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RE: Personal Struggles - 8/30/2010 9:11:27 PM
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steve1300
Posts: 8
Joined: 8/27/2010
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As I read through these posts, I could point to those struggles that are also mine. I' ve had a bunch of years to build bad habits that need to be changed.
They are changing, and by the Grace of God, I can see the changes in work.
My biggest problems are pride and speaking without thinking - causing me to be a liar in that my truths are only partial or exaggerated. I have asked for help from Jesus to deal with these and for serenity, and He has granted my requests. When I deal with others from a more serene perspective, I don't exaggerate or speak without thinking. I also try not to let emotions swell up and take over, causing me to be prideful and offended easily. It is not a completed change, but a constant work on myself. If I act without thinking, I fail again.
There is no shortage of behaviors to work on, but those are my initial ones.
Thank you, sisters and brothers, for your posts. They are a blessing to me.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 8/30/2010 9:35:13 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1266
Joined: 1/22/2008
From: My inside world
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1300
As I read through these posts, I could point to those struggles that are also mine. I' ve had a bunch of years to build bad habits that need to be changed.
They are changing, and by the Grace of God, I can see the changes in work.
My biggest problems are pride and speaking without thinking - causing me to be a liar in that my truths are only partial or exaggerated. I have asked for help from Jesus to deal with these and for serenity, and He has granted my requests. When I deal with others from a more serene perspective, I don't exaggerate or speak without thinking. I also try not to let emotions swell up and take over, causing me to be prideful and offended easily. It is not a completed change, but a constant work on myself. If I act without thinking, I fail again.
There is no shortage of behaviors to work on, but those are my initial ones.
Thank you, sisters and brothers, for your posts. They are a blessing to me.
Blessings back to you, 1300, and welcome to CW!
You are quite right. It is constant work but it is His work to do. Yes, we must cooperate but without Him, we'd continue in our misery. Mercy is drawn to misery. Hallelujah! God is good.
Look forward to seeing you around here and hearing more about your walk with the Lord. We need each other.  LL
_____________________________
Liveloved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: Personal Struggles - 9/9/2010 12:49:11 AM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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Some of my short comings are not apparent to me until people point them out, and I'm hoping that they would do so gently and in hopes of my submitting it to God for healing and amendment of life in those areas.
To me this is part and parcel of loving one another as Jesus loves us. This was His command.
I cannot picture Jesus gossiping and wagging the finger. But Christ-ians, little Christs, are known for that during the centuries.
Because of my sin, Jesus was pierced; for my transgressions, He died. If I do not allow that "Balm in Gilead" to be applied to my wounded self, I shall not be healed.
I do not want to be a sickly Christian. Yet I fail in thought, word and deed, by those things done and those left undone. It is not that everything I am is a waste, and so the same is true for all of us.
We are perfected in Christ, for we cannot get more holy in God's eyes than Jesus' imputed righteousness. However, we are being sanctified. For most, the gross sins disappear. Jesus in the beatitudes spoke of further obedience however.
Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect; that's what Jesus said. That's what Jesus was and is and will be forever. Amen.
There is no one perfect in everything they do, say and think. There are some who think so, but I do not know of a one who does that I admire for their insight.
I stumble when I stop seeking God's face throughout my day. I find myself resenting some things done, to me, my wife, or others in this world. I should not be offended by them, but be still before God and submit, and act in love and prayer.
I know this, and practice it imperfectly. God is patient, but not for me to remain where I am. I find the less time I'm consciously present to God with my intentional mind, the more I feel alienated not only from myself but from others and God.
God knows our hearts. God knows our faults better than we do.
Anything that does not proceed from true faith in Jesus is sin.
(okay, that's the extended Anderson paraphrase.) 
