I have always been a devote Catholic. Until today I have not had any doubts. But Last Friday my sister in law was killed in a car accident. Monday night my Grandmother passed away. And last night while out jogging my husband was hit by a car, He will be alright but he suffered a broken leg and 3 cracked ribs. This morning my daughter who is 10 asked me if all this was happening because God was mad at us. I automatically answered no. But after the kids left for school I was laying on the couch thinking about it all. And yes doubt crept into my mind. Has anyone else ever had this happen? I just don't understand why after every thing that has happened in my life. That at this time when I need God the most doubt is creeping in. When I lost my parents at age 21, Had our baby boy who was born 7 weeks early die at 5 days old, When I was diagnosed with Overian cancer and had to have a hysterectomy, Please wait to answer till I add on to this question.
2006-10-24 16:30:13 · 23 answers · asked by Kali_girl825 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When my God father was shot and killed as an innocent by-stander in a convience store robbery. My faith never failed me. And I felt that surviving these obsticales made me even stronger. Why now am I have these little pings of doubt? Has anyone ever experianced this? Besides praying. What else can I do to keep my faith strong. If you have any suggestions please answer. As I so much could use the help right now.
Thank you for taking the time to read and answer my question.
2006-10-24 16:34:50 · update #1
For Use: 4263
The picture I am using is a pixie farie. That my daughter liked very much. And asked me to use. There is nothing bad in it. I do not understand how a simple cute picture can make people doubt a person.
2006-10-24 16:50:07 · update #2
My dear child. God is with you more now than ever. I read your question several times before I grasped what I was missing. Your past tragedies did not befall you all at once. That made it easier for you to deal with. I don't think you are losing your faith at all. It is just being tested. I am 84 years old. I to have had many trial and tribulations in my life time. And I to had some doubts creep into my mind and soul especially when I lost my wife of 62 years. Just keep praying. Go to mass. lean on your family and friends. Go to your priest for guidance. I am very sorry for your losses. But please know you will over come this period of sorrow and doubt. And your faith will be stronger than ever when you come out on the other side. I will pray for you and your family. As I am sure many people are and will continue to do so. Just remember God never gives use more than we can handle. And you can and will handle this and become a stronger person for it.
God bless you.
Grandpa Mike
2006-10-24 18:12:02 · answer #1 · answered by grandpa_mike84 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your question as to why God allows suffering is a great one, that all Christians struggle with at different times in their lives. Suffering is one of the problems with living in a fallen world where all of us are sinners. I don't know why some Christians seem to suffer more than others. The Bible however, is clear on what we should do: read our bibles (this isn't natural for many Catholics, but let God speak to you directly in this way), continue to pray, and seek the support of other Christians around you. Some references that might help you are:
• We cannot say with confidence why God allowed evil into the world.
• Much suffering is a direct result of our own sinfulness (eg the suffering caused by drunkenness, or greed, or lust, or…). But some is not (John 9:1-3)
• All suffering results from the fallen nature of our world (Romans 8:18-25).
• God uses suffering to discipline and strengthen his children (Heb 12:7-11; Rom 5:3-5).
• God can use suffering for his own glory and the cause of the gospel (see John 11:4; Acts 2:22-24; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God brings good out of evil (Genesis 50:20).
• God does something about our suffering. Jesus suffered and died so that we could be forgiven and participate in the ‘new creation’ where there will be no suffering (Rev 21:1-4).
• Our personal experiences of suffering do not change God’s history. Jesus did live, suffer, die and rise again for us. The cross of Christ declares God does love and care for us despite the continuing existence of evil.
2006-10-24 16:45:31 · answer #2 · answered by eco101 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every family has stuff happen all at once. You are not alone with this but, sometimes it does get overwhelming. The thing to do is not doubt your faith but, thank God that you have it because you surely would not survive without it. I am Catholic and we experience the same kind of stuff. Princess Dianne said it so well when she said "Nobles' oblige'' Which mostly said that if you are of the Nobility then much is asked of you but, Jesus said it best when he said "To those that much has been given--much is expected." Offer it all up. Who knows who will approach you in Heaven and thank you as the extra suffering afforded the conversion of a daughter or a son or something. Be proud of your faith we have the Lord Jesus with us always. He knows everything and just continue to trust in him. Remember when he was in the boat with his disciples and a great storm came up while he was napping and the disciples were worried that they would drown and after they woke him up he calmed the sea and said "Oh you of little faith". He is God and he loves you.
