how...?

[Richard]

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...

It's something that will be taught as spiritual growth happens

 

[TravellingGrace]

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 LordHe 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 you 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.

thanks that was really encouraging. I'm starting to feel a bit better... and I'm kind of seeing how I can use my brokenness as a witnessing tool... or something to that effect...

 

[TravellingGrace]

It's something that will be taught as spiritual growth happens

gah... I think a lot of spiritual growth sucks. It always seems to happen in huge painful chunks for me. It sucks at the time, but obviously the end result is worth it. I always have to learn the hard way too...

 

[Richard]

gah... I think a lot of spiritual growth sucks. It always seems to happen in huge painful chunks for me. It sucks at the time, but obviously the end result is worth it. I always have to learn the hard way too...

Don't we all . To lose is to gain

 

[TravellingGrace]

indeed...

 

[InTheFlame]

gah... I think a lot of spiritual growth sucks. It always seems to happen in huge painful chunks for me. It sucks at the time, but obviously the end result is worth it. I always have to learn the hard way too...

:lol: welcome to the club!

 

[TravellingGrace]

yay! a club!

 

[Evie]

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...

I am also going through this,the thing that helped me the most is my christian friends,reading His word,praying without seizing(all day long) and getting invovled in the small things at church.
Just remember,He still loves us no matter what!

 

[Glorianna]

Although we've already talked about this on MSN and you know what I have to say about it, I just wanted to let you know that I am definitely praying for you Holly.

 

[TravellingGrace]

I try and get involved in things at church. I'm on the worship team, I'm involved in the College and Career bible study. If I'm not working on Thursdays I'm at a different bible study...

 

[TravellingGrace]

Although we've already talked about this on MSN and you know what I have to say about it, I just wanted to let you know that I am definitely praying for you Holly.

thanks hun

 

[Glorianna]

thanks hun

Any time. That's what I'm here for.

 

[TravellingGrace]

good to know

 

[Glorianna]

good to know

Yeah, but you knew that a LONG time ago!

 

[TravellingGrace]

haha... still good to be reminded of that

 

[wayfaring man]

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...

Greetings all ,

It's late and haven't read all the replies ; yet , from the few that were read , and the OP , it can be discerned that the spiritual " Yo Yo " effect is at work .

This occurs when a time of ease and apparent blessing takes place and one is a bit " lifted up " , in all the uplifting ... which is not good , and opens the door to abasement .

As one who is a bit lifted up , such begins to take on a " cocky " attitude and often rails against the devil .

These things though initially may be mistaken for being confident in the faith , actually come more from the spirit of presumption , which is the counterfeit of faith , and tries to defile the place of faith by turning the focus away from The Lord and what He has Universally done for all , unto a self-centered , narrow perspective of " me " and " mine " , or " we " and " ours " .

This taints the conveying of The Gospel , and causes disharmony between our spirit and Christ's Spirit ; which makes us vulnerable to a whole host of other things , none of which are edifying . For why should God continue to build us up , if we have started building away from The One , The Only , Chief Cornerstone . Therefore , we become a work which has been halted , until we come back to the mind which first brought us to put our trust in The One Who Makes All Things For His Own Good Pleasure . ( Which mind was one of contrition and mortification in the beholding of Christ Jesus and Him Crucified for our sins .)

This " Yo Yo " effect is very common , and can be avoided by remembering that , " none is good but God " ; " without Christ , we can do nothing " ; " but for the mecy and grace of God , there go I " ; " Only The Lord deserves all the praise and the glory " , , ( being humbly thankful is the appropriate alternative to being proud / vainglorious . )

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. <-----> Proverbs 3:6

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. <-----> Isaiah 57:15

...We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. <-----> 1st Corinthians 8:1+2

Knowledge which seduces one to think they know a lot ; is generally inaccurate and a far cry from The Knowledge which reminds us how little we know - compared to all that there is which can be known .