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 9/9/2010 8:16:43 AM
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dan2430
Posts: 26
Joined: 7/4/2010
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
Does anyone have any personal struggles they want to share? I know many people want to keep their struggles private but I think it helps to openly acknowledge them to fellow believers. This way you can get encouragement from fellow Christians and vice versa. Here is a list of my daily struggles:
1. Giving half truths and telling white lies.
2. Lust
3. Being timid of the gospel of Christ.
Hi Johnny,
1. I was short with my wife yesterday, a dagger in my own heart. will I ever learn.
2. Not finding time for those in my life. Not recognizing when they are in need.
3. Making excuses for not getting things done.
4. Not all things I do are pleasing to God. (The entire list in a nutshell).
Todays a new day, with Gods help I hope to do better. I'll repeat the struggle tomorrow then the next day. It's the pattern I'll live while I remain here on earth.
Peace and Love, Dan
< Message edited by dan2430 -- 9/9/2010 8:26:34 AM >
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RE: Personal Struggles - 9/21/2010 8:44:59 PM
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kaczarnecki
Posts: 2
Joined: 9/6/2010
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1. Pride
2. Impatience
3. Allowing negative thoughts to languish
4. Timid in spreading the Gospel
And others.....
My faith grows everyday and I take comfort in knowing and understanding that I am a work in progress, that Christ is my Redeemer and has paid my ransom. We live in a fallen world where the enemy takes great pleasure in our torment, especially those who have placed their faith in Him. I know that it is during those attacks that we MUST put on all of God's armor. And that the courage, discernment and wisdom that I pray for and receive is through Him, through His blessings, and not this broken body. I love the Lord with all my heart and all my soul and with all my might and when my time here is done, can think of no sweeter words than to hear Him say, well done, faithful servant. I know I need to do better.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 10/8/2010 7:53:30 AM
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pathofjesus
Posts: 422
Joined: 9/28/2010
From: Maine
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I struggle with trusting God - where He is taking me in Life and how....
I struggle with getting angry at God, especially at times when He seems to be withholding knowledge or understanding from me and I don't get answers to my questions.
I struggle with lonliness - trying to find ways to overcome it by getting out with people, but having at the same time a lot of isolation.
I struggle sometimes with lying - the kind that comes out of my mouth and then I look back and say, "well, that wasnst exactly true, was it?" Not the immediately apparent lie, but the afterthought awareness of not being truthful.
_____________________________
United in Christ
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RE: Personal Struggles - 10/9/2010 2:57:48 AM
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pathofjesus
Posts: 422
Joined: 9/28/2010
From: Maine
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Isaiah 32: 17&18: And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
God is good; He knows that leading us along a righteous path will produce much fruit. Bless His Name!
_____________________________
United in Christ
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RE: Personal Struggles - 10/15/2010 3:52:20 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: janetmello
Isaiah 32: 17&18: And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
God is good; He knows that leading us along a righteous path will produce much fruit. Bless His Name!
Bless His Holy Name.
We just moved, and I'm struggling with feeling resentment for the situation that caused us to move. Yet, it is tempered by the knowledge that God provided for us to move into a nice secluded spot with a real address and God provided my wife with an motorized wheelchair for no cost.
There are storms which we must ride out sometimes, and other times Jesus tells the wind to stop. Its all to His glory, and his presence is there no matter what.
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/8/2010 7:29:34 PM
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nolongeractive
Posts: 13
Joined: 10/13/2010
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-Being critical of others (especially when it comes to ministry styles, etc.)
-Confidence
-Remember to run after God first
The confidence thing has been miraculously getting SO much better, regarding self worth/hatred, doubt, etc. God has TOTALLY almost renovated my heart, restored my hurts some at a time. I don't conistantly take the pause to pray and give my full prayer all the time. Though I do pray a lot throughout the day inside myself. I also (not as much anymore) as this connected to the self worth or confidence, I relied on others' appreciation, or acceptance, or friendships etc. to lift me up, and what they thought of me, to be how i measured my self worth.
