i am finding myself less and less inclined to worship god or even give him the time of day. it hurts to say this but it is what i am feeling. it seems i can never measure up to what i am being called to do. church constantly challenges me, and i constantly fail. i am not seeking god like i wish to either. i still strive to follow god's commandments, for i have strong morals, but my relationship with christ is hurting. i know paul wrote everyone falls short of the glory of god, but it's not comforting now. please help.
2007-07-18 15:24:12 · 23 answers · asked by Brian D 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Assurance of Our Salvation
The salvation God provided at the Cross leaves no room for uncertainty. If you've received Jesus as your personal Savior, then the Father wants you to be 100-percent certain you're saved. There's a three-fold test you can apply to your understanding of salvation.
First, ask, "What does the Word of God say?" The Bible's teaching about salvation leaves no room for doubt. Acts 16:31 says it well: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." That's it. It doesn't tell us to believe, plus something else. It just says, "believe."
Second, ask, "What is the witness of the Spirit?" Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit Himself testifies that we are children of God." When we receive Jesus as Lord, the Father gives us His Holy Spirit. This ever-present Spirit inside enables us to relate to and communicate with God. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can continually testify that we're saved. Then, we'll be confident even if our feelings about salvation ebb and flow.
The third question you can ask to better understand salvation is, "What's the desire of my heart?" When the Spirit begins to reside within us, we'll experience powerful changes. We'll develop a desire for intimacy with the Lord and become sensitive to His will. This doesn't mean we'll never sin. But it does demonstrate our born-again spirit reaching for God.
You can know that you're saved. If you've made the commitment to trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then rejoice today as a child of God.
2007-07-18 15:30:27 · answer #1 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how you feel deeply. I too feel this, sometimes it lasts for weeks. What I do is refresh my love for Christ. I find a study, something I have not spent much time on that way I am focoused on one thing and not many. and in that Idea I pray and seek Jesus. You say yo uhave deep morals, I might suggest a book by Nancy missler. THe way of Agape. It is about GOd love, my Girl friend just finished it. The beginning is hard there are some things there that are hard to hear. But it has such a beautiful message. One that might help you out. But yeah I say find one thing and just look at it, let the rest be still untill you have relaxed a bit.
God will make a way not to worry
Blessings
2007-07-18 22:36:08 · answer #2 · answered by Michael M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean "church constantly challenges me, and i constantly fail"?
Do you mean that it is a challenge to attend church or to serve in a ministry? When you say that "i can never measure up to what i am being called to do" do you mean what God is calling you to do or people in the church?
Because Jesus said that his yoke was easy and his burden was light. If it's too much of a strain to show up for church then you have a problem that I can't help you with having so little information. But if you can't do all of the things that other people are expecting you to do then maybe you are not being called by God but by men to do those things.
2007-07-18 23:13:18 · answer #3 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My favorite prayer when I am feeling like this is, "God, don't let me go." That's all I pray. It works for me everytime.
Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." These are God's promises and our God does not lie ! Remember that with Christ's death and resurrection, we are given an amazing freedom.
If you feel that you can't measure up to what you are called to do, give it over to God. Matthew 9:26 says, "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Just show up, committed to God's will, and He will do the rest.
If you need some uplifting, watch the movie, "Facing the Giants."
2007-07-18 22:48:17 · answer #4 · answered by Just Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what you mean. Certain christians claim that the church is for everyone, but as soon as you stumble they are quick to point it out. I assume you are saved and God says that if we confess our sins he forgives us. It doesn't say he may, it says he DOES. Guilt is an emotion that the enemy uses to control our worship. If he can take our praise and worship from us, then he's making progress. Just get by yourself and tell God how you feel and cry if you have to. When I get this way, I turn out all the lights and I start talking to God, and as I talk, I imagine him opening up his arms and giving me a big hug and holding me. This takes all my doubt and discouragement away. Hope this helps.
2007-07-18 22:31:54 · answer #5 · answered by Y!A P0int5 Wh0r3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel the same way from time to time. You are struggling with the Faith Verses works issue. You have to come at your relationship with God knowing that there is NOTHING you can do to earn your salvation, NOTHING you can do to pay for your sins and NOTHING you can do make GOD love you any more than he already does.
If that's a downer check this out
1. Jesus paid for your salvation. you just accept it on faith.
2. your sins are wiped clean by Jesus sacrifice on the cross
which you accept WHEN you repent (Turn away) from your sins.
3. God already loves you more than you can imagine.
You are probably wondering WHY you feel like you are losing touch with HIM then? sometimes we go through spiritual dry times to help us understand and appreciate him better during the spiritually full times. Read Job and Ecclesiastes, you aren't the first to feel what you feel. also the Psalms are full of people feeling the distance from GOD that our fallen nature creates.
why do good works that we are prepared for then even if we fail? because they are evidence that we love God back. Imagine a child doing dishes for his mother, and making a bigger mess than before he started. he is showing love for his mother by doing the deed, not doing something because she couldn't do it.
sorry for being so long winded, but i struggle at times with that question myself
2007-07-18 22:40:22 · answer #6 · answered by jkf_alone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brian, we all have times when our faith is tested. Also, life is filled with trials and challenges to test us and build our spiritual maturity.
My advice would be to read God's word and engage in prayer. Also, meet with your pastor for Christian counseling.
One big question is have you accepted Jesus' gift of salvation? If not, you may need some more basic training to get you to the point of knowing God a little more.
2007-07-18 22:30:59 · answer #7 · answered by Mike V 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been going through the same thing for awhile and it does bother you but you have to know in your heart that God is still their for you and he will help get through this so be patent and still just love him in your heart and pray when it comes to you to do so. I heard a message the other day that said if God brings you to it he will bring you through it. This is a maturity thing you will be alright. Better known as a faith walk.
2007-07-18 22:34:42 · answer #8 · answered by Fisherofmen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Precisely the reason I left the ministry for Wicca. The insurmountable pressure in overwhelming, and you will find as time goes on that you will never measure up to what the church wants.
2007-07-18 22:29:34 · answer #9 · answered by Draven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the main reason of Christianity is the Cross and reconciliation to our Father.
I have been out of the ministry for four years now. I will not step in again until my relationship with my Father is restored completely and I am in the center of His will.
Seek God with all your heart. Nothing else should matter now.
To God, that's all He ever wanted.
2007-07-18 22:29:29 · answer #10 · answered by n9wff 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