how...?

[TravellingGrace]

how do you trust that everything will be ok when you feel like everything is just falling apart and like you're backsliding? how do you let it all go to God?? How do you trust when you're so scared of falling?

This seems to be something I'm struggling with right now. I don't know why, things seemed to be going so well for some time and then WHAM like a sack of bricks, I get hit with temptations, and discouragement.

I feel like a failure because of this... like I should be able to resist this temptation, like I shouldn't even have this problem, but I do. How am I supposed to set an example for others if I keep failing?

I want to witness to my non-Christian friends, but I feel like I can't even do that because my walk with God is going through such a rough patch. Part of me wants to just give up, throw my hands in the air and just do things the easy way, but then the other part of me screams NO!!!

I just don't know what to do anymore... I feel like I've just hit a brick wall...

 

[BOJAX]

Hmm, I dunno what to say because I am going through this at the moment. No more than a month after a HUGE uplifting.

 

[Tavita]

I'm sorry you're both going through such a tough time, but I'd like to encourage you to keep hanging in there and to realize that we walk by faith and not by feelings. Your feelings will always be up and down, never the same, that's why we need to get into God's word and search for the promises He's given to us personally and to stand on them. Believe Him when He says things like this:

(Isa 41:10) 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

You won't fall if you hold onto His word to you. When I was young in the faith and feelings would overwhelm me (not that they still don't at times), I found His words in Isaiah and Jeremiah to be a great comfort to me. Look into the word for what the Lord thinks about you and lay aside your own thoughts and feelings about yourself. We're like little toddlers learning to walk, we get up, take a step or two, then fall on our behinds again. So we get up, and start over again. Our Father has a bunch of kids that He has to train up in the way they should go. Ever see a little kid do it all perfectly? Never be disobedient?

Part of what you're going through is a 'working out your salvation with fear and trembling'. We are only human and will make mistakes and fall into sin at times, but we have a savior who has been tempted as we have. Just continually run to Him, asking for His wisdom and strength to get through another day, and to be filled with His Spirit. I've found over the years that most often when I don't feel close to Him or particularly filled with His Spirit, something will happen to show me the opposite.

Be encouraged, you're both going through the same things that the rest of your brethren go through.


(Phi 2:12) So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

(Phi 2:13) for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.


(Jam 1:2) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

(Jam 1:3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

(Jam 1:4) And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(Jam 1:5) But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 

[bliz]

I actually find it easiest to trust God when everything is falling apart. It is then that I am stripped of any illusion that somehow I can make things work out in my own strength. When I am hanging on and making things happen, then I tend to trust in me instead of in God.

When you arrive at the point where you fully know and understand that you can do nothing, NOTHNING, on your own, then God can really begin to teach you and provide for you.

 

[Sketcher]

Well, I will pray for you. The only way out of some things is to trust God, and whn that's hard to do, you've got quite a problem. But it's not a hole that you can't come out of sucessfully.

If it's a sin problem you are continually frustrated by, and it sounds like it is, you can pray for God to take it away and sanctify you (make you holy). Pour out your frustration to Him. You want to witness, but you have this stronghold that you feel is blocking that. Exoress all this to Him. He will care. He will understand. And He will find a way to make you useful in spite of your problem until that problem is finally gone.

 

[TravellingGrace]

Hmm, I dunno what to say because I am going through this at the moment. No more than a month after a HUGE uplifting.

It always happens after a high point.... I guess this is just a really long low point for me I can't really remember my last high point...

 

[TravellingGrace]

Well, I will pray for you. The only way out of some things is to trust God, and whn that's hard to do, you've got quite a problem. But it's not a hole that you can't come out of sucessfully.

If it's a sin problem you are continually frustrated by, and it sounds like it is, you can pray for God to take it away and sanctify you (make you holy). Pour out your frustration to Him. You want to witness, but you have this stronghold that you feel is blocking that. Exoress all this to Him. He will care. He will understand. And He will find a way to make you useful in spite of your problem until that problem is finally gone.

a bit of column a and a bit of column b. Some sin problems, and some not.

 

[TravellingGrace]

I'm sorry you're both going through such a tough time, but I'd like to encourage you to keep hanging in there and to realize that we walk by faith and not by feelings. Your feelings will always be up and down, never the same, that's why we need to get into God's word and search for the promises He's given to us personally and to stand on them. Believe Him when He says things like this:

(Isa 41:10) 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

You won't fall if you hold onto His word to you. When I was young in the faith and feelings would overwhelm me (not that they still don't at times), I found His words in Isaiah and Jeremiah to be a great comfort to me. Look into the word for what the Lord thinks about you and lay aside your own thoughts and feelings about yourself. We're like little toddlers learning to walk, we get up, take a step or two, then fall on our behinds again. So we get up, and start over again. Our Father has a bunch of kids that He has to train up in the way they should go. Ever see a little kid do it all perfectly? Never be disobedient?

