God for whatever you're going through now and find real joy and peace in Him.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. - James 1:2-8

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

“ If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. - 1 Peter 4:12-19

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thess 5:18


remember also,

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. - Gal 5:22-26

 

[Irascible]

Sigh. More vacuous usage of the word "judgement". As Christians we are supposed to judge one another. I'd quote you scripture, but then I already have.

An unfortunately huge percentage of Christians receive the gift of salvation but never realize its power. They relive a pattern over and over again. They have the same laments. They get the same advice. They hear the same solace. They may feel better for a time. Then back down they go. Sound familiar?

There are good solutions. You've heard them over and over and declared them to be judgemental. So you've opted for the bad solutions. I know of at least two commonly played out bad solutions. I've tried them both in my own life:
1) You'll go on this way for some interminably long period of time. Life will pass you by. Then at some point, after so much potential is wasted, you'll finally get sick and tired of being sick and tired. Then you'll embrace the advice from people you use to call judgemental.
2) Something really horrible will happen, perhaps worse than you've already experienced. Or perhaps it'll be on par with past experiences, but this time it'll be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. You'll spiral down and finally, out of utter desperation, give up this pattern for something new.

There are of course many other ways it can play out. However it plays out, from what you've posted it's apparent that at this time you're choosing a hard path. If that sounds bleak, it's meant to. I see no hope for you until you choose to embrace that hope. You can't embrace hope until you let go of anger and bitterness.

 

[stormgade4]

Stop complaining to and/or around them and they'll stop attempting to provide solace. Then you'll stop hearing it. It's a win, win.

The Bible says to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. You say that you do as much. But based on the flood of bitter words in your past threads, not to mention the angry and insulting PM you sent me, I don't believe it for a second. All this "I'm happy for them, but..." business is a front IMO. As far as I can tell, you've got bitterness and anger through and through. Until you let that go you'll languish in your rut. All the good works in the world won't change that.

Wow. I'm going to come to M4J's defense here. Seriously, if you can't type something nice... then break your fingers.

Your response was mean-spirited.

 

[FaithOFtheBroken]

Okay, I know God has given me blessings in my life.

focus on those!

I know there are those less fortunate then me.

I worked in an O and P field for 6months, and when you see people smiling and happy to just be alive, despite not having any lower limbs, you see things in a different perspective.

I'm struggling financially, yet choosing to help because I'm aware of this. I'm doing everything I can think of to please God. I tithe, I serve him in my church, I try to help others in their walk with God, and I share the love of Christ to the lost when God provides an opportunity. However, things are still so frustrating. I see all my friends receiving the desires of their hearts. I'm happy for them, but at the same time, this is such a nightmare for me. I have all these circumstances beyond my control. I think God provides a solution to my problem, and I end up right back where I started.

Its not a works contest. Its like a flower. Your faith and love in Christ is the root, at the bottom, but the flowers that emerge are because of this love for Him.

I don't believe waiting on God's timing is a crock. God will reveal to you a blessing you've been longing for, if it's according to his will. I believe he'll allow to wait on his timing for two reasons. One, to develop patience (yuck....). Two, to prepare yourself for the blessing he's going to give you via the resources he's made available to you to accomplish this. I understand people are saying things will get better as a solace. However, I've really become fed up with hearing it. People say things will get better and they don't. On the contrary, they just become worse.

I am sure you have heard it 1,000 times, you have to be happy being by yourself before your ready for an adult relationship.

I see the desires of my friends hearts becoming fulfilled. This is wonderful because I know they truly love God.

He also loves you. Just because you don't see these, "desires immediately" fulfilled now or even in this life times, it certainly doesn't mean that he doesn't have wonderful things planned for you in a better place.

What are the desires of your heart? God is a not a bank. If you want something go out and get it. He will guide you and give you the strength, but don't expect the silver platter. Listening to different Chrisitian, I have found that all to often we sit back and wait for God great blessings. Instead of GOING OUT and getting what you want. He will direct and guide your path if you seek Him first!

However, it's much more difficult with friends who are Christians for these reasons. I once enjoyed close fellowship with them. They were a great source of support in my walk with God since my biological family is not saved. The fact that the relationships are drifting when I'm already going through a difficult season just exacerbates the situation. I just desire to serve God in what he's called me to. I desire to do what I love, which is sharing the love of Jesus to the lost. Dealing with this longing, and having to wait on his timing just exacerbates the desire.

Keep the Faith sister!

I'm happy for my friends....I'm just extremely frustrated.

Their is no need to cry, unless it is for joy! Constantly and always rely on Him. But as I mentioned earlier, He gives you many gifts, but they are up to you to develop. Meaning, if you truly desire to be in a relationship, do everything in your power to make that happen. He will direct and guide you!

 

[~HopeFloats~]

Excuse me but you have no right to judge me. You're NOT GOD!

you know everytime someone tries to help you-- you state they are judging you.

UNTIL you are ready to see what is really going on, and stop saying poor me-- YOUR life will never change.

 

[~HopeFloats~]

Wow. I'm going to come to M4J's defense here. Seriously, if you can't type something nice... then break your fingers.

Your response was mean-spirited.

look up past threads and you might get what is trying to be said here.

I too get tired of the bitterness and pity me parties.

 

[Irascible]

If you care to correct the substance of my words storm, feel free. If you've read her past threads then you know my assessment is accurate. That I'm not nice enough is a difference of opinion. She's gotten "nice" in spades.​

She's an incessant complainer. What does the Bible say about that? It's not "nice". Nor does she need more nice. We can give her nothing she hasn't already received a dozen times over. What she lacks is action on her part.

​

 

[covenantwmn]

Dangerously close to flaming going on here. See if we can rephrase a bit.

 

[f U z ! o N]

you know, you have to make the effort to change your life and be happy. you are basing your life and emotions off of others which you shouldn't do. its kinda like this:
i failed 3 classes this semester and passed 2. i can either complain about it or suck it up and say "I'll try harder next time" rather than being depressed about it as i had been i finally took control and said "i will graduate fall 07." i will pass these classes. and I will.

you need to do the same. you need to take control of your life and stop feeding off of others and what happens to them. focus on you and focus on God and your time will come where God will bless you. I learned rather quickly in life that by letting others affect my emotions my life would be miserable. take control of your life. if you keep living your life with a negative outlook, your life will not change.


God bless.

 

[Beauty4Ashes]

i'm not sure why I keep responding and trying to encourage the OP, she seems to just ignore me. Atleast Im not accused of judging but eventually I feel like I'm throwing my pearls to swine.


I'm done.

 

[Kawliga]

I felt frustrated over my situation 3 months ago. I didn't cut it at my last job and now make half the salary. Now I'm on the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover thing and I'm excited about getting squared away financially. [cheese] "life gives you lemons,make lemonade"[/cheese]
I think God is trying to mold me into someone that makes Him proud. Nobody is entitled to anything in life, we have to earn it.