Is God Testing or Tempting Me?

[Hermit7]

Today, I tried to buy a folding chair. I was frustrated from both traffic and work (I live by a flooded area). It was late and I was tired.

I was looking for the folding chairs in the store. A thought then popped into my mind--how badly do I want this chair?

Then the thoughts again, "If you(being me) really wanted it, would you give up your salvation for it?"

At that moment, I think I said yes in my (I hope I didn't, but I don't remember) and then my eyes caught sight of the folding chair section.

I ended up not buying the chair in fear that my salvation will be lost.

The question, I have is this: Would God ever do this to me? Would He "test" my faith and sack me with this choice (or any choice involving my salvation)? And if I choose wrongly, would He take my salvation away?

-Hermit

p.s. Is it okay for me to ask this? Or am I damned also for doing this?

 

[Hermit7]

Someone please help me with these thoughts. They're killing me. I mean, just posting this stuff, makes me feel like I'm choosing damnation.

 

[jehoiakim]

James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

You also have to remember that random thoughts that come into your head are not sin, it's what you do with them, do you entertain them or do you fight them. Noting that you battle OCD and the way you described what happened, I also believe there is a good chance you are being spiritually attacked, it happens, not a big deal but if you are aware of that it is easier to dismiss...God is love God isn't trying to trick you.

 

[gracealone]

Classic OCD episode. You needed to ignore the thought and buy the chair. When you left the store without the chair you gave the thought credence and in doing so fed the OCD machine. Any time we avoid, ruminate, or engage in a compulsion as a temporary "fix" we make the thoughts big.
Even now I recommend going back to buy the chair. If it freaks you out to do so - good. That means you are scoring a point against the OCD. The anxiety cannot hurt you but cooperating with the OCD will in the end make it worse.
Mitzi

Today, I tried to buy a folding chair. I was frustrated from both traffic and work (I live by a flooded area). It was late and I was tired.

I was looking for the folding chairs in the store. A thought then popped into my mind--how badly do I want this chair?

Then the thoughts again, "If you(being me) really wanted it, would you give up your salvation for it?"

At that moment, I think I said yes in my (I hope I didn't, but I don't remember) and then my eyes caught sight of the folding chair section.

I ended up not buying the chair in fear that my salvation will be lost.

The question, I have is this: Would God ever do this to me? Would He "test" my faith and sack me with this choice (or any choice involving my salvation)? And if I choose wrongly, would He take my salvation away?

-Hermit

p.s. Is it okay for me to ask this? Or am I damned also for doing this?

 

[OCD=Owie]

Today, I tried to buy a folding chair. I was frustrated from both traffic and work (I live by a flooded area). It was late and I was tired.

I was looking for the folding chairs in the store. A thought then popped into my mind--how badly do I want this chair?

Then the thoughts again, "If you(being me) really wanted it, would you give up your salvation for it?"

At that moment, I think I said yes in my (I hope I didn't, but I don't remember) and then my eyes caught sight of the folding chair section.

I ended up not buying the chair in fear that my salvation will be lost.

The question, I have is this: Would God ever do this to me? Would He "test" my faith and sack me with this choice (or any choice involving my salvation)? And if I choose wrongly, would He take my salvation away?

-Hermit

p.s. Is it okay for me to ask this? Or am I damned also for doing this?

What do you think Hermit? You've asked many questions like this already, and our answer has been the same every time. I think that coming on this board and asking these types of questions has become a compulsion for you. You are looking for reassurance that your thoughts aren't going to cause you to lose your salvation, so you keep asking, even when you can probably guess our answer.

I don't tell you that because I think you should stop posting on this board, in fact, I think it can be a good thing to have a forum like this to vent your OCD frustrations. But you should be careful that your questions on this OCD board don't feed your OCD more. Don't give in to compulsions! (At least as best as you can manage. I know that it's a really hard thing to do.)

Hang in there!

I forget, have you sought therapy? That might be a good idea since this is obviously becoming a very difficult thing for you.

 

[Hermit7]

Dear Everyone,

I'm sorry for abusing this forum. It's just sometimes my OCD takes control and I get overwhelmed with fear.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who bore with me.

-Hermit

to OCD=OWIE I am going to seek a counseller. Hopefully he/she can help.

 

[OCD=Owie]

No need to apologize Hermit. You haven't abused anything. That's what these boards are for.

I didn't mean to sound like I was mad or something. I'm just trying to get you to realize that your OCD is making you fear completely silly things.

That's great that you're seeking a counselor! It should help you out. Good luck!