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Historian

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 8:48 pm


Lately I've really been struggling with my faith. I dont feel anything when I pray anymore, even when I pray for God to help me with my distance from him. I grew up in a family that strongly believes in the five points of Calvinism, so the question is: What if God just didnt choose me to be one of his children. I feel totally screwed over, and no matter how hard I pray, I dont at all feel as if theres anyone listening.

Help.
PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 12:18 am


There are many reasons as to why you may not feel God's presence. And really, if you are fighting for this, i don't think it means that you're not a christian. There are times where we don't feel God's presence, or not as strongly as we used to. I can't really tell you exactly what to do. there's not a step by step procedure. But i guess something you can do is really just reflect and wait. If there's a sin you're struggling with, it may be a reason. But distance from God is not a measure of the proof of your salvation. Proof of your salvation comes from perseverence

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Just wait and persevere. Fight to see God and you will find His Joy. biggrin
God bless

SinCera11988


wrighteousdude

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:06 am


I can tell you from experience, this is a lie and attack of the enemy. First of all, I John 3:1 says, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" God has already chosen you to be one of His children and nothing can change that.

Second of all, Satan hates when you pray and will feed you any lie that will get you to stop praying. Find some place quiet, and just start praying whatever you feel in your heart. God listens ever so intently and can't wait to hear your next prayer. Something to be aware of though: James 4:3 says "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
Meaning, God doesn't answer selfish prayers, so make sure you have your motives set right before you pray.
PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 8:06 am


if you think god didnt chose you well god must have because you feel his presence previously and now notice his abscene,so do yourself a favour and get that daft idea out off your head.also i had the exact same problem and then i discovered god wanted me to wear a headcovering.

PoppyDadswell


Metanoeo

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 1:57 pm


Historian
Lately I've really been struggling with my faith. I dont feel anything when I pray anymore, even when I pray for God to help me with my distance from him. I grew up in a family that strongly believes in the five points of Calvinism, so the question is: What if God just didnt choose me to be one of his children. I feel totally screwed over, and no matter how hard I pray, I dont at all feel as if theres anyone listening.


If you trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ then God does hear you. Call on Him, ask Him to open your mind and heart. What has been written will be promised. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, service and works. Let him guide you to the narrow gate. Repent, study his word and give him thanks for His mercy and grace. Be His servant.

I'm also a Calvinist. I ask myself one time, "Have I been elected to be the child of God?" The answer was, "Only the children of God will call the Father in Heaven. Those who are a new creature in Christ are the elect." Don't worry about inner emotions and feelings because they come and go.
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:00 am


There are just times in your life where you'll feel like that.
It's a desert, a test. We all go through it.
You just have to keep praying hard, and know that God is still listening.
And that God is still there.
And that he still loves you no matter what you do.

` J A C K


Airigo

PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:37 pm


My life is very hectic right now I am working paying my bills and trying to find out where my life with god is headed. My friend tells me that I need to get into the word more and pray about where god is telling me to be instead of where I think he wants me. Also I wonder if I have to go to church every time the doors open or just on a rugular basis.
PostPosted: Sat May 12, 2007 1:59 pm


it isn't God that chooses you to be his child. its you, if your willing to accept God as your Father or not. God wants everyone to be his children. just keep praying and he'll find you.

sunshinehearttrob


GO-YAFFA

PostPosted: Tue May 29, 2007 11:15 am


You know I'm going through that right now too. It's good to know that I'm not the only one. I just pray that this is a test of my faith. To see if I really love God because of my belief or because my mother makes me go to church. It's easier to cut and run and say he's not real that to have faith and go through the hardships that a Christian lifestyle can entail.  
PostPosted: Thu May 31, 2007 11:01 pm


That is actually one of the main attacks of Satan, especially during the first two years in the faith. I also fought with that doubt in my mind: "Am I a Christian? Am I one of the chosen ones?" I came to the conclussion that what I was doing was focusing more on my own reasoning and actions, rather than on God's Word. If He has said that those who believe in Him have eternal life, then it's true. God can't lie, and the reason why He sent His Son to die in the cross was precisely to give us eternal life (John 3:16), and to reconcile us with Him (2 Cor. 5:20).

We might not feel His presence for hours... days... weeks... months... and some Christians have been like this for years, yet the calling is for obedience, not for living our way because we don't feel His presence. Those were hard days... it was difficult for me to read the Bible or pray without feeling God's presence, but after I understood that obedience and faith in His Word played an important role more than my changing feelings, I continued doing those "spiritual exercises," as someone called them.

The situation is often called or described as "spiritual dryness," and its causes can be one or more of the following:
1) Physical weariness (or laziness).
2) Leaning to worldly habits or conforming to worldly patterns.
3) The end of a ministry where you were intensely participating (this was my case, as I used to lead prayer groups and chapel in my school. After I left school, I started having those spiritual dryness times). Or having a "break" after strong spiritual work.
4) Sin (unconfessed sin, or indulging sin).
5) Other causes.

I suggest holding to God's promises. Trust Him with all your heart, and soul, and mind. Keep on reading the Scriptures. Don't neglect going to church and meeting with other believers. And don't... I repeat, don't, forget to pray: Tell God your feelings about this condition, and ask them if it's His will to take you out of it so you can rejoice in Him once again. Keep your hope, and don't dismay.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

daviderentxun

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