Discouraged

[OnlyHis]

Lately I've been feeling so discouraged. I feel like everywhere I look people are falling away from the faith and so many "pastors" are having affairs and doing all kinds of horrible things. Last month one of the pastors at my church admitted to having affairs with several different women for the past 9 years since he came to be on staff. It breaks my heart, I just want God to come back and take his followers away from this world. Does anyone else feel this way?? It seems their are so many "churches" that are so far from the truth.I am in the process of praying for direction, I want to find a group of believers who are lovers of Christ. I have no friends who I can just talk about Christ with. Please pray for me that God will lead me to some of his children. I desperately want to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.

 

[SharonL]

Lately I've been feeling so discouraged. I feel like everywhere I look people are falling away from the faith and so many "pastors" are having affairs and doing all kinds of horrible things. Last month one of the pastors at my church admitted to having affairs with several different women for the past 9 years since he came to be on staff. It breaks my heart, I just want God to come back and take his followers away from this world. Does anyone else feel this way?? It seems their are so many "churches" that are so far from the truth.I am in the process of praying for direction, I want to find a group of believers who are lovers of Christ. I have no friends who I can just talk about Christ with. Please pray for me that God will lead me to some of his children. I desperately want to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.

There will always be people that are not who they say they are. I know it is discouraging. But just remember Jesus is your friend, just place your hand in the hand of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit lead you. He knows your heart. Don't put your faith in any man - you will always be disappointed. Just ask for direction and draw closer and you will feel the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I know how it feels to not have anyone to talk about your faith - I don't have anyone to talk to either - so I just walk my walk and witness as I am led, you will be a light to someone that you don't even know about.

 

[paul1149]

Hide your heart away in God. The problems in the church run deep, and they have the potential to stumble some, and render many more ineffective. I believe a restructuring is coming, in which the church will become much more fluid, dynamic and relational, as it originally was. But even then, people can still fall. I hope you do find some siblings you can join with, as that is exactly what the Lord's desire for each of us is, and that is where the power is.

 

[sealacamp]

Lately I've been feeling so discouraged. I feel like everywhere I look people are falling away from the faith and so many "pastors" are having affairs and doing all kinds of horrible things. Last month one of the pastors at my church admitted to having affairs with several different women for the past 9 years since he came to be on staff. It breaks my heart, I just want God to come back and take his followers away from this world. Does anyone else feel this way?? It seems their are so many "churches" that are so far from the truth.I am in the process of praying for direction, I want to find a group of believers who are lovers of Christ. I have no friends who I can just talk about Christ with. Please pray for me that God will lead me to some of his children. I desperately want to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.

I know exactly how you feel. But you know Isaiah felt that way too and so did many of the prophets. That would lead me to conclude that if we really follow the Lord are remain dedicated to Him those that we can relate to in Him are few and far between. I don't know if that is any consolation to you but it helps me get through each day. All any of us can do is remain faithful, stay humble, keep a repentant heart, and do the best we can each day while staying true to the truth of God.

I hope you find some encouragement and uplifting from the Lord Himself and that He will sustain you through each day.

God bless.

Sealacamp

 

[Cloak]

I can understand what you are feeling. Talking with Jesus in prayer is a great feeling when you are troubled and it is always good to know that God is always listening when you have no one else to turn to. I know we all will make bad choices but we have to be honest with The Lord. Bless you!

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Most of God's Old Testament prophets went through what you are now going through. Elijah was the most notable one to get discouraged to the point of depression where he prayed that God would let him die. Now, that is discouragement with a capital "D"!

When David went through the worst period of his life, the Scripture says that he got into fellowship with God and comforted himself with Him.

Maybe God is wanting you to leave churches and pastors behind (in your heart) and to get with God and be encouraged in Him. Then you will see how much you depend on Him, and also how He can encourage and comfort you as no other person can.

When I get discouraged, I read Charles Spurgeon sermons. They do the trick for me. He is a very encouraging preacher and writer. I have his 8 volume Treasury of the Bible, and for some years when I was with a small group, Spurgeon became my pastor, and I think that was a wonderful period in my younger Christian life.

 

[God is my refuge]

Don't feel too discouraged, but trust in God. Like Christ, who was falsely accused by the Jews, was beaten and crucified by Gentiles, deserted by his own group of disciples, betrayed by one in particular, yet he cried out to God the Father to forgive them.

So if Jesus could forgive those who condemned him and left him stranded there, we can forgive the beautiful bride of Christ who, with all her imperfections, is still actually the body of Christ. He is the head, the church, in all its weaknesses, is the body. We all need each other. And we all need to forgive in love one another. For if we refuse to forgive each other from the heart, the Father will allow torment in our lives until we do.

