need advice, please

[Laurie]

In this past year, I've been learning a lot, spiritualy. Now all I want is to be closer to God. I just really really want to get to know him more. I've been reading my Bible every day for a long time, and praying passionatly for ... a passion. I've seen a lot of changes in my life sense then, I guess you could say, I've gotten more into the Bible, acualy wanting and longing to go to church, not being able to wait to praise God and be in his presence, I've been wanting to help people more, crying for my generation. But I feel there's more, its like theres something in my life I need to get rid of, or to do before I have that closenes to God that I desire. I can't understand why I don't hear God, sometimes I kick myself (not literaly) because I'm thinking, "Is my faith the only thing I have? Why am I so confedent of a God that doesn't even speak to me or show me things?!?" I feel so selfish. All you need is faith, is what my grandparents use to say. I really hope I can hold on, faith is all I have, I have no proof of God but my faith.

I use to feel so...so right, like I knew that I was doing the right thing, but now, i just feel like such a sinner, i feel so terrible, like i've done something wrong, but to tell the truth, I really can't think of anything that I need to change, I just really want that close relationship with God, and I really want to know what God wants, but I can't hear him, sometimes i just lie on the floor late at night, praying for God to show me what to do, because I really dont know, then I'm just silent, waiting, listening, then I deciede to pray again, the listen...what can I do?

It's really bugging me that I can cry over my concerns so easily and barley shed a tear for my friends with a problem... how can I be so selfish!?!? Sometimes I just want to fall into God's arms and get away from the world, it feels like i can't handle it at times, once, at school, everyone was talking about having pre maritle sex and I ran out of the room and went in the bathroom to calm myself, I cried and cried that night, it woke up my older sister, she said I scared her. Now, its like I hear it so much, its like it doesn't even effect me, or either it effects me so much it makes me emotionaly numb. Often times, when I'm home alone, I'll just feel like crying out to God, asking for help, because I don't know what to do.

Please, if anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

God Bless,

Laurie

 

[kspchemist]

Now all I want is to be closer to God. I just really really want to get to know him more. I've been reading my Bible every day for a long time, and praying passionatly for ... a passion. I've seen a lot of changes in my life sense then, I guess you could say, I've gotten more into the Bible, acualy wanting and longing to go to church, not being able to wait to praise God and be in his presence, I've been wanting to help people more, crying for my generation. But I feel there's more, its like theres something in my life I need to get rid of, or to do before I have that closenes to God that I desire.

Bible says they that hunger and thirst after righteousness SHALL be filled!! I have been there in that state just hungering and thirsting after God. I would be in service and just pray a song, "Pass me not oh gentle Saviour." I am still waiting on the LORD to move in our adoption, but in the meantime I have been having a desire to study all that I can from the WORD.

I can't understand why I don't hear God, sometimes I kick myself (not literaly) because I'm thinking, "Is my faith the only thing I have? Why am I so confedent of a God that doesn't even speak to me or show me things?!?" I feel so selfish. All you need is faith, is what my grandparents use to say. I really hope I can hold on, faith is all I have, I have no proof of God but my faith.

You have more proof of God than what you think. Look at the order of the creation it does point to the Creator. Look at the trees, the birds in the air, and all the fish in the sea. THey scream at us, "Look at who made us." Just ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His Word and He will.

I use to feel so...so right, like I knew that I was doing the right thing, but now, i just feel like such a sinner, i feel so terrible, like i've done something wrong, but to tell the truth, I really can't think of anything that I need to change, I just really want that close relationship with God, and I really want to know what God wants, but I can't hear him, sometimes i just lie on the floor late at night, praying for God to show me what to do, because I really dont know, then I'm just silent, waiting, listening, then I deciede to pray again, the listen...what can I do?

Do me a favor. Read the Book of Job. He went through terrible things. Even his wife told him to "Curse God and die." None of those things were brought to him by his own doing, but through the doings of Satan. Don't listen to the lie that the Devil is saying to you, believe in the what you know to be true. If you still feel uneasy about your situation, pray and ask God to show you where you come short at. I know it is a dangerous prayer to pray, and it'll bring your shortcomings to the forefront, but as they melt gold to bring the impurities to the top, so God will do the same to make you as pure as gold.

