My family has been going through a storm. My dad, who was like a best friend to me, is in jail and Ive been trying so hard to lean on God through this. But its been really hard. I used to go to our church youth group every wednesday night, but starting the day before he went to jail [which was a wednesday] i havent been going {which is when i do praise & worship and listen to someone talking since i work with kids on sunday mornings.}. but I went tonight [wednesday]. And I could feel God's presence there during praise and worship, but im still having a hard time leaning on God. Help please! <3
2007-11-14 12:57:36 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belomnged to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scenes of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it."LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk me all the way.But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. "I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied,"My precious, precoius child, I love you and I would never leave you.During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Hope this helps you:)
2007-11-14 13:10:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
What ever it is you believe in it shouldn't only rely on your ability to go to a designated area and do whatever it is you do there. If you are truly faithful and firm in your beliefs then it wouldn't matter if you actually went to church or not. You are free to worship anywhere at anytime as long as you follow those beliefs and faith with your heart. I think it is a cop out that if you felt a presence but that you still somehow can't "lean". What are you getting at? You need a strong support group that is of your friends and family and if you really need it at church, but you can't lose faith simply because you aren't in church everyday and you can't always lean on just "God" for help or to solve everything for you. That's why you do have friends and family.
and no I am not a Christian but does that make mine or anyone else's advice more or less useful if it comes from the heart?
I think that is a just a tad bit discriminating.
I do wish you all the best. I had a friend in jail. I did question her and what I should be doing/thinking about the situation. All in all I was there when she needed me, truthful and supportive. She's out now and she's doing great. I have faith that one day she will return the favor. Whether it be for me or not, is irrelevant.
2007-11-14 13:19:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Go next week also. Go every time there is something there, in church. Basically seek for it in every way, anyway you see an opportunity to make you stronger, Go. Don't stop, and don't give up.
See you have to push yourself now, because the devil knows how hard it is for you right now, so he will work with your mind first.
Remember, it's all just in your mind, in reality everything is okay, and everything will actually turn out okay also, because God is on your side, You are His. Don't forget that.
Keep on praying for your Dad, reading the Word, and just talking to God, because Satan is there to put anxiety and stress into your head and heart. He knows that when stress fills you up, you cannot do anything. It's like you become impaired. You cannot be happy, you cannot talk to God, you cannot shine with the Glory of God even, because you become too depressed, not wanting to do anything.
Don't let the devil do the victory dance over your life. Stand up and be happy, God is there for you.
P.S: Remember, the joy is your strength. (God always tells people to not worry, because He knows He will bring them out of the problem they are in).
2007-11-14 13:17:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You will be okay, just do what you can. He will bring peace to your life and situation. He knows what you are going through and will be with you all the way. I cannot comprehend what you are experiencing because I have not had this problem, even though my husband went to jail, and I had a hard time dealing with it. I was so stressed out. Just keep going to church and feeling His presence, this will help you alot. Don't be hard on yourself, just do your best in trusting in Him. He loves you and it will all work out.
2007-11-14 13:21:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
always trust God. Put all your worries on him. He does amazing things and can help you through anything.
.....3 year ago on Christmas Day, my dad died at home after going through some major surgey. The following Wednesday, I really didn't feel like going to church by my boyfriend kinda talked me into going. When I went I really didn't talk to anyone but one girl and she asked me how my Christmas was and I told her what happened. When the service started she asked for a prayer for a friend. During the worship all I could do was cry. After the worship was over, my youth pastor started preaching and I wasn't even paying attention. Then he started talking about peace. Inner peace and how to receive God so he can grant you that inner peace. At the end of the serivce I went forward and had him pray for me. My youth pastor pulled my boyfriend aside and asked what had happened and he told him my father had died not even 3 days earlier and he had no idea....
That just goes to show that God will grant you the peace you need no matter what you are going through. Pray, Read, and Trust in him and we will get you through.
2007-11-14 13:05:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
God has begun a good work in you, and He is faithful to complete it. Life's storms are inevitable, but they will pass. It is in going through these trials that we learn how to lean on God. When you think you can't take any more, remember these words: I know my Redeemer lives. God bless you, and I will pray for you. Keep going to church as much as you can; you need to be saturated in the word of the Lord!
2007-11-14 13:13:33 · answer #6 · answered by Amalthea 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What you need to remember is that we all make mistakes, and we will all have times in our lives where we are going to feel on the bottom...beaten, battered and bruised by our circumstances...that we are under such a heavy burden that we cannot lift it on our own. The shining light in this is that for all of us who have Christ as our Lord and Savior...these times are only temporary. He is with us at all times...and He will lift that burden off of you and your family. Pray for strength, for guidance, and for the faith and patience to wait on God, because He knows your struggle, and He is with you. God does not forget us, and He will help you when "He" knows it is best to do so, and in the manner in which "He" knows it will benefit you the most.
Keep praying, and even though things can seem like they are not getting any better...this is where our faith is put to the test.
Keep in mind also that just because things are hard, it is not the time to neglect your time with God...it is more important now so that you will remain strong under these circumstances, and so that you can be a light to your family in these difficult times as well. We are not supposed to expect a perfect life because we are saved by our faith in Christ. We are expected to suffer in this life...some more than others, but that we have the promise of God, the hope in things to come. We are given peace in our hearts, and love and joy, and contentment so that we can bear up and handle situations that other people would break under the strain of.
Be a light to those around you, keep praying and know that you are loved by God, and loved by all His children in this world and all the hosts of heaven. Perhaps you could talk to your pastor...see if He has any suggestions that could help you to make better use of your time. Pray to God with thanksgiving, because He has already answered your prayers, even if you can't see the results yet.
Take Care and God Bless you sister.
I prayed for you. Be strong and even if things don't work out as you would expect them to, they will work out for the best.
2007-11-14 13:18:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know the feeling. When my dad fell off the roof and broke both his legs and I went through a depression, it became harder to connect with God even though I had been so religious previously. I'm not as religious as I used to be, but I think what helped me is to realize that God does little things most people don't notice. Example instead of thinking, "Why did God let my dad fall like that." I think, "God saved my dad from getting killed." Try to find the possitive in the negative and reconnecting will be easier.
2007-11-14 13:08:42 · answer #8 · answered by blue_seal07 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I'm sorry to hear about that. I'll pray for you. Don't quit going to church!Hold your head up high!!!!!! Nothing is impossible w/ God. You just keep telling yourself that, over and over. God is faithful in good times and bad. You need to be in church right now TO FEEL God's presence surround you. God is w/ us all the time. But being in church always has a special electricity to it. Remember God loves you AND your Dad. God Bless!!!!
2007-11-14 13:10:23 · answer #9 · answered by paula r 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
God does not put on a person more then they can handle. you are young and learning about the hurts of life. put your faith in God and ask him for the strength to get you through. take it day by day and it will become easier. this experience will help you deal with future hurts. and you never know everything happens for a reason even if we don't know what that reason may be yet.
2007-11-14 13:05:22 · answer #10 · answered by slickpapa2002 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