I've learned what being humble means, and to acknowledge and give thanks to God, that He created a brilliant, attractive, caring, and spiritual guy in His image, the image of Christ. Somebody who SEEKS God regularly, really strives to be in good relationship, and live the best possible life I can. God has told me this. I have felt this peace. And the fact that I am writing this, and it is past tense, I am not 100% out of this little hole. The last month or so, has been so relieving, and restorative. I have felt released. Cleansed, etc. BUT I still get those times, where I do feel pretty worthless, or inferior, negative thoughts about myself, my life situation, where I am, where I could be, etc. Years of being bullied, victim of foolish trickery, disrespect, silent rejection, etc. has really taken its toll. And God is healing me of those petty times in high school and middle school. I wasn't atheletic, I was a little pudgy, or 'soft' lol I was terrible in gym, and we had to use locker rooms in middle school. Really bad idea, people don't realize what junior highers deal with. I've been taking classes on this actually. A lot of my past has been rising back up into memory. It's so hard. But it forces me to deal with the things head on, once and for all, when I couldn't and wasn't as spiritually mature then in my life, and didn't take the steps with God to overcome, they diminished into a past, but when they come back, now I can use the power of prayer, the grace and mercy of God, the love of Christ, and His blessings to heal me, and get me once and for all, healed and away from those situations.
I think we will always have struggles, mainly in how we live. Nobody is going to be perfect. Jesus knows this and loves us all the same (no less) for that. That doesn't mean that we should say "ohh... He still loves me..." no, that is called taking advantage. lol We will always stumble, and if we are willing, He is willing to pull us out and dust us off, give a breif shoulder rub, and a pat on the back directing us to keep going!
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/8/2010 11:00:46 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1266
Joined: 1/22/2008
From: My inside world
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: GordonJ7
-Being critical of others (especially when it comes to ministry styles, etc.)
-Confidence
-Remember to run after God first
The confidence thing has been miraculously getting SO much better, regarding self worth/hatred, doubt, etc. God has TOTALLY almost renovated my heart, restored my hurts some at a time. I don't conistantly take the pause to pray and give my full prayer all the time. Though I do pray a lot throughout the day inside myself. I also (not as much anymore) as this connected to the self worth or confidence, I relied on others' appreciation, or acceptance, or friendships etc. to lift me up, and what they thought of me, to be how i measured my self worth.
I've learned what being humble means, and to acknowledge and give thanks to God, that He created a brilliant, attractive, caring, and spiritual guy in His image, the image of Christ. Somebody who SEEKS God regularly, really strives to be in good relationship, and live the best possible life I can. God has told me this. I have felt this peace. And the fact that I am writing this, and it is past tense, I am not 100% out of this little hole. The last month or so, has been so relieving, and restorative. I have felt released. Cleansed, etc. BUT I still get those times, where I do feel pretty worthless, or inferior, negative thoughts about myself, my life situation, where I am, where I could be, etc. Years of being bullied, victim of foolish trickery, disrespect, silent rejection, etc. has really taken its toll. And God is healing me of those petty times in high school and middle school. I wasn't atheletic, I was a little pudgy, or 'soft' lol I was terrible in gym, and we had to use locker rooms in middle school. Really bad idea, people don't realize what junior highers deal with. I've been taking classes on this actually. A lot of my past has been rising back up into memory. It's so hard. But it forces me to deal with the things head on, once and for all, when I couldn't and wasn't as spiritually mature then in my life, and didn't take the steps with God to overcome, they diminished into a past, but when they come back, now I can use the power of prayer, the grace and mercy of God, the love of Christ, and His blessings to heal me, and get me once and for all, healed and away from those situations.
I think we will always have struggles, mainly in how we live. Nobody is going to be perfect. Jesus knows this and loves us all the same (no less) for that. That doesn't mean that we should say "ohh... He still loves me..." no, that is called taking advantage. lol We will always stumble, and if we are willing, He is willing to pull us out and dust us off, give a breif shoulder rub, and a pat on the back directing us to keep going!
Cool, very cool. Thanks for sharing your story, GordonJ7.
It is in our need that we learn to seek and cling and love Him. And He uses
that need to glue us to Himself. Little by little, moment by moment, day by
day and we are conformed to His image. But all the while we are eternally
loved. And then He asks us to live loved. Glad to share the journey with
you, brother! LL
_____________________________
Liveloved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/11/2010 7:10:53 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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GordonJ7, what a glorious witness you have of the work of God in real lives like the rest of us folk.
