Need encouragement from Christians !?

Question

I have been feeling like a roller coaster, up a moment and down the next. I have been praying for an answer for my career for more than a year. Things don't seem to be progressing despite much effort and no break through, but many hard knocks and obstacles. It's frustrating not knowing where this will lead and the period of waiting for God's answer is unbearable. Often times, I wonder whether this profession is really my calling (though I wanted to succeed very much),or should I just throw in the towel and call it quits and find other prospects. Well, just need some encouragement from Christians ! Thank You !

Answer 1

trying to console someone without knowing the details of the problem is like trying to fix a car when the person is unwilling to say what it is.

You say that you have been praying for an answer for your career, but that is pretty vague and ineffective. What is it about your career that is unfulfilling or what is it about your profession that you are having a problem with?

It could be that you haven't gotten an answer from God because what you are praying for is wrong. Just because you pray for something doesn't mean that that is what God believes you should be praying about. Remember Jesus praying in the garden? He prayed to have the cup of his trials be removed from him, but he didn't get an answer from God for that. Because of that, he instead prayed for the strength to endure what he was meant to endure, at which point the chalice of faith was given to him, and he was renewed. Sometimes, when you change what you are praying about, the change will bring about the result you are meant to have.

Answer 2

Remember- salvation is between them and God- you are just called to be a part of the process. Maybe all your job here is to plant the seed and live an example for them. It is a little prideful to think that this is all YOUR job. I've been a Christian for over 30 years, and I can tell you that sometimes we are our own worst enemy when it comes to evangelizing friends and family. "Coming under the attack of the enemy" is Christian code for 'things are not going well for me right now- it must be Satan's fault because nothing bad is supposed to happen to me and this is easier than trying to fix things.' We were NEVER promised an easy life, or that our prayers would be answered how we wish, or that we would succeed in everything. About the only promise we have is that Jesus loves us and that everything will eventually turn out good. Why do things go bad when you start to pray? Because your perception of what is supposed to happen changes. Things are supposed to go a certain way, but they rarely do. Every little stumbling block that occurs from sheer normal life becomes a big spiritual issue- we see these as attacks or failures rather than the usual nuisances of everyday life.

Answer 3

I also have to find a new avenue of producing art. I used to paint murals and such but God seems to have another plan for me now and I,ve also been somewhat discouraged even wondering if I was truly meant to be an artist after being one all of my life since I was three. ( I'm a grandma now ) But I'm not giving up on the Lord's promises. He is my hope and my desire.To be an artist has been my calling from the very first time I saw the sky and realized that a Great Artist created it. The word says " Trust in Him and lean not unto your own understanding. " That is what faith is all about. Maybe you are just about to have a break through and that's why it seems so tuff right now. In my life whenever I tell the Lord," Okay, I give up and just let You worry about it," that's when I relinquish my faith to Him and He begins to move the mountains for me.

Answer 4

I have found for myself, on every level, that I often overlook chances or opportunities or "signs" because I was so caught up in looking for an answer. God speaks to us in so many ways. That's why the Bible instructs us to "Be still and know He is God." Sometimes we have to stop trying so hard and just sit and be still and have our eyes and hearts open for where He is leading. For me I've always found it hard to "let go" of something and truly leave it at the cross for Jesus to handle it. You know the old song, "Take Your Burden To The Lord & Leave It There?" Well, the taking part is easy...it's the leaving it there part that's hard. As much as we pray about something until we release it God cannot handle it. If we get up from that prayer & pick that burden back up & try to handle it ourselves God will let us. You are wasting precious time by worrying over this. I know it seems monumental now. I know it affects your very life. Don't you think God cares more about that than even you do? Of course He does. He knows the sincerity of your heart. He wants you to succeed. Just know that sometimes that success comes after great failure. It comes with humility. It comes in ways that you might least expect it. With almost 100% assurity I can tell you that if you are doubting what you are doing as your calling then you haven't found your true calling yet. Or perhaps you are trying to avoid your calling because it won't be as financially profitable in your mind. Just be assured that God has promised to supply ALL our needs according to His riches in Glory. If you are truly seeking Him, you will find your answer. God bless you!

Answer 5

WOW - I could have written the same post!!! I've been praying for about 2-3 years now. Yet, here I am still challenged, frustrated and feeling like I'm not where I should be or want to be. I think when this happens - there is something that I'm supposed to learn that I just haven't yet. You know how sheep are slow in thinking - compared to God and His plan - we too are very slow in thinking and figuring out what we're supposed to learn in a given situation. The important thing is to wait. It's not easy but everyday - that's what I'm convinced I'm supposed to do at this time. You have to weigh all of the considerations and factors and realize which ones are most important. In my case, my husband's job depends on me being in this job - which I know is weird - but it's between him doing something he really wants to and me being happy - in my case I need to submit and let him be happy and know that God will take care of the situation with me and trust that He knows why, what and how to change things in His time. Hold on - change is coming. Just do what you know is right and He will take care of you even if it doesn't feel great right now - you can trust Him.

Answer 6

You are going through things that many have gone through. The important thing is that you do not question God, he knows what he's doing. You are describing the potter's wheel. Where you fit in is on the wheel. See that lump of clay? That's you. Spinning around so fast that you don't know which way is up! The most significant thing that you have to hold on to is the word of God. He says in that book that he will never leave you or forsake you. Even the number of hairs on your head are known by him.

So I would direct you to Pslam 37. Especially these verses:
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Answer 7

that's good that you want an advancement in a secular career, but maybe the reason God isn't answering your prayers it is not according to His will. If you read Matthew chapter 5:3-12, this will tell you how to be truly happy and also Matthew chapter 6:31-34 where it tells Christians to seek God's kingdom first & to quit be anxious over material & secular pursuits. Also, anything you ask of God you must pray through Jesus' name.

Answer 8

I know what you mean. My whole life has been this crazy roller coaster for the past couple of years, and it is very hard waiting for God's timing. Just keep praying and listening for his answer. Thanks for posting this question, sometimes I feel like I'm the only one not getting the answers I need from God. My heart knows, He will reveal His plan, in His time....it's the rest of me that is impatient! God Bless!

Answer 9

Keep praying it works. I hope this will encourage you, in whatever you may be going through. Take care and God bless.

(New International Version)
James1: 2-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Answer 10

i have been in the same spot as you. so many times we are looking in the wrong direction for the answer. Just ask yourself if the career you have now or the one you are seeking, will all owe you to serve God with out many distractions. ask yourself, will a knew career move call for me to spend more time on the job, cause more stress and distraction from my personal study and serves to my heavenly father? if the answer is yes, that is not the career or job for you. If: you are truly speaking from a Christians point of view.