It's really bugging me that I can cry over my concerns so easily and barley shed a tear for my friends with a problem... how can I be so selfish!?!? Sometimes I just want to fall into God's arms and get away from the world, it feels like i can't handle it at times, once, at school, everyone was talking about having pre maritle sex and I ran out of the room and went in the bathroom to calm myself, I cried and cried that night, it woke up my older sister, she said I scared her. Now, its like I hear it so much, its like it doesn't even effect me, or either it effects me so much it makes me emotionaly numb. Often times, when I'm home alone, I'll just feel like crying out to God, asking for help, because I don't know what to do.

I have been there. When I was your age, I was the same way. I was not afraid to stand up for my beliefs. Over the next couple of years I, like you are, became numb to others needs, and started to focus on my own needs. Eventually I, ashamedly so, rejected my Christian teachings, and took on those of the world. It took me over three years to come back to the LORD. Don't give up the fight. Hold on to the LORD, and He'll hold on to you. Is there anyone at your school that believes like you do?

I'm praying for you, even as I type.

 

[Laurie]

Bible says they that hunger and thirst after righteousness SHALL be filled!! I have been there in that state just hungering and thirsting after God. I would be in service and just pray a song, "Pass me not oh gentle Saviour." I am still waiting on the LORD to move in our adoption, but in the meantime I have been having a desire to study all that I can from the WORD.

You have more proof of God than what you think. Look at the order of the creation it does point to the Creator. Look at the trees, the birds in the air, and all the fish in the sea. THey scream at us, "Look at who made us." Just ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His Word and He will.

Do me a favor. Read the Book of Job. He went through terrible things. Even his wife told him to "Curse God and die." None of those things were brought to him by his own doing, but through the doings of Satan. Don't listen to the lie that the Devil is saying to you, believe in the what you know to be true. If you still feel uneasy about your situation, pray and ask God to show you where you come short at. I know it is a dangerous prayer to pray, and it'll bring your shortcomings to the forefront, but as they melt gold to bring the impurities to the top, so God will do the same to make you as pure as gold.

I have been there. When I was your age, I was the same way. I was not afraid to stand up for my beliefs. Over the next couple of years I, like you are, became numb to others needs, and started to focus on my own needs. Eventually I, ashamedly so, rejected my Christian teachings, and took on those of the world. It took me over three years to come back to the LORD. Don't give up the fight. Hold on to the LORD, and He'll hold on to you. Is there anyone at your school that believes like you do?

I'm praying for you, even as I type.

thank you for praying for me

As for any others who believe as I do, yes ... and no at the same time. The people who believe as I do are the people avoiding me when I go to the flag pole to pray, saying, "its too risky" ... one of my friends, she went with me like, 3 times, now she doesnt unless she feels pressured by conviction or something.

This is another thing I'm praying about, I hate looking at other Christian friends and sometimes think, "luke-warm". Who am I to judge a persons relationship with God?!? Although it does kinda show whe certian situations come up and their just like, "SEE YA!"

I was thinking the other day to myself ... maybe I should reassure myself of the things I do know and depend on the Lord to give me answers to the things I don't know in His own good time. So basicaly, reassure myself that God knows it all, NEVER doubt it, and pray that the Lord will show me answers as He sees fit.

God Bless,

Laurie

 

[IloveJesusMyFather3:16]

It sounds like your heart is in the right place but it sounds like you are driving yourself nuts for no reason.

I really hope I can hold on, faith is all I have, I have no proof of God but my faith.

Did you know: Humans and this earth could have only gotten here by two different ways: God or by accident. There is no third choice, right? It is now scientifically proven impossible for that many cells to have formed accidently. There is even a formula or equation or whatever you call it to prove this. There are some very good books out there that talk about this. So, there IS proof that there is a God.