I'm still in the process of being humbled -- although most folks think it is terrible to have prayed for humility.
How can you be humble before God and others (considering them more worthy than oneself PHIL2.3) if you are not humbled?
Finney in a sermon discussing why men esteem that which is abhorant to God says:
"Reason I bear, her counsels weigh,
And all her words approve;
Yet still I find it hard to obey
And harder yet to love,"-
This is what I know myself, and it is a process that will last my whole life, with adventure and joy and peace with God and community of believers around the world/locally.
I struggle with being patient, and I know God's cure for that... usually lots of things to need to be patient about.
I'm trying to help my wife come to terms with her mother who will die soon after a 30-year struggle with MS. My ML has caused so much pain in our lives (Me, Christine and Joshua). God will have to ministry to my wife and son through me, as I avail myself as a willing servant to let God do the work.
I'm at a loss of what to say, although I can use all the words that the fallen humans use -- and I've been a Stephen's minister, counselor and psychological technician for the State of Enchantment since 1985. Man's mere words and techniques are not God's ways. Dying to self is the hardest part, as we all know. It is hard when you think you know what to do. May I decrease, and Him increase.
Pray that I do not find myself adequate without God working through me during the next year with grief and relationships that have been trashed by my dear ML. Pray for her to find hope in God, we seek to do anything possible to remove barriers to faith when we go to Albuqurque and seek to be real flesh and blood new creations in Christ.
< Message edited by gralan -- 11/11/2010 7:48:48 PM >
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/15/2010 9:51:32 PM
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alwaysinjoy2000
Posts: 419
Joined: 1/25/2010
Status: offline
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What a wonderful, encouraging thread. Thank you all for sharing your own personal struggles and faith. It really makes me feel good to know that there are other Christians out there, in different walks of life, background, etc that God uses for His glory here on Earth.
For myself, I need to work on trusting God more and not doubt. Even though I know
He is working in my life, can attest to answered prayers to show that I am obeying His will for my life, the devil is sneaky and tries to whisper that it didn't really happen that way, and tries to wedge doubt into my mind.
I've been so blessed right now and I don't feel worthy of it, even though I know I am doing what God wants me to do, and that is why He is answering my prayers. You know that feeling you get when you think it's too good to be true, and any minute you'll wake up and realize it was only a dream and didn't happen? I think part of the reason I get that feeling because I don't deserve what He's doing in my life and I guess I haven't fully forgiven myself even though God has forgiven me my sins. And maybe this is also why I sometimes have felt like giving up because then that way I wouldn't have to have my hopes raised up, only for them to be crushed. I know, it's horrible!! It's a big struggle of mine. 
So yup, that's me every time after God answers a prayer. After the thankfulness and joy, I start getting the familiar fears that I can't do it, what He wants me to do.  Which inevitably leads me to wonder if I even was correct that God wanted me on the path He's set before me. Which I know He has, it's just my own fears and doubt. Yet I tend to look at my situation from my limited human perspective and to me it seems impossible. So I haven't fully 100% committed my trust to God and it does shame me to admit that.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/20/2010 1:37:38 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: alwaysinjoy2000
What a wonderful, encouraging thread. Thank you all for sharing your own personal struggles and faith. It really makes me feel good to know that there are other Christians out there, in different walks of life, background, etc that God uses for His glory here on Earth.
For myself, I need to work on trusting God more and not doubt. Even though I know
He is working in my life, can attest to answered prayers to show that I am obeying His will for my life, the devil is sneaky and tries to whisper that it didn't really happen that way, and tries to wedge doubt into my mind.
I've been so blessed right now and I don't feel worthy of it, even though I know I am doing what God wants me to do, and that is why He is answering my prayers. You know that feeling you get when you think it's too good to be true, and any minute you'll wake up and realize it was only a dream and didn't happen? I think part of the reason I get that feeling because I don't deserve what He's doing in my life and I guess I haven't fully forgiven myself even though God has forgiven me my sins. And maybe this is also why I sometimes have felt like giving up because then that way I wouldn't have to have my hopes raised up, only for them to be crushed. I know, it's horrible!! It's a big struggle of mine.
