Support/help really appreciated!

[nomoresearching]

I hope this fits in this category...

I know I renewed my faith in God, and I believe in him (and Jesus), but I just find it so... so ~hard~ sometimes. My friends talk about how "not everything in the bible is true", and though I know that everything ~is~ true, I sometimes catch myself being doubtful. And then I feel stupid.

I went through this period of time where I felt that I was nothing, and wanted to kill myself, which is now far behind me. But sometimes I struggle just to stay in the zone where I want to be, which is full faithfullness and devotion to God. How can I stay so close? Where can I find sufficient support? I really don't want to slip back into the 'etchy-sketchy' girl that I was before. I just don't know exactly *how* to be stable like this. It seems so difficult... I can't be the only one feeling this. Right?

 

[mon_cherri_flower]

sound pretty normal for a young christian. see, even strong older christians can doubt. the deeper spiritual growth you have, and age with wisdom, you will no longer doubt Him. but you'll fight with being faithful. we will all have struggles. it is a daily cross to carry.

 

[bfly]

I hope this fits in this category...

I know I renewed my faith in God, and I believe in him (and Jesus), but I just find it so... so ~hard~ sometimes. My friends talk about how "not everything in the bible is true", and though I know that everything ~is~ true, I sometimes catch myself being doubtful. And then I feel stupid.

I went through this period of time where I felt that I was nothing, and wanted to kill myself, which is now far behind me. But sometimes I struggle just to stay in the zone where I want to be, which is full faithfullness and devotion to God. How can I stay so close? Where can I find sufficient support? I really don't want to slip back into the 'etchy-sketchy' girl that I was before. I just don't know exactly *how* to be stable like this. It seems so difficult... I can't be the only one feeling this. Right?

I see you are new here. We have a teen forum.

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

If you have not all ready check them out. You should be able to find someone there your age and can tell you how they stay stable in the Lord.

 

[Rosebaronet]

You are lucky to have this much faith at 14, I never had faith till 22 and went through a ten years search as agnostic before concluding God is there and His love is absolute, now I wish I did not wasted the ten years time doubting and searching, so you are truly blessed.

 

[Powered_by_Prayer]

The important thing is that you have a realization of where you are standing. That is important. The stability you seek is within the spiritual side of life. It's at once both more difficult and easier because of your age. It is difficult because at 14 many things are quickly changing. Relationships are more numerous, open and intimate at that age. Distractions are everywhere around you. Your exposure and understanding of the world and those around you is increasing.

It is easier because you lack the predjudices that occur later in years as a result of wandering down too many wrong paths.

The spiritual side is fed through Bible study, prayer, contemplation of Scriptures and basically keeping one's eyes on Jesus. What questions do you have about the Scriptures? What questions do other's have? Find those answers. Memorize the proof Scriptures. While memorizing, contemplate all that they mean or could mean to you. Pray about them. Then set about telling others what you've found.

We are to love God and we are to love each other and be burdened for their souls.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.


Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find people who only believe part of the Word. But the fact is, why would you worship a god who was powerless or could care less about his word? How could you be held accountable for wrongly deciding what to obey and what to discard?

You want to know how you can stay in the "zone" but you have to recognize what it is you are asking. There is a division between the flesh (natural, fallen nature) and spirit which we use to communicate with God (Who is spirit). What you are seeking is to empower the spiritual side so that it may have control. I could suggest youth groups with your church and those can be good, but I know in my day how the mix was and I have no reason to suspect things have improved. It is a good base but the solid foundation has to be laid in Christ.

You are soley accountable for the condition of your soul so you must take it to task and base all your decisions upon how it effects your relationship with God. Consider the handful of Scriptures above and how they might shine a light on the crossroads you might find yourself at.

Don't sweat the thoughts of suicide. It's not uncommon to be overwrought and do a bit of a drama play in your head. I'm glad you've gotten past that but it is in the past and has no bearing on who you are now.

Just remember, if you ever have a problem, pray to God about it and seek for His direction. If anyone ever gives you a problem about your relationship with God, intercede and pray for them. Problems come but you'll learn much from the experience and grow greatly. If you can stay on track at 14, I promise you will become an extraordinary Christian and be blessed immensely throughout your life.

-PbP

 

[Onlythingavailable]

One thing I've heard a lot of people talk about, and found to work myself, is to constantly think about, and talk to, God and Jesus. Not just when you're at church or praying, but when doing every day tasks too. When you're sad, when you're happy, share it with God. By constantly talking to God and Jesus, you focus on Him, and you will consider His will in everything you do.

By talking I mean inside your mind, not necessarily aloud. Make God part of your every day life! Don't be discouraged if you don't pick it up at once, it takes some practice and getting used to.

My best wishes to you.

 

[inHisgripkim]

Hello to you young angel of God:

I didn't find the Lord until I was forty. When I first started seeking, I had my doubts too. I overcame this doubt by continuing to seek God in everything. What helps is to seek out Christ-centered people where you can talk about the Lord and feel the glory of God in your discussions. You've heard the expression "equally yoked?" It is important to be with other Christians to keep your faith flourishing. That does not mean to give up the friends that aren't Christ-centered. We, as Christians, have ministry to bring people to Christ. Jesus goes after the one that strays or is lost.

Your friend speaks from ignorance (not knowing). Some of the things in the bible aren't true? How does your friend know this? Your friend is only repeating what he/she has heard somewhere else from other nonbelievers. Understand that your friend probably knows nothing about the bible and its contents. I doubt that he/she has even read any part of it.

Stay in truth. Do not listen to people who speak from ignorance (uninformed and lacking knowledge). Seek out Christ-centered teens. God binds people together.

As Bfly stated, there is a teen forum that you can access. Start by seeking the Christ-centered teens there.

Hang in there. Cling to Him with every part of your being for it is He who gave you your being.

Hugs to you,
Kim