 

[Netbug009]

Trust the God who fortold these things would happen. He is the same one who said he would not leave you nor forsake you.

Hang in there!

 

[Kelsey493]

My pastor is Joel Osteen....you might have heard of him? I really do not like him, so I avoid his teachings and only go when others are preaching. My dad always tells me that Satan in in church..every Sunday, just watching and listening. Not every church is free from Evil...this includes the Pastor's who can fall short into temptation too.

 

[SharonL]

Most of God's Old Testament prophets went through what you are now going through. Elijah was the most notable one to get discouraged to the point of depression where he prayed that God would let him die. Now, that is discouragement with a capital "D"!

When David went through the worst period of his life, the Scripture says that he got into fellowship with God and comforted himself with Him.

Maybe God is wanting you to leave churches and pastors behind (in your heart) and to get with God and be encouraged in Him. Then you will see how much you depend on Him, and also how He can encourage and comfort you as no other person can.

When I get discouraged, I read Charles Spurgeon sermons. They do the trick for me. He is a very encouraging preacher and writer. I have his 8 volume Treasury of the Bible, and for some years when I was with a small group, Spurgeon became my pastor, and I think that was a wonderful period in my younger Christian life.

Hi Oscar - good to see you - don't know if I've been missing or you - haven't been around too much lately - but good to see a name I am familiar with.

 

[mark avery]

Maybe if you concentrate on the words of Jesus, ie, The 1st commandment, our father. Our lord could lead you more.

I lean towards Catholicism, because of past experiences not unlike yourself +
their service from what i`ve heard is more about humbly receiving the host other than expressing how much you love the lord, for he loved first so what are you logically going to prove; or; become from any preacher/pastor.

Don`t be ............ brother!.....

 

[Biker Angel]

Lately I've been feeling so discouraged. I feel like everywhere I look people are falling away from the faith and so many "pastors" are having affairs and doing all kinds of horrible things. Last month one of the pastors at my church admitted to having affairs with several different women for the past 9 years since he came to be on staff. It breaks my heart, I just want God to come back and take his followers away from this world. Does anyone else feel this way?? It seems their are so many "churches" that are so far from the truth.I am in the process of praying for direction, I want to find a group of believers who are lovers of Christ. I have no friends who I can just talk about Christ with. Please pray for me that God will lead me to some of his children. I desperately want to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.

I know what you mean sister. There are black clouds hanging over many churches and pastors who are enticed by money and pleasures. But the best thing to do is to concentrate on ones own walk with the Lord and strive to make it better, instead of looking at others churches and pastors that will let us all down. They are working their program and we need to be working ours.

You can fellowship right here on CF Forums until you find a physical church.
I will be praying that God give you direction to find a place to fellowship and learn from the word of God.

 

[Jerushabelle]

There will always be people that are not who they say they are.

Whoa, amen to that Sister!


Only His -- When Jesus died, He died for you alone. When you came to Christ, you did so alone. Your faith walk is yours alone. No one has the relationship with God that you have.
Now, when you die, though you die alone, you die with Christ. When you go before the throne, Jesus Christ will be at your side.
There's a reason why God has given you the heart He has. There's a reason why you are in the place you are in right now. It's a preparation of sorts; a growth process. I know it's hard, but trust is the key word. The road gets bumpy sometimes. Hang on and trust.

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

To the original poster. I am sure many of us here have been in the place where you are at some point in our walk. I can witness to everything the others have said. Put your trust in Lord Jesus. He is the one who is carrying you. It does not feel good, but know, it is only for a season that you will be in this spot.

 

[rolotron5000]

Put your faith in God and not in man. For man is imperfect and will let you down. God never changes, He is forever faithful. Do not rely on your feelings but rely on God's word. Putting faith in Him and his word surpass all feelings!!

 

[MellifluousApologetics]

Lately I've been feeling so discouraged. I feel like everywhere I look people are falling away from the faith and so many "pastors" are having affairs and doing all kinds of horrible things. Last month one of the pastors at my church admitted to having affairs with several different women for the past 9 years since he came to be on staff. It breaks my heart, I just want God to come back and take his followers away from this world. Does anyone else feel this way??

I do too.

It seems there are so many "churches" that are so far from the truth.I am in the process of praying for direction, I want to find a group of believers who are lovers of Christ.

It's good that you are cautious. I teach my daughter to be the same way.

I have no friends who I can just talk about Christ with.

Search out different Churches. Remember, it is not about just trusting people, but relying on the life of Christ.

Please pray for me that God will lead me to some of his children. I desperately want to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.

I will pray for you. Go to websites like Rebecca Saint James' and ask for guidance there. Seek out Godly women and solid organizations and ASK for guidance.

God bless you.