So yup, that's me every time after God answers a prayer. After the thankfulness and joy, I start getting the familiar fears that I can't do it, what He wants me to do. Which inevitably leads me to wonder if I even was correct that God wanted me on the path He's set before me. Which I know He has, it's just my own fears and doubt. Yet I tend to look at my situation from my limited human perspective and to me it seems impossible. So I haven't fully 100% committed my trust to God and it does shame me to admit that.
Hey there. Thankfully God knows our hearts, and is in the process of conforming us. As my wife and I struggle with the same doubts you express, it has been a continuing process of learning on our part that anxiety does not matter in the long run. Except that it poisons the mind and drains the emotions. Whew.
Growing up in the generation and sub-culture I did, the rapture and end-times were BIG ticket items in churches and conversations between church members. Every once in a while I still get the crazy notion I've been left behind. It's odd, and I'm learning to deal with it. But it was engrained so deep into my psyche. I was cutting my teeth on end-times before "Late Great Planet Earth" was a concept in Hal Lindsey's mind. It was haunting, and quite threatening -- which is unhealthy. I personally am sorry that it keeps resurfacing with its fear tactic approach. Since we are new creations I know I need not worry. But that doubt surfaces without my worrying about it. Bam, it's there.
Forgiving myself has been difficult, because I put my wife through some harried trials at times. I was so brain-dead on occasion she really had to seek God's help to deal with it all. I know that I am forgiven. The Bible tells me so.
I'm working on being thankful. I am convinced being truly thankful and grateful, in worship and praise, in all things with prayer at all times, is the call for us all.
When I have my eyes on God it is easier to find myself there. I know I've been distracted, like Peter watching the wind on the waves, if I'm preoccupied with other things and my world is getting grim and depressing.
Prayers for all the saints who are seeking to trust God 100%, for we need that. Since Jesus prayed for His disciples, I think we are called to follow Him in that tradition. Pray for Jesus' disciples; if we do that we are all covered, eh?
Yah sure, yabetcha, don't cha know.
In His Name, with love and humility,
gregory
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/22/2010 7:49:57 PM
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alwaysinjoy2000
Posts: 419
Joined: 1/25/2010
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
Hey there. Thankfully God knows our hearts, and is in the process of conforming us. As my wife and I struggle with the same doubts you express, it has been a continuing process of learning on our part that anxiety does not matter in the long run. Except that it poisons the mind and drains the emotions. Whew.
Growing up in the generation and sub-culture I did, the rapture and end-times were BIG ticket items in churches and conversations between church members. Every once in a while I still get the crazy notion I've been left behind. It's odd, and I'm learning to deal with it. But it was engrained so deep into my psyche. I was cutting my teeth on end-times before "Late Great Planet Earth" was a concept in Hal Lindsey's mind. It was haunting, and quite threatening -- which is unhealthy. I personally am sorry that it keeps resurfacing with its fear tactic approach. Since we are new creations I know I need not worry. But that doubt surfaces without my worrying about it. Bam, it's there.
Forgiving myself has been difficult, because I put my wife through some harried trials at times. I was so brain-dead on occasion she really had to seek God's help to deal with it all. I know that I am forgiven. The Bible tells me so.
I'm working on being thankful. I am convinced being truly thankful and grateful, in worship and praise, in all things with prayer at all times, is the call for us all.
When I have my eyes on God it is easier to find myself there. I know I've been distracted, like Peter watching the wind on the waves, if I'm preoccupied with other things and my world is getting grim and depressing.
Prayers for all the saints who are seeking to trust God 100%, for we need that. Since Jesus prayed for His disciples, I think we are called to follow Him in that tradition. Pray for Jesus' disciples; if we do that we are all covered, eh?
Yah sure, yabetcha, don't cha know.
In His Name, with love and humility,
gregory
Thank you for your encouraging words gralan. You're right, those fears, doubts, and anxious thoughts I had were nothing but poison to the mind!  I know it is definitely the devil trying to attack me now that I am growing closer and obeying Him.
