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What's wrong with me?

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cowboysfan21

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I just became a Christian last night. Yesterday afternoon I wasn't doing too well, I was doubting that there was a God but I was convinced there is a God and I accepted Christ last night. I felt a little better, but today I am back where I was. I feeling the same as I was last night again, I am doubting if I am saved and I am even doubting of God or the Bible is real. So, back to my title, What is wrong with me?
 

Blessed-one

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Nothing. :hug: doubting is part of it for some christians. I myself had doubted numerous times. Yes, it is painful, it is stressful.. at times you might think, wouldn't it be better just to throw it all away? but if you don't give up on the road, you'll find the wait worth it. In the meantime, i suggest you do more praying, schedule quiet time so it becomes a habit, and study the bible. Don't trust your feelings, for they can betray you. Trust in the Lord's Word and know that He never forsakes you. The only one who is going back and forth are us, not God.
 
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caitlincares

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I read in another forum someone talking about the "assurance" of knowing you are saved.
Here is what that person had to share:

Herev said:
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Isn't God wonderful that He wants us to rest assured! We can really know.

 
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artybloke

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cowboysfan21 said:
I just became a Christian last night. Yesterday afternoon I wasn't doing too well, I was doubting that there was a God but I was convinced there is a God and I accepted Christ last night. I felt a little better, but today I am back where I was. I feeling the same as I was last night again, I am doubting if I am saved and I am even doubting of God or the Bible is real. So, back to my title, What is wrong with me?

Doubt has been my middle name for so long I've thinking of giving myself an intial D (arty D bloke, anyone?)

Christianity is not about certainty, if by certainty you mean you have all the answers neatly wrapped up in a bundle to carry with you for all time. It's about following the light of Christ, rather like the people of Isreal followed the light in the Exodus story. You've just started on a life-long pilgrimage: of course, you're unsure where you're going just yet, or if you'll get there, but if you keep Christ's command to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself forever in front of you, you'll win through to a deep faith.

And it's not a faith based on feelings either; or just accepting the right set of beliefs. I'd rather you revealed the love of Christ in your life daily than that you went around with a permanent grin on your face and the ability to quote the whole Bible at people should they dare to question you. Don't be afraid to ask questions yourself, even if they are awkward ones; and don't be satisfied with pat answers or long strings of Bible verses ripped out of their contexts. Dedicate the brain you have to Christ and use it.

And, as blessed-one says, pray. You might need to start off by getting into a habit of doing it daily.
 
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stoney79

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Hi cowboysfan21,

To answer you question: what's wrong with you? Based on what you've told me - nothing. I don't know about anything else. You might have huge emotional problems. You might have a drug addiction. You might even have three heads. But the things you were talking about doesn't scream any problem to me. You've just been through a big change and are wondering what's going on. This is normal. =)

If I may, I'll tell you about myself briefly as it may help. I became a Christian in February this year, so am still really knew to this as well. I'm slightly bi-polar and suffer from depression occassionally. Basically, when I'm up - I'm super happy; when I'm down - I'm really down (suicidal desperation down...). So, I understand the rapidly changing emotions and feelings about God.

When I first became a Christian, I was incredibly emotional. It took about 3 weeks before I could get through a worship session without being in tears. I've been on an Alpha Course (would definitely recommend them) and three weeks ago I attended the weekend away. Man - the Holy Spirit worked in me! It was like being pulled from zero to Godspeed - which makes warp look about as fast as a very slow thing. It was huge and I really understood what people meant by being "born again". My mind felt on fire and I could hardly breathe. But, I was feeling great and I knew God loved me.

So bearing all this in mind - you might think I would be sure about my faith and praising to you the glory of God. Well... no - not entirely. For the two weeks following, I've been under huge amounts of spiritual attacks. Within two days, my friend heard I was on Alpha and sent me loads of info on the dangers of it and why it's really bad. I felt terrible! I'd just been on this great weekend, the Spirit had touched me and here was someone saying it was all lies. My faith was undermined, I was left wondering where I was and where was God. But - I got through it and was still with God.

