Talk to other Christians

[StaceyL0u]

Hi I found Christ towards the middle of last year. I strongly believe that this path was meant for me, but my family is not Christian nor my friends or boyfriend of five and a half years. Although they are all very supportive of my choice it is difficult at times to remain connected with God when I don't feel like I can talk about him on a daily basis. I have struggled with mental health issues nearly my whole life so can't attend church. Although I meet weekly with the minister at my local Baptist church, (not for the last month as I'm currently house bound by my anxieties). I sponsor two children through Compassion and writing and praying for them helps me keep my faith alive. I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar position and how you deal with it? Thanks in advance.

 

[NewKat2015]

Hi, I'm not that much in a similar situation but I can say that because of my ex-spouse's behavioral change against God and living for himself has played a big part of me turning to God. In the beginning of the relationship it was vice versa as he was too "safe" and "nice" and towards the end it turned to greed and not being satisfied and me reminding him that there was so much to be thankful for. Over the years we planned a detailed future, etc. which I feel now has been destroyed by focusing on unGodly things. I too joined this forum to communicate with other Christians. I am very new to this forum and Christianity and know that it will be a challenge but seeing someone so Godly change before my eyes and focus on unimportant temporary things of the world has me rely on The Lord even more. He will not forsake you and will continue to love you, though challenging times will come across your path the Heavenly Father has a plan and will not let you down no matter what the devil tries to tell you to distract you from God. God Bless and prayers move mountains!!

 

[High Fidelity]

Have you tried watching sermons/services live online? A lot of churches broadcast them now, especially in the USA.

 

[StaceyL0u]

Thank you for sharing your experience NewKat2015, although different in a lot of ways I think we share a lot of our difficulties too. Maybe private message me if you would like to talk more.

And thank you James I will have a look for those.

 

[parsley]

Welcome to the family (belated), and to CF! Also hi to NewKat.

It sounds difficult. I especially notice a difference when I don't have a friend I am praying with. Sometimes I'll do that in email or online, but still the synergy and mutual care is nice. At least you have the pastor.

Are you able to have people visit you, or go to places for ten minutes at a time? (No pressure.)

There are a lot of online resources and you probably have some favorites already. But the search can feel infinite.
A few that I enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Markmurchison - video talks with cozy songs
StudyLight.org: Search and Read with our Bible Study Tools - Bible resources, devotionals
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/ -- audio Bible

Also, most churches post their sermons online, so you could look up an old friend's or cousin's church, and listen in... then talk about it afterward. (Or not.)

 

[jannikitty]

Hi I found Christ towards the middle of last year. I strongly believe that this path was meant for me, but my family is not Christian nor my friends or boyfriend of five and a half years. Although they are all very supportive of my choice it is difficult at times to remain connected with God when I don't feel like I can talk about him on a daily basis. I have struggled with mental health issues nearly my whole life so can't attend church. Although I meet weekly with the minister at my local Baptist church, (not for the last month as I'm currently house bound by my anxieties). I sponsor two children through Compassion and writing and praying for them helps me keep my faith alive. I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar position and how you deal with it? Thanks in advance.

Hi Stacey, as I read this it sounds to me like your need is for some supportive imput from other Christians. You can get that to a certain degree here on the forum. You may want to check out the forum section on Mental Health here: http://www.christianforums.com/f600/ There are likely others who post there who are in a similar position as far as mental health issues go.

Just adding: Don't be dismayed that you are not getting the kind of support you need from those who are not Christians in your life. Perhaps you do need to make some choices and changes as far as your relationship with your boyfriend goes. But family is family even though they may not be as understanding about your newfound Christian life. You'll have to be an example for them..because they need Christ too! So you do need support for your situation for sure.

Am praying you find support from Christians. And that your anxiety is healed so you can participte in a Christian community and worship the Lord with others. We all need that!

Blessings and prayers...

 

[aChildOfMary]

Hi I found Christ towards the middle of last year. I strongly believe that this path was meant for me, but my family is not Christian nor my friends or boyfriend of five and a half years. Although they are all very supportive of my choice it is difficult at times to remain connected with God when I don't feel like I can talk about him on a daily basis. I have struggled with mental health issues nearly my whole life so can't attend church. Although I meet weekly with the minister at my local Baptist church, (not for the last month as I'm currently house bound by my anxieties). I sponsor two children through Compassion and writing and praying for them helps me keep my faith alive. I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar position and how you deal with it? Thanks in advance.

First of all, congratulations on chosing Christ this is why we are put on this earth and your choice to follow him is essential for you and your life and afterlife.

A side note, if you are determined to stay faithful to Christ throughout life I highly recommend for you to find someone to marry that share your faith if not it's all to common to adapt to ones spouse disbelief and in the end leave Christ.
Btw the longer you wait with this the harder it gets.

Also I recommend for you to widen your search to more than just the Baptists.
look elsewhere to if you feel like it.
Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Lutherans, Anglicans etc.
you may find out that you are closer to their understanding of the religion than say the Baptists.
Don't get me wrong I like Baptists more than any other form of Protestantism, but before you nest in a tradition you should know what youre saying no to aswell.

I went through this phase myself as I went from Lutheranism to Catholicism.

Anyway I'm sorry to hear about your mental illness and rest assured that I'll pray for you.



Pax Christi
aChildOfMary

 

[insurchoftruth]

God will either deliver you from suffering, or if not, will give you the strength and grace, to pass trough it and endure it.


Difficulties make you do some good things which you would not do otherwise.

When you worry about the future, which you do not know, it prevents you to function and enjoy living in the present, which you know.

We all have reasons, to be troubled, but the Word of God, gave us a greater reason, not to be troubled.




Romans 15:13, Psalm 121:7, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 62, Psalm 68:19, Psalm 147:3, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, 4:16-18, 7:6, 12:8,9,10, Psalm 43:5, Psalm 22:24, Psalm 119:50, Psalm 34, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 86, Nahum 1:7, Job 29:3, Isaiah 25:8, 30:18,19,20, 40:1, 41:10,13,14, Psalm 69, Psalm 13, Psalm 94:19, Lamentations 3:1-66, Jeremiah 31:13