How has God influenced your life ?

[Analog]

G'day
I have a few questions about how God's will influences your life:

1) If you weren't born a Chrisitan, how did God draw you to Him, or did you take the first step and seek out God.

2) Have you ever tried to leave God ? If so, what happened ?

3) Has God ever tried to send you a message, or tell you something ? If so, how did he make His will clear, and how did you know it was from him.

4) Have you ever believed God wanted you to do something that you think is wrong. If so, what was it, and what happened ?

5) Has God ever punished you personally ? If so, how do you know it wasn't just chance, and what happened ?

Cheers

 

[Adstar]

G'day
I have a few questions about how God's will influences your life:

He has changed me from being driven by fear and emotions to being at peace no matter what is going on around me.

1) If you weren't born a Chrisitan, how did God draw you to Him, or did you take the first step and seek out God.

Well you don't have to be a Christian to believe in God. You can belong to a religion that believes in God but is not true to God's will. I was lead to truth when i talked to a friend about Jesus, His best reply was to give me a gift of a Bible and let me read it for myself. It's a funny thing though, when you ask who made the first step. The bible states that many are called but few are chosen. So i would have to say that it is God who called me to Jesus through His Word.

2) Have you ever tried to leave God ? If so, what happened ?

Oh i have been angery at God on more than one ocasion, In every case it was from my ignorance of the truth rather than a true wrongdoing of God, I have never to my memmory tried to leave God. Where can one go to get away from God? What is the point of running? I believe God is and He is the God of Abraham. Therefore there has never been an alternative. Once you believe that there is one God then ignoring Him is un-thinkable.

3) Has God ever tried to send you a message, or tell you something ? If so, how did he make His will clear, and how did you know it was from him.

Yes He has. Through dreams that come true, through convictions that hit like a sledge hammer to my soul. Through answers to questions i had not ability to answer from my own human reasonings.

Of cource the most obvious message from God comes from the Bible, it is His Word, His Letters to us.

4) Have you ever believed God wanted you to do something that you think is wrong. If so, what was it, and what happened ?

Never.

5) Has God ever punished you personally ? If so, how do you know it wasn't just chance, and what happened ?

Well the better word would be disipline. The Holy Spirit lets one know when they are in the wrong, and it is not a pleasant feeling to be under the conviction of the Holy Spirt.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[Flynmonkie]

I will try to explain this as best as I can...

G'day
1) If you weren't born a Christian, how did God draw you to Him, or did you take the first step and seek out God.

I believe God drew me to Him at a young age, by sending someone to explain His plan for salvation for all of us. For me this is how it happened. Initially, I accepted Christ as my savior. However for many years I went away from the Bible and study because of the misinformation out there. I did not have a “steady” place to continue hearing about God. I knew initially when I understood and accepted Christ, there was no doubt God existed, the peace that came over me at that time was / is indescribable.

2)Have you ever tried to leave God ? If so, what happened?

I really never left God, I always knew He was there in my heart, I just did not understand the capacity – even then He never left me. Looking back there are so many times He held me up and protected me. I feel every time I really got myself into a mess, he picked me up and brushed me off – only to watch me go off in the exact opposite direction He had planned for me. I just wasn’t looking in the right direction for a very long time.

3) Has God ever tried to send you a message, or tell you something ? If so, how did he make His will clear, and how did you know it was from him.

Yes! Many -Many times but initially very clearly about two years ago. Later on, after I understood that God loved me so much and was there to protect me, as a Child someone told me that because I was fatherless, I might not be one of the elect, a ******* was not allowed to enter into the church for many generations (Dut 23:2) and I would have to work harder than most, and may-be just may-be God would listen to me and have mercy. It was explained to me very wrong.

We become Gods elect when we have faith in Him, when we believe. He promises whatever you don’t understand He will explain it to you when you seek him with your heart. And that is just what happened to me.

Two years ago, my life seemed to be nothing as I had planned. It was a mess. I had looked everywhere for answers but never found something that made complete sense or came full circle. So one night I fell apart, I became really angry with God and told him I thought it was rotten that He would do this to me. No matter how good I tried to be I could never be sinless – you see I sought perfection and when that happens we get really discouraged, because that is not possible in this lifetime. Needless to say, my Grandmother had given me a book “1001 Questions about the Bible”. For some reason I picked it up and it lead me to a chapter that discussed “Finding your way back to God”. When I read it I knew God was trying to tell me something. It said that God is waiting for you to come to Him; He loves you and wants nothing more than to have a relationship with you. If there is something you don’t understand – ask Him. Then the very next chapter it took me to one that explained it was a sin not to allow God to forgive you, it was like saying He didn’t know how to do His job, and doesn’t keep His promises. I had never even thought of it that way! And I realized the block I had in the relationship with God was my fault. From that moment on, all the things I “thought” about God, or had been told, I investigated. I found so many faulty things people had told me. But it was a wonderful feeling that I had at that moment, a peaceful understanding to trust Him. He was not going anywhere and He wanted me to come to Him. That is all I needed to start a healthy personal intimate relationship with God.