Then, I went to Glasto and somewhere on this forum is the panic that I went under when I went through that. Basically, I met a girl and the Enemy managed to confuse me so much that I didn't know if she was a blessing or sent from the Enemy. I felt that I couldn't trust God as I was getting mixed messages and allsorts was going through my head! I'd also gotten a vision from God about my Alpha group leader and told it to him and he didn't really get it at all. So all in all, I was feeling disconnected from God and wondering where this left me.

I only say this a) as I probably have problems and b) not to belittle your issues but to give you a moral to the tale.

This Tuesday, after weeks of struggling, I called up my Alpha group leader and said "I can't do this anymore. I don't know what's going on - I think I need to quit" He said come along to pastorate, so I did. That night, he explained a few things which I already knew but needed to hear (and perhaps you do too):

1 - "God is absolutely besotted by you and loves you so much. He made this world for you and wants to be in a relationship with you"
2 - "Are you saved? Well, have you given your life to Christ? If yes, then you're saved and are going to heaven." (People have different views on what that means, but go talk to your pastor/vicar and talk that one through if you need to. But follow your heart and you'll know.)

At the pastorate, we prayed and God came to me through prayer. He took me into his arms and basically put me into bed to care for me. Angels attended to me and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced - peace like I never thought possible. Have you had one of those days when everything - EVERYTHING - has fallen apart? You're hurt, bruised, sore, completely tired and feel you've wrecked everything. And then your Mum/Dad comes in, puts you to bed and sits with you, comforting you while you fall asleep. That's about the closest I can describe to it.

And the most profound part was - I was chatting to my leader afterwards and he mentioned a few things about his life, which suddenly clicked with the vision I had of him. Later that night, I was praying and God said "I knew this was all going to happen and you were going to panic, and that's why I gave you that sign - so it's meaning for Andy would be revealed to you after you went mental and things were ok again. And that's the real meaning - I knew you were going to go through all that and I did it so you would know that I am real and that I'm with you"

So I guess what I'm trying to say is Christianity is hard. It's not twee - it's very difficult in places. But God is faithful - more than we can imagine and He is working in you already. He is crying to see you like this and wants to work His love in you. I would recommend reading a psalm - I like 10 and 34. Maybe they'll be of use to you - maybe not. But talk to someone about it - maybe a guy from church. But you have all of eternity to understand this my brother, so be patient and let God do His work.

May God bless you always
 
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rtwyatt

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I definitely don't think anything is wrong with you. I look at it this way. What better time for Satan to start attacking you than when you become saved. He has lost a major battle. To place doubts in your head about being saved , or doubts about God being real is just a way for Satan to try to win you back over to his side. I think many new christians feel the same way that you are feeling after being saved. But one thing that Satan can not take away from you is the experience. Even if you have doubts, like I did when I first was saved, you're not likely to forget the experience .
I always find it interesting that most churches focus on getting the sinner to the altar to be saved but they don't really come through enough after the fact for a new christian. Churches need more programs or a program for that matter for new christian so that people can help them and answer some of their question. I hope that you can find someone in your church who can support you and guide you as you grow in your new life. I agree with stoney79 that being a christian is very hard and I don't think many new christians are prepared for how hard it will be or told how hard it will be.

I hope this helped in some way.
God bless.
 
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Blade

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Just like the rest said. Ok how do you know your saved? Because you are doubting about it. Yes you see satan can not tell the truth so if he says your not saved then PRAISE GOD and SHOUT for you are. And remember God does not move you with fear. Its peace. Talk to Jesus man tell him everything and expect him to hear and answer for he really really really loves you. And cares about every thing, thought all the stuff you do he just loves to hear from you.
 
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mac_1771

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rtwyatt said:
I definitely don't think anything is wrong with you. I look at it this way. What better time for Satan to start attacking you than when you become saved. He has lost a major battle. To place doubts in your head about being saved , or doubts about God being real is just a way for Satan to try to win you back over to his side. I think many new christians feel the same way that you are feeling after being saved. But one thing that Satan can not take away from you is the experience. Even if you have doubts, like I did when I first was saved, you're not likely to forget the experience .
I always find it interesting that most churches focus on getting the sinner to the altar to be saved but they don't really come through enough after the fact for a new christian. Churches need more programs or a program for that matter for new christian so that people can help them and answer some of their question. I hope that you can find someone in your church who can support you and guide you as you grow in your new life. I agree with stoney79 that being a christian is very hard and I don't think many new christians are prepared for how hard it will be or told how hard it will be.

