Dear hugechocoholic,
As Soblessed has pointed out, most of these issues can be first addressed by looking at faith. After reading, and praying about your post, what comes to mind to me is prayer for faith. I will join you in prayer that God increase your friend's faith, for He alone gives us the faith to know Him, and He will give us the faith to grow in faith. God has given to us the "measure of faith" [Romans 12:3], and hope for that faith to increase [2 Cor 10:15], and we are to work toward unity in faith [Eph 4:13] through growing in Christ. God bless you for growing in unity and faith by helping your friend.
hugechocoholic said:
I need some verses to encourage someone who has the following issues:
-unbelief
-confusion
-intellectualism
-unforgiveness
-fear of intimacy with God/distorted view of God
do u know of any verses to encourage someone struggling with these things?
I am reminded of the man who asked Jesus to heal his unbelief. He had asked the disciples to heal his deaf and dumb son, and they had not succeeded. (They were arguing with the pharisees, something that always steals your power, and perhaps concerned because Jesus had taken Peter, James and John to the mountaining, leaving the rest alone.) Jesus rebukes the diciples because of their unbelief. Then the father declares his faith: I believe, help my unbelief! Isn't that simply the most wonderful approach to growing in faith: ask Jesus to help! Then Jesus explains to the disciples who'd been unsuccessful in this healing that prayer and fasting would help.
Here's the story (one of my favorite's in all of Jesus' words written in blood):
Mark 9:14-29 (KJV) 14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
The rest of the issues you've mentioned seem to fall under the spirit of fear and confusion (which come from the adversary, who perhaps isn't too interested in your friend growing in faith - can't help but think that God will use you and your friend both mightily, since He's laid this growing in faith upon your hearts! Praise Him!).
2 Tim 1:7 clarifies that God doesn't give us fear (it comes from satan), but He gives us power (through the Holy Spirit), love, and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (KJV) 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Through growing in faith, may you and your friend bring glory to God! Thanks for your question, let us know if any of these verses stir up the gift of God in you and help in lifting you and your friend.
Your sister in Christ and in love,
EarthMomma