I want to share my own testimony, maybe it'll help encourage others who are struggling right now. It's a little long sorry! God is working in my life right now and has blessed me so much this past year. It wasn't easy for me either, I struggled a lot. However, I am in the process of applying to medical school, and it was something that I hadn't chosen myself, but He chose it for me. During prayer one day this past July, God told me He wanted me to go to medical school.lol. I'll say right now I didn't listen to Him for a month after because I thought "What?! No!", but He wouldn't let me forget.LOL . I just can't fathom why He chose me to go to medical school, but He needs me and I couldn't say no anymore! Since I said "Yes Lord" I have so many instances to share of Him opening doors and allowing me to get to medical school...
The first major instance was when I was trying to get an undergrad research position on campus in August. I emailed the professor, 2 hours later she wanted to meet me to get me on board and I met with her the next day! Now I work in her lab. The next big one occurred earlier this month. I was trying to get volunteer experience at a hospital, but the one near me, their applications were closed. So I applied at one farther away. I prayed to Him, "Lord, I don't have the gas money to make it, if it's in Your will, please let me get in to the closer hospital". It took 3 weeks, I was hitting a wall at the farther hospital. I had contacted them twice, emailing and going to their office and still nothing. I felt despair, doubt about medical school being what the Lord wanted me to do. I prayed for direction, I prayed for Him to tell me what to do. See, I had dismissed the closer hospital to me because their website stated "We are no longer accepting applications at this time", so it SEEMED impossible to get in there right?
Yet, He led me to contact my primary care physician to ask about shadowing her. I went to her office, and not only am I shadowing her now, but she was affiliated with the closer hospital! She told me to go to their volunteer office and ask since she was sure they were still accepting volunteers. I went and found out they were NOT accepting applications, but they gave me an application! And told me I would definitely get on board in January, and not only that but be assigned to an area that I could get good clinical exposure. I just heard back from them this Saturday about shifts, it will happen!
The 3rd one occurred this month too. I met a rep from a medical school at a school fair. I got contact info, and unknown to me he was an assistant dean. Trying to juggle schedules, I emailed his admin if they had appointments in the afternoon (I have class in the mornings) and waited for a response. I prayed "Lord, if you could please allow me to visit this school, if it's in Your will if I could meet them maybe 2 or 3pm so I don't miss my class because you know how important it is I don't miss class!!". I heard a response: appointment at 2pm! I went and made good contacts, plus I got an unexpected personal tour of the medical school by the dean!
The next one. I have been praying to God to help me with my personal essay the past few weeks. I was at a loss. I had contacted an old neighbor a week ago saying hi. She responds back last night. After telling her about what I want to do, she tells me if I wanted help with my personal essay she could help me (she had helped a family member with theirs and they got in to medical school!). Then she told me she's good friends with a neighbor, husband and wife both doctors. The husband a cardiologist and the wife a professor of medicine at George Washington University's medical school. I was blown away, I knew it was His Hand in my life again, working to provide me what I need to go to medical school.
I can't deny anymore that God is guiding my footsteps, and paving the road ahead of me to medical school. I sat down and wrote down all the things He's done so far, and I see a pattern. I have been so thankful to Him and wanted to share! God is great! I know the only reason this is all happening is because He needs me in medicine to do His work, and somehow I will glorify God, help and heal others and maybe bring God into their lives at the same time.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family!
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/23/2010 8:04:58 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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What a testimony in truth.
There are times I need to hear them, and this thread about our struggles is a keen place to name particulars in how God has addressed our situations to His glory.
Amen.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/26/2010 12:08:03 PM
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alwaysinjoy2000
Posts: 419
Joined: 1/25/2010
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
What a testimony in truth.
There are times I need to hear them, and this thread about our struggles is a keen place to name particulars in how God has addressed our situations to His glory.
Amen.
