How am I suppose to be the Christian that God wants me to be? Help please?

Question

I believe in jesus, but how do I put religion first in my life when i am more spiritual then religious, plus i have kids to take care of which one has problems, i have a husband deployed in Iraq that i am always worried about which means i have everything to take care of on the homefront by myself, I have college classes online and i have to work real hard to get straight A's and I am so exhausted. I want to go to church but i am just physically and mentally exhausted. I support people that normal christians would be against because I gerenerally care about people and can not be against them. So what do i do? HOw do i have time to put God first? Is everything i am already doing is putting God first by doing Gods work? I have friends that need help on a daily basis as well that depend on me. advice please i am so darn lost.

I didnt say i do things normal christians do not do i am just not against things that some christians are against and there is nothing wrong with being spiritual since God mades us spirits

Answer 1

Putting God first is for sure a positive thing. But there are many ways that you can do that. Prayer is the way that we connect and talk to God. But the misunderstanding is that we have to be alone or in a silent place. This is far from the truth, while you are doing normal everyday things, talk to God as if here were your best friend standing right next to you. That way you will have God in your everyday occurances. Your diligence at home is noticed. You work very hard to do a lot of things. Do you constantly see God in the things you do? Sometimes we see difficulties in life as problems, but God uses everything to his glory, even the problems in life. These things make us stronger. Just look at Job, he had a crazy life of hardship, but in all he came through all. Joseph was thrown into slavery and came out on top. Ruth had hardships also, but what do all these biblical people have in common? They all came through by keeping their Lord and Savior first in the midst of the problems. Putting God first doesn't mean drop all your responsibilites and focus on him, it means focusing on him in the midst of your everyday responsibilities. The things you do are for Gods glory, the care you are giving, the classes your taking, the support you are giving are all unto God's ultimate glory. For others to see that a Christan Woman is taking on the world with Gods power and strength.

The church issue, I see this way. The early church was not a big building with decorations. The early churches were in houses of people who came together to talk about Godly things and read the word of God together. Church is about one thing, having community with other Christians. With that, there are small churches, large churches, and home churches. Have church with your children or neighbors.

As for your Husband in Iraq, let me first say thank you for his and your dedication to our country. With that, I can only imagine the worries you have for him. But trust in God's hand to move the pieces where they need to be moved in order for his plan for each of our lives to come to fruition. Trust in God's protection and pray that over your husband always. In that, no matter what happens you know that God has a plan for him.

As a Christian, there are things that we will disagree upon, but there are concrete matters that God's word has the final say. Pray and research what theologeans say on the matter. But make sure you trust the top theologean, Jesus Christ. I pray that these words have helped you answer a part, some, or all the question you have posted. I also pray that God will show you, help you, and give you strength where you can not find any. May all you family be blessed. Continue to fight the good fight and remember Philippians 4:13.

Answer 2

I feel for you, it's hard work to be everything to everyone, all at the same time. The good news is, you don't have to do that! Remember the most basic rule of all when choosing your priorities on a daily basis ... God will not give you more than you can handle, so if what you are being asked is more than you can handle, say no with confidence. Say it with hope because that means God has something wonderful around the corner for you, you just need to keep walking :)

Let's face it hon, you are someone who needs to let go and trust God to take care of some of these things you are doing. You must prioritize according to the critical things in life for a Christian mom, and I can point you in the right direction. Read Proverbs 31, it's the last chapter of Proverbs, starting at verse 10 to the end. It's commonly referred to as "The Wife of Noble Character". You will find a woman being praised who is just like you :)

These verses will also give you a handle on HOW the woman did all this, the things she put in priority. I found that studying these verses until they were a part of me helped me get through some similar rough times ... and gave me sight of a finish line that makes it all worthwhile :)

Answer 3

I think the biggest thing here is that you just need to relax. You believe in Jesus and that he died for you and subsequently saves you from your sins - that's the hard part! Some people never even get that far.

Secondly, you need to try and make time for yourself and God, if only a few minutes/day. Many Christians (including myself) struggle with that too because life is busy and it has many pressures and time constraints too.

Thirdly, if you are loving your children and loving your husband and sharing God's love and kindness to those around you every-day then you ARE doing God's work, my friend. Consider that perhaps you aren't being called (at least as this point in your life) to do some major thing for God. But, instead perhaps you're being called to do a bunch of small things for God. Like encourage your friends.... buy someone that cup of coffee that is having a bad day... love your kids like God does..... THAT is God's work!

I'm sure that you're doing well and that you need to give yourself much more credit then you currently are. God knows that you're busy and he understands. He knows your limits and weaknesses better then anyone else. Just give him the best that you can, whatever that is.

Your husband is a hero too, by the way. It's my prayer that he, along with my brother-in-law and everyone else over there in Iraq gets back home safe and sound.

Answer 4

Please don't feel lost! Of course God knows you are doing the very best that you can. Just by being a good person, and taking care of your friends and family is God's work. I don't believe for one second that God looks down on anyone just because they don't go to church. Believe me, you are on the right track. You are being a good person, and you are doing good things for a lot of people. I'm a very spiritual person myself. I know some people that go through the "motions" of religion-like going to church and such, but seem to have no spiritual sense. Remember the main thing Jesus tried to get across was to help people and do good things, and set a good example for others. You are a good person, and God knows that. God does not want you to feel guilt. And you should support people, I know what you mean. Anyone that calls themselves Christian should do the same. You are very much on the right track! :) Email me if you want to talk.

Answer 5

I am going through the same thing. In the morning on my way to work I pray to ask for forgiveness a and strength. I also thank God for all the things he has provided for us. I pray for everyone that I know and everyone I don't know. Before bed I pray with my kids. The prayers are a bit more routine in the evening because I'm so darn tired.My point is any time you have free time to yourself take the time to seriously talk to God. Even if it's in the shower. I commute so I talk to him on the way to work. About church, well I am guilty of that too. Ask God to show you the way.

Answer 6

I must honestly say the only answer I can give is only partial but it will be a great help. Every day read your Bible in a disciplined manner. I have a Bible that is broken up into 365 day reading program with a short note on what was read. This is the best stable long term success plan I can offer. There are millions of other things to be successful but without the word they will be a failure.

Answer 7

While going to church is important as long as your faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ and what he did at the Cross for us you will be fine. Read the Bible, Start with the Gospel of John, Just read what you can. You will grow your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. When you read the Bible pray that the Lord will open the Word up to you for what he wants to reveal to you. You will know it comes from the Lord if it lines up with the Scripture. God bless your husband and you.

Answer 8

You are to be admired...........but

Where would we be if Noah was to busy with helping others that he had no time to build the ark. How can you save others when you can't save yourself?

Jesus said if you put my kingdom first all these other things will come to you.
He also said take up my load for it's kindly and light and throw your burden on me.

Answer 9

suggestions:
get up ten minutes earlier in the morning, before you do anything else, and talk to God for those ten minutes.
go to bed ten minutes earlier at night and spend those ten minutes thanking God for your day.
that twenty minutes will be the most important 20 minutes in your life everyday.

Answer 10

You have to sell all that you own, give the money to the poor; and pursue a life of destitution, praying and meditating from early morning, and you must praise Jesus without ceasing. No other activities will keep you out of the eternal torment of Hell.
Haven't you read the Bible?