Part of what you're going through is a 'working out your salvation with fear and trembling'. We are only human and will make mistakes and fall into sin at times, but we have a savior who has been tempted as we have. Just continually run to Him, asking for His wisdom and strength to get through another day, and to be filled with His Spirit. I've found over the years that most often when I don't feel close to Him or particularly filled with His Spirit, something will happen to show me the opposite.

Be encouraged, you're both going through the same things that the rest of your brethren go through.


(Phi 2:12) So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

(Phi 2:13) for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.


(Jam 1:2) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

(Jam 1:3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

(Jam 1:4) And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(Jam 1:5) But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

I've been a Christian for 10 years, and sometimes it feels like I should be getting it by now. It's like newer Christians get it faster than I do... *pulls out hair*

 

[Sketcher]

I know the feeling . And I also know there is no instant answer.

 

[InTheFlame]

We all have our own personal paths to walk... sometimes it feels as though we've been walking for years but are far behind someone who started out just yesterday. Then the person hits a tough spot, and we realise that we have the strength to help them get out, because we've been through so many of them ourselves. Or something of the sort. Know what I mean? It's like some of us are given a path full of mountains and swamps, and though every step can seem ridiculously hard, it's great training and gives us spiritual muscles galore.

In the past, I've found that the Psalms in the Message translation have been a HUGE help. The Psalms are full of people's struggles with temptation, sin, feelings of abandonment, fear, anger, etc. They're great for when you feel like no-one's ever been in much a black spot as you've found yourself in. And the Message translation just makes it easier to see the relevance to modern life, I find.

 

[TravellingGrace]

I think I'm gonna go read some Psalms...

 

[InTheFlame]

Please, GOD, no more yelling, no more trips to the woodshed.
Treat me nice for a change; I'm so starved for affection.
Can't you see I'm black and blue,
beat up badly in bones and soul?

GOD, how long will it take for you to let up?
...
I'm tired of all this--so tired.
My bed has been floating forty days and nights
On the flood of my tears.
My mattress is soaked, soggy with tears.
...
Get out of here, you Devil's crew: at last GOD has heard my sobs.
My requests have all been granted, my prayers are answered.
Psalm 6 (selected bits)

This is my absolute favourite bit of a Psalm:

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar
and watch for fire to descend.
Psalm 5:3b

Why? Because so often my life seems to lie around me in pieces... but if I put it all on God's altar, the fire of his spirit will come down and refine it all into precious metals...

 

[TravellingGrace]

that's cool I really like Psalm 143...

 

[ChildofLight85]

unfortunately, every single person hits rough patches in his/her life. but they r almost always followed by a time of blessing and happiness for making it thru. even if u try to make it thru, and u fall, God will still bless u for making the effort. but dont use this as an excuse to fall; still try not to. (but i know u know that, cuz ur a smart cookie *hugs*) just keep on persevering, and do the best u can.
As for sharing with people about faith, use your rough times as a conversation starter on how God blesses people for going thru troubles. tell them about how God is there with them, and he cares and wants to help them, even when it seems like no one cares. by sharing your experiences with them, u will be a living testimony on how God pulls people thru, and also showing them that a christian life is not a perfect one. the fact is: we ALL screw up, and thatz why we need Jesus in the first place.
If it were easy to resist temptation 1)it wouldnt really be much of a temptation, and 2)humanity probly wouldnt be in this position today (if Adam and Eve found it easy to resist temptation).
As for wanting to take the easy way out, thatz probly normal. but taking the tough route will be much more rewarding in the end. It reminds me of the Third day song called "take my life..." "how many times, have i turned away; the number is the same, as the stars in the sky(or sand on the shore); but every time, you've taken me back; and now i pray you'll do it once more."
I find when wanting to give up something to God, it really helps to speak it out loud. words have power. For example, if u are constantly telling yourself and thinking u are going to fail and fall, u will. Speak out loud, and say something like "I can resist temptation. When I resist temptation the devil will flee from me. He who is in me, is greater than he who is in the world." etc. Scripture is your greatest offensive weapon, as well as your defense, b/c it is your sword. Sometimes i know it is hard to use scripture, especially when r emotions r running all over the place, but we really need to. emotions r crazy and run all over the place; we can never trust them. Another way, when things are hard, is to turn on worship music and sing to Jesus as loud as you can when you are tempted. Satan hates it.
Keep in mind, that when things r falling apart, God is moving u into a state of brokeness, so he can mold u into exactly who he wants u to be. Hopefully this helps. Hang in there.
God bless.
~Amy

 

[TravellingGrace]

you're such a smart cookie *hugs*

*grumbles* why can't I be molded without being broken first?!