3) Have you ever believed God wanted you to do something that you think is wrong? If so, what was it, and what happened?

Yes, I believed many-many times in my life that something I was doing might be wrong according to the world’s standards. But the Bible instructs us with wisdom. For example, instead of leaving relationships that are not working, I learned to have a Christ like mind toward them. It improved my relationships tremendously. Mostly it is the world that tells us we are wrong. One of the biggest things a Christian faces in their walk with God I think, not having fellowship with the worlds idea of justice amongst other things. (this is a general statement not really to be used as a blanket statement about the world in general) But as far as Killing someone or something outlandish like that – Of Course not. God is not the author of confusion. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, he wants them to turn from their ways and seek Him!

5) Has God ever punished you personally? If so, how do you know it wasn't just chance, and what happened? Cheers

I do not believe God “punishes”. I believe that God allows us to suffer the consequence of our OWN actions to learn and understand.

 

[FireOfGod]

1) If you weren't born a Chrisitan, how did God draw you to Him, or did you take the first step and seek out God.

Well, I was born and raised in a Christian household... I tried to back out and live the way I wanted to and live my life for me. It didn't work out.

2) Have you ever tried to leave God ? If so, what happened ?

Well, you can't leave him. He's constantly hovering over you. Buuut if you mean did I try to not be "with" him on an intimate and friendly level, not really. I just kind of "faded" out of it, I guess.

3) Has God ever tried to send you a message, or tell you something ? If so, how did he make His will clear, and how did you know it was from him.

Always!! It's come in many different ways. Through a thought, a voice, a dream, a vision, an expression, a sign, a word, an object, all kinds of ways!! I knew it was Him because I know Him. Just like if your best friend called your name. You'd know that it was them, because you know their voice, yes?

4) Have you ever believed God wanted you to do something that you think is wrong. If so, what was it, and what happened ?

Actually... I really don't think so... Hmmm.

5) Has God ever punished you personally ? If so, how do you know it wasn't just chance, and what happened ?

I guess you could say that. Like I said, you know when it's God simply because you know him. Basically, God was constantly in my ear about whatever the situation. He'd remind me of things until it drove me nearly insane. I don't think it was punishing. More like discipline so I'll learn to obey. He let me do what I wanted, while he was still in my ear reminding me of what he wanted. I guess I punished myself and realized that it was God who had the right say and that I should've listened...

Okay... I'm done.

 

[Analog]

Thanks for your replies guys. I respect that any interaction with the Divine is deeply personal, but would appricate a few more details.

Yes He has. Through dreams that come true, through convictions that hit like a sledge hammer to my soul. Through answers to questions i had not ability to answer from my own human reasonings.

What do you mean by 'convictions that hit like a sledge hammer to my soul' ? How does it feel exactly to have your soul hit with a sledge hammer ?

Which questions couldn't you answer by your own reasoning, and more importantly, how do you know the sudden burst of understanding was from God and not your own initition ?

Well the better word would be disipline. The Holy Spirit lets one know when they are in the wrong, and it is not a pleasant feeling to be under the conviction of the Holy Spirt.

This part really intrests me. How extactly did the Holy Spirt let you know you were doing wrong ? Was like a feeling of dreed, physical pain, signs from nature, or something else entirely ?

***

Looking back there are so many times He held me up and protected me. I feel every time I really got myself into a mess, he picked me up and brushed me off – only to watch me go off in the exact opposite direction He had planned for me. I just wasn’t looking in the right direction for a very long time.

How did he hold you ? Do you mean he appeared to you physically and held you, or as a sudden feeling of contentment, or something else entirely?

Always!! It's come in many different ways. Through a thought, a voice, a dream, a vision, an expression, a sign, a word, an object, all kinds of ways!! I knew it was Him because I know Him. Just like if your best friend called your name. You'd know that it was them, because you know their voice, yes?

A voice ? You have had two way converstations with God ?

 

[Flynmonkie]

<snip>
How did he hold you? Do you mean he appeared to you physically and held you, or as a sudden feeling of contentment, or something else entirely?

I wasn't sure if you wanted comments on all of the questions, or just those taken from our own posts. Let me know.

During the time in my life I thought the Bible to be inaccurate (I found later that it was more like misinterpreted to me!) I did not follow its teachings. The good stuff - or the things that seemed to make sense, trying to be good, do unto others etc..

But during that time even through my ignorance of what having a solid relationship with God, or a solid idea of my purpose and His here on this earth, I made many mistakes.