God bless.
Amen to this and let me just add that a friend of my mine warned me that when i became a Christian satan would atack me and try and make me doubt. he did but i, through God's strength and providence, was able to make it through. Ask God to show you Groups and Churches where you can get involved with other Christians.

Life is never easy but i can assure you that without Christ in your life you will feel like your life is not going anywhere and as if there is no purpose.

God gives you a purpose in life. When you become his He will give you the strength and the courage to continue in Him. Read Isaiah 40:31. Its so true. it has been in my life and it is in your life, but only if you let him help you.

Remember that Peter doubted but look at what the Lord did through him.(Last couple of chapters in each Gospel ie. Matthew 26-end, Mark 14-end,Luke 22-end,John 13-end) Also read through Acts to see what God used him for.

If you keep your eyes on Jesus He will guide you.

May God Bless you and guide your Steps.

Mac
 
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Endure2

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its becuase Jesus said that when an unclean spirit leaves a person and they are set free, the spirit goes looking for rest but cant find it, so the unclean spirit says to himself I WILL RETURN TO MY HOME and if he returns to the person and finds them empty and he comes in again.

the bible says our spirits need to be renewed DAY BY DAY.

this is not a one time experience, you have to feed and fill your spirit with the word and prayer everyday or you will grow cold and go back to that old life.

get in the word of God, it will counsel you in these issues and change your mind, or conform it to way of the kingdom of God that is.

find a faveorite scripture or worship cd something that revives you, and keep it in your life, read it and listen to it everyday.
you have to continually refresh yourself.

its a day to day walk of feeding at Gods table, so we dont grow cold again.
 
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12volt_man

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cowboysfan21 said:
I just became a Christian last night. Yesterday afternoon I wasn't doing too well, I was doubting that there was a God but I was convinced there is a God and I accepted Christ last night. I felt a little better, but today I am back where I was. I feeling the same as I was last night again, I am doubting if I am saved and I am even doubting of God or the Bible is real. So, back to my title, What is wrong with me?

It's been a day, man. Calm down!

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. It happens. Walking with Christ is a lifelong thing and the Apostle Paul compares it to a marathon, not a sprint.

I normally don't like bumper sticker type things (so if you tell anyone I said this, I'lldeny it) but we have a saying in our church: "get into the word of God and the word of God will get into you".

We see this in Rom 10:17. It says, "faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God". Now, this is referring to salvation but the principle is still valid.

The more we study God's word, the more we will know Him. We can come to know His will for our lives and see His faithfulness and love toward us.

It's a long walk. Don't get down every time you have a doubt or don't feel like you're on some spiritual mountain top. That's a terrible way to have to live and you'll drive yourself nuts.

I'm praying for you.
 
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lambano

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cowboysfan21 said:
I just became a Christian last night. Yesterday afternoon I wasn't doing too well, I was doubting that there was a God but I was convinced there is a God and I accepted Christ last night. I felt a little better, but today I am back where I was. I feeling the same as I was last night again, I am doubting if I am saved and I am even doubting of God or the Bible is real. So, back to my title, What is wrong with me?
I would say your biggest problem is being a cowboysfan – just kidding, I mean look who’s talking, a died in the wool Bears fan – boy do I have problems

I am sure most all of us have been through the doubt phase, but just remember it’s not what you feel, it’s who you are. Doubting will not change your standing with God, you are his son, He does not doubt that, because he has called you. One of the best things you can do for your mind is to continually read the scriptures. The more you understand who you are and what you are in Christ the more you will live it and the less you will doubt

You can think of your life as a thermostat, one of those old fashion kind with the mercury. The more you read about your new life the more you put on that word of God the more that mercury will rise, you will be hot, on fire for God.

All throughout the epistles it talks about renewing your mind putting on the new and off the old, letting the word of God dwell in us – we have to read the scriptures we have to put on the word of God, it does not happen automatically it is a decision of our minds to do this; a very rewarding decision. If we don’t, that temperature begins to drop we start to feel cold towards God and then we wonder; where is God?

Just take it one day at a time and when you start to doubt call upon the scriptures in your mind like I John 3:2 now are we the sons of God …..Enjoy your walk and do not get frustrated the doubts will become less and less as you read more and more.



lambano
 
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