I use to feel so...so right, like I knew that I was doing the right thing, but now, i just feel like such a sinner, i feel so terrible, like i've done something wrong, but to tell the truth, I really can't think of anything that I need to change,

Jesus has the purest and PERFECT love for us. He doesn't love you like a family member, friend, or teacher - someone who will surely hurt your feelings, give up on you, or anything bad. His love is PERFECT. He loves you so much there is NO WAY you could even comprehend. He is perfect in all ways. He wants us to be happy. He doesn't want you doing this to yourself. You have to trust Him. He is in control of everything. You are exactly where you need to be in your life. God is in control.

It's really bugging me that I can cry over my concerns so easily and barley shed a tear for my friends with a problem... how can I be so selfish!?!?

This isn't selfish. Believe me, the more you live life and experience things you will get the empathy and sympathy that you seem to desire. You can even pray for God to give this to you. Did you know that? You can ask God for anything. God doesn't want you fretting so much about such things. Don't worry so much. You're gonna get grey hair. ha ha. Just kidding.

Sometimes I just want to fall into God's arms and get away from the world, it feels like i can't handle it at times,

We all feel like this at times. Like I said, God knows what you need in your life to mature and develop character and strength. He might be preparing you for service. It might be a blessing in disguise. You just have to trust Him.

once, at school, everyone was talking about having pre maritle sex and I ran out of the room and went in the bathroom to calm myself, I cried and cried that night, it woke up my older sister, she said I scared her. Now, its like I hear it so much, its like it doesn't even effect me, or either it effects me so much it makes me emotionaly numb. Often times, when I'm home alone, I'll just feel like crying out to God, asking for help, because I don't know what to do.

Do you think this upset you because it disgusted you or you feel tempted?? Have you asked God to baptize you in His Holy Spirit? I asked Him for this without even believing it was true and He gave it to me and my life is way better than it ever was!! You should just ask Him to do this for you. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then will you read my tract? It is very informative. Please let me know what you decide to do. I will pray for you and if you need more help or prayer, I'm here.
With Love
Leah

 

[Gary B]

thank you for praying for me

As for any others who believe as I do, yes ... and no at the same time. The people who believe as I do are the people avoiding me when I go to the flag pole to pray, saying, "its too risky" ... one of my friends, she went with me like, 3 times, now she doesnt unless she feels pressured by conviction or something.

Doe's your Church have a youth group?

This is another thing I'm praying about, I hate looking at other Christian friends and sometimes think, "luke-warm". Who am I to judge a persons relationship with God?!? Although it does kinda show whe certian situations come up and their just like, "SEE YA!"

We can only take care of our relationship with God not others. We can pray that they come into a deeper relationship or even be saved. Only God can do that. We are just His vessels and He molds everybody in His timing not ours. I think the "SEE YA!" is more due to peer preasure then anything else.

I was thinking the other day to myself ... maybe I should reassure myself of the things I do know and depend on the Lord to give me answers to the things I don't know in His own good time. So basicaly, reassure myself that God knows it all, NEVER doubt it, and pray that the Lord will show me answers as He sees fit.

Reassuring yourself is good. That's what the Bible is for. Heck, I'm still waiting for questions to be answered from way back.

I'll be praying that your faith and relationship grows deeper...

Oh, You said you can't wait until you get to Church to praise God. Here's what I do, I'll keep the radio or have a Christian CD on most of the time. I find myself singing and worshiping quite a lot even in the car. Just a tip. We don't always need to be in Church to do that....

 

[Laurie]

Oh, You said you can't wait until you get to Church to praise God. Here's what I do, I'll keep the radio or have a Christian CD on most of the time. I find myself singing and worshiping quite a lot even in the car. Just a tip. We don't always need to be in Church to do that....

yeah, acualy, i have my CD in now (Christian of course) I always have it on, I keep running out of batteries for my CD playing and have to save up for more ... anyways, thanks for the advice you too IloveJesusMyFather3:16 ... I really appreciate it

 

[Laurie]

Doe's your Church have a youth group?

yes, there is a youth group, same problem there though, with people i mean. My youth pastor, he's more concerned with the new people coming (we're growing a LOT) and making sure that people are right with God (which is great ) so he wouldn't have any time to talk, things are real busy there.