I'm glad I could uplift you (and hopefully others too!). I wanted to share about my struggles this week. I had struggles with feelings of anger, resentment, frustration, etc this week. I was recently under spiritual attack this week, it felt like a bombardment! One after another. The devil was trying to keep me in feelings of anger and despair because of changing situations. Tried to get me to doubt God will provide, tried to get me to NOT wait on God's timing, but do it myself...
I'd face one attack, seek God and pray...then I got hit with another and another! However, I know the only reason I'm still joyful and confident of God's will for me is that I went to Him first throughout it all! I know the devil is trying to keep me from fulfilling what I know is God's purpose for me on this Earth for Him. Any way that I can be less useful to God is a win for the devil. Yet I know that without God's strength to rely upon, I couldn't do it. That is the only thing getting me through this. Knowing that He will provide, knowing 100% this will happen despite the circumstances that arise.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Remember to focus on the Lord when things get bad, when things seem impossible, when you feel despair, sadness, anger...ask Him to heal you of these feelings, to help you and He will!
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RE: Personal Struggles - 11/27/2010 1:33:41 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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Sometimes I think of events as if clearing rocks in my field so the Lord can reclaim parts of the fallow field yet to be made into productive for the Kingdom.
It is He and His work in us that we triumph and are exalted in praise to the Father.
Be fruitful, we are told, and multiply. The Body of Christ has this mission, and as we go forth God will do as God promised in and through us.
This is the only concrete nature of faith I can stand on, otherwise none of this makes much sense.
Just saying.
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 12/2/2010 11:29:02 AM
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DavidDockery
Posts: 98
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I suffer from anxiety. It ebs and flows,but there are times where it's so severe I won't even leave my bed for fear I will suffer from it more. I don't know God's reasoning for this,but it's there for some reason.
_____________________________
Keep the faith.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 12/7/2010 6:46:53 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: DavidDockery
I suffer from anxiety. It ebs and flows,but there are times where it's so severe I won't even leave my bed for fear I will suffer from it more. I don't know God's reasoning for this,but it's there for some reason.
I am aware of this, as my wife has dealt with it during our whole marriage. Just when we think it is subsided, it rears its head again. I am sorry that you are so suffering. Christine has found that prayers for her, and her prayers for others, has helped.
Another thing we've done which helps both of us is the regular listening to the Bible on CD... we go to bed with it on very low. It has become a part of our routine now, and when we cannot sleep - or cannot return to sleep - we find it benficial to be hearing God's word. We began this October with Genesis and are closing with Job in a couple days.
We know of no panacea, but have found certain things like this have helped overall. My prayers are with you, now and in the future. Please feel free to let us know what you find God doing in your life?
Thanks.
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 12/11/2010 12:54:09 PM
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mrsflib
Posts: 17
Joined: 2/5/2009
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Wow, what a blessed thread this has been to read and ponder!
And convicting.
As I wondered about my struggles/failings, it hurt. For I have squandered the riches that I have in Christ Jesus. He’s given me faith, but I don’t use it hardly at all to advance His Kingdom anymore. I’m lazy and afraid of what might happen to my life if I seek Him with all my heart, might and soul. He will rock my world, turn it upside down and generally be in more control than I. Control and predictability mean security and safety to me.
I know He’s given me wisdom and knowledge through the years of being in the school of Christ. I’ve used a great deal of that to teach and lead my children. They are teens now, a few have fallen into gross sin, one’s an atheist, one continues to struggle and one, just one...is sold out for Christ. So much love and painful prayers and living have gone into them, nearly unto death (suicide attempts). I know the stories not over yet. But I don’t know if I want to give again.
We’ve been out of consistent and genuine fellowship since we left our home state fifteen years ago. We’ve gone ‘to church’ on and off over the years and tried very hard to make things worko. But the free moving of the Spirit of Love is squelched, religion/programs and professionalism have taken its place. I miss the beauty, simplicity and authentic reality of Christ among his people I once knew when I was first saved in the seventies.
I know I don’t need to look for love and fellowship...I need to extend the love of Christ and allow Him to bring the fellowship. But I’m tired. Tired of so many trials for so many years.