I could have found myself in very dire situations, but the Holy Spirit worked in me even when I didn't realize it. Protecting me from harm. Providing for me no matter the situation.

I honestly do not know how to explain it to you other than God promises to take care of us. He is not the author of sin, sickness, hurt, pain -- this is a product of this world-- this life. He is not the author of confusion. He wants nothing more from us than for us to turn to Him when we need help. This was NEVER His plan for us from the very beginning. Because now I understand this pure Love, I "fear" Him. Proper Biblical fear is reverence, or revere. A respect of something bigger and larger than anything I could know or possibly imagine.

That same love I describe, He still had and has for me -- on my path of learning and understanding what His plan is for my life and for all of us. Even though I didn't get all of it - all at once - I believe He knew my heart was earnestly seeking.

I don't "see" God in a physical sense of His being. However, I see Gods handiwork. I talk to God, and yes... I believe at times He is very clear with me when He speaks back. You have to learn how to listen to God. Ask Him, and then listen and see!

For instance, in my siggy you see comments from "Finding Nemo." At that moment in my life, I had been suffering tragedy and worry. As I sat rocking my son, crying, worried, feeling completely out of control with no where to turn, my mind carried me in a ton of different directions. This movie had been playing in the background on our TV. All of a sudden, it seemed as if this part of the movie just stood out to me. He says you have to move to the back of the throat? Marlin was struggling with trust. But when he finally did what the whale asked, he was blown out of the waterspout -- to exactly where he needed to be. I feel God had been telling me "Let Go" and "Let God handle this burden" --> He promises nothing will happen to you. I always tell people KNOW Gods promises to you, when you know Gods promises to you - you understand what He wants for you.

Or the time I mentioned to you before where on my knees I begged God to please explain to me.... and the first page that the book opens to is titled "finding your way back to God"

Daily when I study and I cannot find the information I am looking for all of a sudden I get an email, or a phone call - ironically with exactly what I need. No this does not happen all the time, but it does happen regularly.

However, everything I hear -- I try and test against scripture. It is not like I walk around listening for "voices!".

 

[Disippelen]

G'day
I have a few questions about how God's will influences your life:

1) If you weren't born a Chrisitan, how did God draw you to Him, or did you take the first step and seek out God.

I don't think that anyone is "born" as Christians.. Perhaps you mean born into a culture influenced by Christianity (like the Western)? Or into a family of Christians?

Well, God loves all people, he loves muslims and atheists as much as Christians, and he loves Asians and Africans as much as Europeans, so I don't think that it is possible to be born as a Christian.. To be a Christian is having a relationship with Jesus.. it isn't about actions and "qualifying" for salvation (like religions) but having a true, personal relationship with God, Messiah.

I was born into a Christian family. I had a childish belief in Jesus when I was younger, but at the age of 12-13++ I started a process when I had to decide what to believe, and who to believe in.. I "confirmed" my faith at the "confirmation"-ceremony at the age of 15. During this year, and the following, I searched for God, to find out if he ever existed.

I bought my own Bible at the age of 15, but I didn't start reading it until May 99.. I spent 11 months the first time I read through the NT (to april 00). At this time I was 16. I had read and prayed a lot, and during april 00, God sent me visions through dreams. He told me by showing me Words in the Bible, like Matt 20:16. By this he showed me that he had chosen me for salvation. Later he also spoke to me in a dream, and promised me that if I trusted in Jesus, it would go well. Later he also met me as The Holy Spirit, in a way I have never felt before (or after). In this way he gave me proof of His existence. (This happened September 00). From that day I've believed in Him.

2) Have you ever tried to leave God ? If so, what happened ?

I've never tried to leave him.. But of course I've had doubts from time to time.. but it is quite natural.. human.. everyone have doubts sometimes.. we're not perfect.. though Jesus guarantees enternal life, and we have The Holy Spirit inside our hearts.. even the strongest believed might doubt sometimes.. but I should add, that every action and thought that we make, that is against the will of God, and what the Spirit tells us through our conciousness, lead us away from God. Though this may sound demotivating, you should also know that every thought, prayer, action etc. when we think of God, or speak with God, or do to Gods honor, we get closer to Him.

I also experience that when I commit sins (as we all do), I can feel that God tries to prohibit me from doing it, and when it's done, I feel I need to ask for forgiveness.

3) Has God ever tried to send you a message, or tell you something ? If so, how did he make His will clear, and how did you know it was from him.

As I mentioned above, God has spoken to me through dreams, and through aware inner actions. How do I know it was Him? It comes down to belief.. It could be rubbish, all of it.. Theoretically.. but also it could be from God. I choose to believe that..
Also, the messages I got from Him corresponds to the Bible, and the will of God we can learn from it..