( See Job Chapters 38-42 )


I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. <-----> John 16:12-15 ( Words of Jesus to His disciples )

Often the greatest limitation for receiving greater revelation / enablement is our tendency to glory inappropriately . Even a thought of vainglory which is not promptly denounced , can cause the " Holy Flow " between God's Spirit and our spirit to be interrupted .

It's easy to be humble when one is failing miserably ; but God is looking for a people who can prosper in The Spirit and yet be ever humble and modest giving recognition to our Maker , as a faithful witness for all others to behold and receive understanding .

Pride is what was behind the devil's downfall . He was in a position high above any earthly man , and yet , because of his heart was " lifted up " , so great a loss of position was incurred . This serves as a sober warning to us who stand to be promoted into God's Kingdom .

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. <-----> Ezekiel 28:14-17

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. <-----> Jude 1:5+6

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. <-----> Jude 1:9

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. <-----> 1st Peter 5:5-7

He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. <-----> Psalm 107:33-43

It's a little hard for us who are nothing to receive promotion unto God's Intimate Domain , without The Wonder of it all " going to our heads " , and to prevent future losses from so high a position , we are run through the " refining mill " here upon earth , so that we are exhausted of any propensity for conceited imaginings or vaingloriousness .

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 10:5

Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. <-----> Job 40:12

I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. <-----> Ezekiel 21:27

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. <-----> Luke 3:5+6

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. <-----> Ecclesiastes 3:14+15

May God Be Pleased To Show Mercy And Lead Us To Repentance In His Goodness And By Christ's Grace . In Jesus Name . Amen .

Sincerely ,

wm

 

[Wandering Cat Lady]

Boy do I know how you feel...I am in the same exact situation myself

I am 18 too, been a Christian 12 years, and don't remember the last time I was really truly at peace and happy with God! I have a little bit of verbal/emotional abuse in my history that I need to let go, I also have just "stuff" that I just need to let go into God's hands, but I feel like I can't! My friend says that I can't because I'm not willing to! I think she's right, but it's so hard to know! I have my bad days and my good days but this is not an illness or a disease...I just don't understand! I too am at my wits end! Very little will encourage me any more, and I feel like I'm doing it all wrong, yet I don't want to change!

I have gone to a counselor and that helps a little but recently I've just gone downhill and I don't know what's going on. I'm confused, drained, and I feel like everyone around me (that's a Christian) has gotten "the point" if you know what I mean and I haven't! I don't feel like i can trust God. I'm not mad at Him and i have nothing against him. Yet I don't feel that I can trust Him! I hate it! I hate hearing the same thing over and over and over again because I KNOW what my problem is I just can't seem to get rid of it!

So, I'm sorry I can't help you, but I want you to know that I understand and I'm going through the same exact thing right now this moment! God bless you and good luck!

 

[TravellingGrace]

Greetings all ,

It's late and haven't read all the replies ; yet , from the few that were read , and the OP , it can be discerned that the spiritual " Yo Yo " effect is at work .

This occurs when a time of ease and apparent blessing takes place and one is a bit " lifted up " , in all the uplifting ... which is not good , and opens the door to abasement .

As one who is a bit lifted up , such begins to take on a " cocky " attitude and often rails against the devil .

These things though initially may be mistaken for being confident in the faith , actually come more from the spirit of presumption , which is the counterfeit of faith , and tries to defile the place of faith by turning the focus away from The Lord and what He has Universally done for all , unto a self-centered , narrow perspective of " me " and " mine " , or " we " and " ours " .

This taints the conveying of The Gospel , and causes disharmony between our spirit and Christ's Spirit ; which makes us vulnerable to a whole host of other things , none of which are edifying . For why should God continue to build us up , if we have started building away from The One , The Only , Chief Cornerstone . Therefore , we become a work which has been halted , until we come back to the mind which first brought us to put our trust in The One Who Makes All Things For His Own Good Pleasure . ( Which mind was one of contrition and mortification in the beholding of Christ Jesus and Him Crucified for our sins .)

