Keeping the Faith

[.Mikha'el.]

If you read my previous message, you will know that I have been recently bombarded by dreams of kissing a girl at school named Sarah.

The advice I got when I posted the message was basically in line with what I was already thinking. But recently, I have committed myself to talking to Sarah about the dreams that I have been having.

However, having very little opportunity lately to talk to her, I prayed frequently over the last couple of days to be able to talk to her about this on Friday. I was concerned that with the school year coming to an end, that I would be unable to speak to her after that.

My prayers were not answered on Friday, which was yesterday. And although I was alerted of a possible opportunity on Monday to talk to her, I came home yesterday absolutely reeling with frustration because those prayers were not answered.

How does a person keep from having his faith damaged after an experience like that? I know my faith seems weak, but I am still making my way back from a crisis of faith just over a year ago.

 

[The Bellman]

If you read my previous message, you will know that I have been recently bombarded by dreams of a girl at school named Sarah.

The advice I got when I posted the message was basically in line with what I was already thinking. But recently, I have committed myself to talking to Sarah about the dreams that I have been having.

However, having very little opportunity lately to talk to her, I prayed frequently over the last couple of days to be able to talk to her about this on Friday. I was concerned that with the school year coming to an end, that I would be unable to speak to her after that.

My prayers were not answered on Friday, which was yesterday. And although I was alerted of a possible opportunity on Monday to talk to her, I came home yesterday absolutely reeling with frustration because those prayers were not answered.

How does a person keep from having his faith damaged after an experience like that? I know my faith seems weak, but I am still making my way back from a crisis of faith just over a year ago.

Let your faith be damaged. That's called rationality. You prayed for something, it didn't come true. Either (a) god didn't want to give you what you prayed for (despite Jesus assuring us that whatever we ask in his name we will receive) or (b) he ain't there.

You choose.

 

[Avatar]

I don't think prayer to God is like a wish to a magic genie. If you're prayers go unanswered that, in itself, is not a reason to have a crisis of faith. Witnessing the suffering of others, the tragedies of war, the ravages of disease, children orphaned by hurricanes, floods or earthquakes. These are valid reasons to question your faith. A missed opportunity to speak with a girl you like in junior high... that's just life, and we've all been there.

Personal advice: When you do get the opportunity to speak with her, don't mention the dreams - you'll spook her. Strike up a friendly conversation and if she participates leave it at that for that day. The next time you see her, start talking, then mention you're a bit hungry and ask if she'd like to go for a burger, your treat. Might work.

Don't mention the dreams until long after you're married.

 

[seebs]

The traditional response is to say "well, I guess what I wanted wasn't really the best thing".