Lent

[marcb]

I've never given anything up for Lent. It always seemed to me to be like "works" or such a futile sacrifice in comparison to Christ's Passion. However, I now see it as a time to reflect and remove any barriers to experiencing and relying on God. I decided yesterday to "give up" coffee. I had been drinking 6+ cups (ok, servings) of strong coffee daily. I am sure it was not helping my ocd (ya think?). I have made it through the first day and the headache has subsided. Fewer intrusive thoughts by far today. Fewer wanted thoughts for that matter, but I'm sure I'll be better soon. Anyways, let's continue to pray for each other as we find ways to grow and deal and rest in God's Grace.

Marc

 

[Boxers1]

I've never given anything up for Lent. It always seemed to me to be like "works" or such a futile sacrifice in comparison to Christ's Passion. However, I now see it as a time to reflect and remove any barriers to experiencing and relying on God. I decided yesterday to "give up" coffee. I had been drinking 6+ cups (ok, servings) of strong coffee daily. I am sure it was not helping my ocd (ya think?). I have made it through the first day and the headache has subsided. Fewer intrusive thoughts by far today. Fewer wanted thoughts for that matter, but I'm sure I'll be better soon. Anyways, let's continue to pray for each other as we find ways to grow and deal and rest in God's Grace.

Marc

Marcb...I fully encourage you to give up coffee! I completely avoid caffeine altogether b/c it only fuels my anxiety! Once you "detox" from the coffee I bet you will feel a big difference. I was just re-reading your post below titled "Thoughts". Truly tremendous post and extremely helpful.
This is a must read for OCD!!
Thanks again.
Boxers1

 

[wiggsfly]

I know what you mean about the caffeine cutting back has helped me a lot and I think that if I could cut it out completely I would be in MUCH better shape.

 

[marcb]

Well, it took a few days, but with God's help, I have "detoxed." Interestingly, I told a friend that I gave up caffeine and she said that she had been praying that I would do so as she knew it would help my ocd.

It has helped. Mostly in that I don't respond so anxiously to the thoughts. I still have them, but they are not as piercing and I can relax and thank God that He knows that I Love Him because of the Love and forgiveness He has shown me.

Marc

 

[UnitynLove]

Well, it took a few days, but with God's help, I have "detoxed." Interestingly, I told a friend that I gave up caffeine and she said that she had been praying that I would do so as she knew it would help my ocd.

It has helped. Mostly in that I don't respond so anxiously to the thoughts. I still have them, but they are not as piercing and I can relax and thank God that He knows that I Love Him because of the Love and forgiveness He has shown me.

Marc

Glory be to the father. God is sooo gooood!

 

[Akathist]

Well, it took a few days, but with God's help, I have "detoxed." Interestingly, I told a friend that I gave up caffeine and she said that she had been praying that I would do so as she knew it would help my ocd.

It has helped. Mostly in that I don't respond so anxiously to the thoughts. I still have them, but they are not as piercing and I can relax and thank God that He knows that I Love Him because of the Love and forgiveness He has shown me.

Marc

How is it going Marc?

Lent is a special time for me as well. Now in the middle of Lent I find my efforts more of a struggle. I hope all is well with you!

 

[marcb]

Things are going much better, thank you. I feel overall calmer off caffeine. I still struggle with my thoughts, but God has been good to me. Things are happening in everyday life that are amazing displays of God's Glory. I am still small and weak, and have to re-learn to surrender to Christ everyday. In the surrender is Peace!

I was asked to my surprise to lead the prayer in our worship service last week. The sermon was on Paul's struggles reflecting the struggles of the Christian life.

In my praying about leading the prayer, the Spirit led me to focus on Paul and his imprisonment. God used Paul's imprisonment for His glory, where he wrote Ephesians(and other Epistles), the very text we studied that night (Eph 3). Despite his hardship and struggles, Paul recognized that God had him right where He wanted him. Perhaps in the midst of our struggles, God has us right where He wants us. So as we pray, we might also ask God, not only for deliverance from our struggles, but also that we might see His plan for us in the midst of the struggle. These current struggles might exist for His glory: we may be used to help others with similar struggles, we may emerge from the struggle with greater faith, or see God's work in others as they build us up in Christ. It requires trusting God, and sometimes even asking God to help you trust Him. God works in mysterious ways!

May God bless you in your struggle. If I may be of help, please post or PM me!

Marc