This " Yo Yo " effect is very common , and can be avoided by remembering that , " none is good but God " ; " without Christ , we can do nothing " ; " but for the mecy and grace of God , there go I " ; " Only The Lord deserves all the praise and the glory " , , ( being humbly thankful is the appropriate alternative to being proud / vainglorious . )

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. <-----> Proverbs 3:6

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. <-----> Isaiah 57:15

...We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. <-----> 1st Corinthians 8:1+2

Knowledge which seduces one to think they know a lot ; is generally inaccurate and a far cry from The Knowledge which reminds us how little we know - compared to all that there is which can be known .

( See Job Chapters 38-42 )


I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. <-----> John 16:12-15 ( Words of Jesus to His disciples )

Often the greatest limitation for receiving greater revelation / enablement is our tendency to glory inappropriately . Even a thought of vainglory which is not promptly denounced , can cause the " Holy Flow " between God's Spirit and our spirit to be interrupted .

It's easy to be humble when one is failing miserably ; but God is looking for a people who can prosper in The Spirit and yet be ever humble and modest giving recognition to our Maker , as a faithful witness for all others to behold and receive understanding .

Pride is what was behind the devil's downfall . He was in a position high above any earthly man , and yet , because of his heart was " lifted up " , so great a loss of position was incurred . This serves as a sober warning to us who stand to be promoted into God's Kingdom .

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. <-----> Ezekiel 28:14-17

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. <-----> Jude 1:5+6

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. <-----> Jude 1:9

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. <-----> 1st Peter 5:5-7

He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. <-----> Psalm 107:33-43

It's a little hard for us who are nothing to receive promotion unto God's Intimate Domain , without The Wonder of it all " going to our heads " , and to prevent future losses from so high a position , we are run through the " refining mill " here upon earth , so that we are exhausted of any propensity for conceited imaginings or vaingloriousness .

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 10:5

Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. <-----> Job 40:12

I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. <-----> Ezekiel 21:27

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. <-----> Luke 3:5+6

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. <-----> Ecclesiastes 3:14+15

May God Be Pleased To Show Mercy And Lead Us To Repentance In His Goodness And By Christ's Grace . In Jesus Name . Amen .

Sincerely ,

wm

I'm not so sure I agree that this is a yo-yo effect thing. I can't remember the last time I felt uplifted, plus I know I can't do anything without Christ. I've tried and fallen flat on my face... so I dunno... I can see what you mean, but I honestly don't think that's the issue here... I don't know what to do because I know I can't do any of this alone...

 

[TravellingGrace]

Boy do I know how you feel...I am in the same exact situation myself

I am 18 too, been a Christian 12 years, and don't remember the last time I was really truly at peace and happy with God! I have a little bit of verbal/emotional abuse in my history that I need to let go, I also have just "stuff" that I just need to let go into God's hands, but I feel like I can't! My friend says that I can't because I'm not willing to! I think she's right, but it's so hard to know! I have my bad days and my good days but this is not an illness or a disease...I just don't understand! I too am at my wits end! Very little will encourage me any more, and I feel like I'm doing it all wrong, yet I don't want to change!

I have gone to a counselor and that helps a little but recently I've just gone downhill and I don't know what's going on. I'm confused, drained, and I feel like everyone around me (that's a Christian) has gotten "the point" if you know what I mean and I haven't! I don't feel like i can trust God. I'm not mad at Him and i have nothing against him. Yet I don't feel that I can trust Him! I hate it! I hate hearing the same thing over and over and over again because I KNOW what my problem is I just can't seem to get rid of it!

So, I'm sorry I can't help you, but I want you to know that I understand and I'm going through the same exact thing right now this moment! God bless you and good luck!

totally understand that. I think if somebody lectures me one more time I'm going to snap. I have the knowledge, but it's a different story when it's just head knowledge and it hasn't sunk down into your heart yet. I want it to be able to sink down into my heart, and I want to be able to let go of things, but lets face it... sometimes it's hard to let go because sin can be enjoyable unfortunately and it's also hard to let go of past hurts and regrets...