2006-10-24 17:39:47 · answer #3 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In this world of sin, bad things happen to good people. We are at war with the enemy of souls. He will stop at nothing to make you let go of your hold on Christ, our Rock. God allows a certain amount of wickedness to show the results of sin to the surronding universe that is without sin. That way sin will never arise again. Why do you doubt? Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We are more than conquerors through Him. I am truly sorry that you have had such a bad stretch. God must be preparing you for a awesome work that He has planned for you. Trials make pure gold. Never doubt the love that God has for you in spite of what you see, hear or feel. We do not see the end from the beginning as God does. We look through a glass darkly. But one day we will see things clearly. And, I am convinced that if we had our choice, we would not be led any other way than that which God led us. All things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Keep reading your Bible, following the direction of the Holy Spirit, and pray without ceasing. God's promises never fail.
2006-10-24 16:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by 19jay63 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You poor thing. I am so sorry to hear about all the hurt and pain you've had in your life. I hope that things begin to turn around for you.
In answer to your question, God does not make bad things happen. God is not mad at you; in fact he loves you more than you can even begin to imagine. God doesn't test us by making bad things occur, especially at such a severe level. He's not trying to teach you a lesson in anything. The enemy (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
Also, your works are not what gains favor with God. You can go to church every day of the week, pray before every meal, and go to confession all you want, but if you do not have a personal relationship with God, it does you no good.
It is normal to have doubts when things don't look cheery and bright, but during this hard time, don't turn your back on God because He has not turned his back on you. The enemy would want nothing more than to cause you to doubt at this time. Instead, turn and run into God's arms and bask in the love and comfort you will find in His presence. Talk to Him, just like you would talk to a friend. He is there to listen. And when you are done talking, sit quietly, and listen for that still small voice inside you. That is how He talks to you.
2006-10-24 16:39:23 · answer #5 · answered by shybusch 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry for all that your family has had to go through. I believe God will never give us any trials we are not able to handle. So ,you must have a very strong family. Take care of each other ,Love each other and always remember to put your Lord and faith first in your families lives. Always keep an eternal perspective.
As for your infant son you lost so early, know he is waiting w/ your Heavenly Father and you will be able to raise him in heaven.I truly believe this. Continue to pray and attend all your church meetings. Stay close to the Lord during these times. Remember this life here on Earth is only temporary and we will be rid of these weak mortal bodies soon enough. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless
2006-10-24 16:51:51 · answer #6 · answered by J DUB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some say that God never gives you more than you can handle. When I look back at all of my painful memories my only response is that I sure can take a lot of (stuff) if God keeps dishing it out. Others would say that it is all in your journey thru life. That you touch upon all those you cross paths with in life. Maybe there is a silver lining in every cloud. The way I see it is that you can't have these earthly experiences, good or bad, in Heaven or wherever. That is what is so great about existing. God is not vengeful or punishing. He rejoices in your moment of being. Life happens!
Steve
2006-10-24 16:52:03 · answer #7 · answered by steve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For now, all I can tell you is that God could be testing you and/or trying to get your attention. Maybe there is something in your life that He wants to clean up, and He wants to make sure He has your undivided attention. He could be testing your faith, so like someone previously said, read Job. That book should give you some encouragement. I know the trials and hardships seem like they are neverending and that God is mad at you, but you just have to continue being strong. I will most definitely pray for you and your family, and I pray that you never give up hope. God ALWAYS loves you!
2006-10-24 16:37:14 · answer #8 · answered by Courtney B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to remember and tell your daughter too, GOD does not make these things happen.He set us here for us to live our lives. i don't know why things like this happen to good people. but I do know that GOD is there for us when we need Him. I was at a point in my life where I felt completely hopeless, I am talking the bottom of the barrel hopeless. I prayed really hard and I swear to you something came over me and all of a sudden there was such a peace.Since then I feel I can just about handle anything.Pray to Him, ask him for understanding, ask Him for strength. Tell Him you faith is on shaky ground.You have to really really pray. I will pray for you and may GOD bring you peace.
2006-10-24 16:42:13 · answer #9 · answered by Piper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God is testing you to see how strong your faith really is. To me, it appears that your faith is very strong. Doubt will creep in. It has for me, so I know exactly what you are going through. Definitely read about Job in the Bible. I think after you are reminded about what Job went through, you will see that having faith and keeping that faith are important.
I am now going to say a prayer for you.
Dear Lord Jesus, I ask that you bless this lady in a mighty way. Keep her faith strong. A lot has happened to her. You know these things Lord. Help her to be able to come to You for the guidance that she needs, especially in the matter of answering her daughter. You love us so much Lord. Once again, Lord, I ask that you help this lady to stay strong in her faith of You. Give her peace of mind right now that You will be with her when she needs You. I pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
God bless you and best wishes. Sorry this was so long.
2006-10-24 19:11:00 · answer #10 · answered by ironchain15 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