God Bless,

Laurie

 

[SilverHand]

Wow, it looks like youve gotten some real great advise from ppl. So if ya dont mind il just try ta give ya a word of encoragment. Im a 39 yr old guy who grew up on a ranch in Colorado. Ive always known God is real and that Jesus was his son. But i really dident start going to church until i was about 13. What you said rang a bell for me about wanting a ( real ) relaitioinship with God. I would pray and read his word all the time ! But it never seemed to get me very far. I always seemed to be so alone. But somthing i dident or wouldent do is completly surrender my life over to him. ( my ) bigest problem was having the courage to step out for Christ. It was so hard for me to be a wittness for Him. Peer pressure just killed me. I dident have many friends to begin with and all i wanted was to fit in somwhere. Well..now im 39 as i said. And not alot has changed for me in the past bunch of years. Ive been in and out of church. I would try really hard for awhile and get discouraged and go back to my old life. God also put a calling on my life to preach. that one scared my more than anythingover the last bunch of years. It seemed to be way to much responsibility for me, and i ran from it. I guess my point is, I was right arowned the corner from his blessings. I gave up to soon. God will let us go through tryals and temptations. Its the only way we will grow stronger in him. The worse things seem to be, is whene we need to get closer to him, because whene we triumph over adversity, God is glorifyed !! And we will reap blessings you wouldent belive ! I wish i had realized this truth much sooner in my own life. Stay strong in the Lord, dont give up hope,see these things through to the end,dont worry if you fall,Just like with Peter in the boat, he steped out in faith and still began to sink ! even with Jesus right before his eyes ! But the great part is, Jesus took Peters hand and pulled him back up !! Jesuswill ( not ) let you drown. just keep reaching for him..He will be there ! God Bless you and keep you

 

[Gary B]

yes, there is a youth group, same problem there though, with people i mean. My youth pastor, he's more concerned with the new people coming (we're growing a LOT) and making sure that people are right with God (which is great ) so he wouldn't have any time to talk, things are real busy there.

God Bless,

Laurie

I'll keep your youth pastor in my prayers. I don't know who he is but God does...

There is this forum also for teens on the site:

http://www.christianforums.com/f24-christian-teens.html

You can take a look if you want. But I'll still be praying for you and your youth pastor.

 

[Asaph]

In this past year, I've

How you are doing is no longer your problem. In fact, it is no longer even any of your business. You are a child of God, a child of the King. Whatever happens is in His perfect will. Good or bad. Whatever place you find yourself in, it is God's business, and His problem. Your mission is only to climb up into His lap at every opportunity. Wrap your arms around His neck and never let go. He likes big sloppy kisses on the cheek too.

Asaph

 

[hat lady]

Asaph is right. You belong to God and he will lead you because you are seeking him and allowing him.

Trust the Lord, keep your eyes on him. Use your gifts and talents for the Lord ministered to the saved and unsaved. Start reaching out to others, and let God flow thru you.

 

[Shalia]

Um... well, this is what helped me.

I stopped thinking about it being what *I* needed to do. I broke down and cried, realizing that I'd spent years thinking that if I could just <insert whatever here> enough, I could be a good enough Christian, I could be closer to God, I could be I could be...

It's not up to me. It's not up to you. Ask God to break you. Ask God to show you that it's nothing you do, there is no Bible reading there is no attending church there is nothing that will make you closer to God, God will draw you closer to Him, and make you want to do those things. Subtle difference, but different nonetheless. Once I realized it wasn't about what *I* could do to draw me closer, but that I had to lean on God to bring me where I was supposed to be, things were easier to understand, and I became a lot closer to Him.

 

[SOLDOUT4HIM]

Yes, faith is all we have to go on. "Now faith is the substance of things not seen, the evidence of things hoped for." Hebrews 11:1. Keep believing God and He'll help you. Pray for His strength, guidance, increase of faith, blessing, and that He would allow you to love and care about ppl like He does. The judging thing is a problem most Christians (myself definately included) have. If we pray to see ppl as God sees them then we will have compassion for the lost and the luke warm and will do all we can to help them. God Bless you! I'll be praying for you.