I know the answer is on my knees, crying out to God for personal revival, for renewed strength and hope. I know that when faith arises in my heart and I act on it in prayer for others...things happen. I just don’t stay long enough. I only go for bits and pieces. He wants to continually pour His life and love into me to extend to others.
I miss the Body. I miss Him. I want both together. Yet, I’m not sure I’m willing to pay the cost of total commitment to do my part of ‘thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.’ This is my struggle.
Sorry, got long-winded and probably too personal. Sticking my big toe in the water...hope its not to hot or cold.
Blessings to God’s kids,
robin
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RE: Personal Struggles - 12/12/2010 11:34:41 AM
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alwaysinjoy2000
Posts: 419
Joined: 1/25/2010
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mrsflib
Wow, what a blessed thread this has been to read and ponder!
And convicting.
As I wondered about my struggles/failings, it hurt. For I have squandered the riches that I have in Christ Jesus. He’s given me faith, but I don’t use it hardly at all to advance His Kingdom anymore. I’m lazy and afraid of what might happen to my life if I seek Him with all my heart, might and soul. He will rock my world, turn it upside down and generally be in more control than I. Control and predictability mean security and safety to me.
I can completely relate! It has taken me a long time, and God has been there every step of the way, but I know He is slowly teaching me to trust Him more and more and rely on Him to provide. It is scary because I think we've been told so many times by society and the world (that doesn't believe in Him!) that we are the masters of our own fate/life, that we have to do it to make it happen (whatever it is you want!), that you have to pull yourself up by yourself because no one else will do it for you, that you have to worry about all the things the world worries about because it's all about "self". It's difficult to un-train yourself from such mentality, especially when we're bombarded it daily everywhere. Whether it's acquaintances from work or school, in the news, on the TV, in self-help books, etc.
I have had to learn that it's not about me, that I don't have control, and that I have to put self behind God. I've learned in the past year that the more I began to trust God, the more I could see His Hand working in my life. So the more I began to listen to Him, to obey Him, and the more I could see how awesome He is! It has been gradual because I struggled the whole way! It's so much easier said than done because for me it got hard to learn to let go control and trust God even despite circumstances that I knew seemed possible to overcome..yet I was able to overcome them only because God led the way. I always had to restrain the impulse for me to go ahead and do it on my own, I had to learn to wait and be patient, wait on the Lord. To seek Him first, and ask if this was according to His will, and if so great...and if not, to wait for His direction. That was the hardest part for me as I am impatient, and again you get the conflicting messages the world sends you vs. what God says to do!
However, I have learned that I am MORE secure now that I hand it all over to God than when I was doing it all myself. I don't have to worry anymore because I know He has me safe!!! All the things the world worries about, I don't have to because I know He will provide.
Don't focus on past mistakes or failings. If you have asked for forgiveness and repented, it is as if it never happened in His eyes. It took me a while to learn that as well, as even when God has already forgiven me past transgressions, I couldn't forgive myself. I am not worthy of the blessings He has provided and will provide in the future, but it humbles me and I have no pride of self even when things are going good because I know that it is the abilities God has given me to succeed for Him and not for myself. He only allows these abilities so that I can use them for Him, never to take pride in them because it is not about me.
Keep seeking Him in prayer! You're not alone!!
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RE: Personal Struggles - 12/14/2010 7:07:50 PM
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gralan
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: offline
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Wow, oh wow.
I am continually blessed by those who are participating in this thread. I am amazed and humbled by all I read and am witness to.
Truly our God is awesome, and we are thankful for his work in these broken vessels. We are being healed by the stripes of Christ, and learn to be thankful for those opportunities to share in the sufferings of Christ -- which the apostle and our brother Paul wrote of specifically in his letters to the Corinthians.
Henri Nouwen introduced me to the idea of the wounded healer; of which Paul writes of " comfort others with the comfort with which you were comforted."
I am not completely sanctified yet, for God is not finished with me. I am perfected in Christ, as unto the needful rightousness which alone He possesses.
Thanks be to God for our interactions of confession and support of each other.
To God be all the glory, to whom it belongs.
Selah!
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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