 

[Richard]

It's hard, I know, but once we realize that all we need to do is live for God, everything will be ok. My advice to you is to pray everynight and make sure you don't forget to do a quiet time with God. Resisting tempation is an uplifting moment for me and maybe it is for you. THe first time isn't easy, but once you keep doing it over and over, it'll come naturally.

Let's face it, were not perfect, we fall, we fail, we lose. Don't let it discourage you, but make the extra step to suceed. Live a life of love around and not around your friends. It's ok for you to be hurting, but don't vent it all up inside, talk to your pastor or mom or dad ( assuming they are Christian ). We all go through this so don't feel like your the only one that hurts.

 

[TravellingGrace]

My parents are Christians, but I don't talk to them much about this kind of stuff. In fact, I don't really talk to them much about anything.

I do try and pray every night, and I've been reading my bible more than I have for a long time... which is good. I'm enjoying that.

I realize I don't have to be perfect, but for some reason I feel like there's more pressure on me to be perfect or close to it because I'm going into church leadership and because I've been a Christian for so long...

 

[Richard]

My parents are Christians, but I don't talk to them much about this kind of stuff. In fact, I don't really talk to them much about anything.

I do try and pray every night, and I've been reading my bible more than I have for a long time... which is good. I'm enjoying that.

I realize I don't have to be perfect, but for some reason I feel like there's more pressure on me to be perfect or close to it because I'm going into church leadership and because I've been a Christian for so long...

Wow, do you live my life? I perfectly understand what you mean about your parents / church leadership / pray every night..etc.

I struggle with staying in tunned with God all the time, but everyday I get closer to what my life is really used for.....and that is to tell the world about my wonderful Savior Jesus Chirst.

"My life is nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ (Philipians 4:8-10)"

I strive for that everyday, when I fail , it's hard to get back on the horse( eek, I hate cliches), but I do it and everytime it brings me to a closer understanding of how I can please God.

[BIBLE]Matthew 7:7-8[/BIBLE]

That's my name......... Just Ask

 

[azzy]

how do you trust that everything will be ok when you feel like everything is just falling apart and like you're backsliding? how do you let it all go to God?? How do you trust when you're so scared of falling?

This seems to be something I'm struggling with right now. I don't know why, things seemed to be going so well for some time and then WHAM like a sack of bricks, I get hit with temptations, and discouragement.

I feel like a failure because of this... like I should be able to resist this temptation, like I shouldn't even have this problem, but I do. How am I supposed to set an example for others if I keep failing?

I want to witness to my non-Christian friends, but I feel like I can't even do that because my walk with God is going through such a rough patch. Part of me wants to just give up, throw my hands in the air and just do things the easy way, but then the other part of me screams NO!!!

I just don't know what to do anymore... I feel like I've just hit a brick wall...

Bless your heart little one,it sounds like the devil is moving against your faith,and you must be tested,please dont give up.Commit the keeping and making of your soul to the Lord He is faithfull to keep that which is commited to him.The Lord will uphold you,and help you get back up.

Also,I can almost hear the wicked one say to you,you might as well stop witnessing,becaues you are not fit to tell anyone anything about Christ,because you have faults of your own.

Well,you and I both know the devil is a liar,and he doesnt like it when you start sharing your faith with others,you must have popped up on his radar screen.But ,God gives grace,and you can continue to share and spread your love and knowledge of God to others,even though you may not be perfect yet,keep praying,keep fighting,this is going to be a life long struggle anyway,so get used to it the best you can.

Sin will always be dwelling in your flesh,and you must be on guard your whole life long.If you commit yourself to God,he will bring all your trouble to pass.

No amount of suffering is worthy to be compared to the glory we will recieve when we stand in Gods presence justified.And time goes by fast,so,please dont quit,and please dont look back,keep moving forward,and looking upward .

May the God of all creation walk with you and bring you into a strong and safe place,amen.

 

[TravellingGrace]

Wow, do you live my life? I perfectly understand what you mean about your parents / church leadership / pray every night..etc.

I struggle with staying in tunned with God all the time, but everyday I get closer to what my life is really used for.....and that is to tell the world about my wonderful Savior Jesus Chirst.

"My life is nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ (Philipians 4:8-10)"

I strive for that everyday, when I fail , it's hard to get back on the horse( eek, I hate cliches), but I do it and everytime it brings me to a closer understanding of how I can please God.

Matthew 7:7-87 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

That's my name......... Just Ask

lol, I guess we are similar. I'm pretty good at this failing and falling short of the glory of God business... good thing we have such a thing as grace, but I still feel like sometimes I have to live up to the expectations of people. I know that's not right... but yeah...