4) Have you ever believed God wanted you to do something that you think is wrong. If so, what was it, and what happened ?

Well.. much of what we as humans feel is good and right, might not be so in the eyes of God.. getting drunk, having sex (outside marriage) etc. are of course things I have wanted to do from time to time.. (though I've not done it).. so if I may restructure you question; "have you ever believed that God don't wanted you to do something that you think is right?".. then the answer is undoubtedly YES.

5) Has God ever punished you personally ? If so, how do you know it wasn't just chance, and what happened ?

Cheers

I don't think that He has punished me personally in a very spesific way.. though I know that the controls everything that happens to me.. If we lay our lives in the hands of Jesus, everything that happens is allowed by Him, both joy and sorrow. God might let sickness and other misfortunes into our lives as a way to make us seek Him more, and commit our lives to Him, rather than to things that is against his will.

In a way you can say that everything that happens do so by chance.. Even as a Christian, that believes that God controls both the destinies of every single human being and history itself (God invented time, Gen 1), we are nothing more than creation, and can't always understand what happens. Still it is written that everything workes for good for those who loves God (Rom8).

I hope that you get something out of these answers..

Dis

 

[ebia]

G'day
I have a few questions about how God's will influences your life:

1) If you weren't born a Chrisitan, how did God draw you to Him, or did you take the first step and seek out God.

I was born into a "church at Christmas, Easter and Harvest" type family, whatever you count that as. As a teenager I just found myself needing to attend more and more often. My journey with God has been a gradual (and intermittent) one since.

2) Have you ever tried to leave God ? If so, what happened ?

After University I tried to ignore him, but he wouldn't go away. I tried not believing, but that didn't work either. Tried ignoring again, but eventually gave up and stepped back into the church. Whatever else you might say about God he can be persistent.

3) Has God ever tried to send you a message, or tell you something ? If so, how did he make His will clear, and how did you know it was from him.

Never really had any doubt about it. It's a bit like being asked "how did you know it was your mum on the phone?". You don't really think about it, you just know. Sometimes I haven't listen to the message very well, but that's ok because God is more persistant than I am stuborn.

4) Have you ever believed God wanted you to do something that you think is wrong.

No.

5) Has God ever punished you personally ?

I don't believe God works that way. Sometimes he sends us struggles, difficulties, and frustrates our plans, in order to help us grow, but I don't believe he punishes us. Punishment that was not a clear and inevitable consequence of one's actions is not just, let alone merciful.

God's message to me has been mostly about "This is what I want you to do" rather than "This is what I want you to not do".

 

[Adstar]

Analog

What do you mean by 'convictions that hit like a sledge hammer to my soul' ? How does it feel exactly to have your soul hit with a sledge hammer ?

Well the closest thing i can compare it to is a conscience. Many people when they are young have a strong conscience but this world leads them to overcome their conscience a little bit at a time. Soon their conscience is so suppressed that the once strong voice within becomes a meek and mostly quiet rearly heard. Some people seem to have killed their consiences completly. The Holy Spirit is like a Super conscience one that very powerful indeed. When we try to resist the Holy Spirit we greave the Holy Spirit and we feel greaved also because the Spirit dwells in us.

One thing Analog, analogies are never perfect. I can only explain things the best way i can.

Which questions couldn't you answer by your own reasoning, and more importantly, how do you know the sudden burst of understanding was from God and not your own initition ?

Well i can only offer you an example: I read the Bible and from my own deduction came to the doctrine of predestination. That being that God has determined from the beguiling of time who would believe in Him and who would not that God predetermined from the start of universal existence who would be with Him in eternity and who would not. This crushed me, i was in tears when i prayed to God to tell me if it was true. Well the next day the answer came in an instant and the answer was incredible and left me in awe of Gods unbelievable "total situational awareness" sorry about the tsa thing but you do not know how had it is sometimes to find words to describe things.

This part really intrust me. How extactly did the Holy Spirt let you know you were doing wrong ? Was like a feeling of dreads, physical pain, signs from nature, or something else entirely ?

Well i had a series of dreams when i first became a follower of the Messiah Jesus. In the dreams i re-lived former exchanges i had with people in my life. The thing is in the dream i said the things that i said but what was different was i felt what my words did to the person i was talking to. Now i have said a few hurtful words to others in my life but sometimes i said things that to me where not hurtful but when i felt the hurt those words did i could not believe how insensitive i had been, It was a deep sense of sorrow and regret. I believe that the Holy Spirit was showing me the things i had done to hurt others, things that i never new i did. things that i had never expressed regret for, things i needed to be regretful for.



Analog i hope you have got something more out of this. But i feel that until one experience it then one cannot understand it by being told about it.



All Praise The Ancient Of Days