God died for me as of this afternoon.

[elshiva]

This is very painful for me because I loved him so much but he is dead. And I don't know if I can still be a Christian.

[elshiva]

1. Nevermind. Please disregard this thread.

[lavenderdiva]

2. I hope you are ok, and I am praying for you...

If I can do anything to help you, please PM me, ok? I am hoping by reading your 2nd post, that you changed your mind, and realize that God is very much alive, and loves you more than you can ever imagine. In His love....:hug:

[elshiva]

3. Thanks, lavenderdiva. God is very much alive.

It was just some doubts and questions, which are all good. But God is real. :hug:

[lavenderdiva]

4. We all have doubts and questions at times,

that probably won't be answered completely until we see Him face-to-face. You are right: God is VERY real, and I'm so glad He is in your heart. Even if we are tempted to let Him go, He holds us so very close, and will not let us go.

When you are doubting and questioning, reading Psalms is very comforting. David was going through hell at the time (some of which was his own making), but pervasive throughout Psalms are David's questions to God, and statements of his own doubts about God. In every instance that David doubts/questions God, if you keep reading, David will be reminded of God's constancy in his life, and God's sufficiency and love for David. David struggled with depression and sleeplessness and fear, but God, in His sufficiency, provided reassurance, sleep, love, and protection. God is there for each of us in this same way. He's a BIG God, and questions and doubts don't anger or provoke Him. He created you, and knows everything there is to know about you: how you think, how you love, how you feel, your habits, your quirks, your fears. Expressing your doubts and questions only gives Him yet another opportunity to swoop you up in His arms, and remind you that you are oh-so precious to him and that He loves you more than you can ever imagine! Wouldn't you do that to a child who turns to you? Your instinct as a parent would be to reassure that child of your love for him/her, and calm their fears. In that same way, only magnified a thousand-fold, God desires that close relationship with us.

I'm glad for the update! In His love... :hug: :pals:

[FreedomAngel82]

16. What a beautiful post

and all of it is true. :cry: It really does get hard sometimes and I've had my own doubts. But just writing everything out and/or talking to someone about your doubts (even on a message board) really does help.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

5. I'm glad to hear that you have resolved that

But how are you going to break the news to all the jubilant people on the other thread?
:evilgrin:

[RevCheesehead]

6. Can you elaborate?

exactly who is jubilant?

[elshiva]

7. What thread are you refering to???

[Lydia Leftcoast]

8. Sorry to be so opaque

Elshiva posted the same declaration in the Religion and Theology forum and was met with effusive "welcomes" from the resident atheists.

[RevCheesehead]

9. Figures.

I'd elaborate, but we'd probably get locked. :eyes:

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RevCheesehead]

12. Very clever, editing your post.

Why are you in this group?

[Az]

10. I am glad you were able to resolve the issue

In the end being right or wrong about this matter is secondary to the quality of life one leads. If the doubt and concern of the matter cause excessive stress then it can become destructive.

Please forgive my intrusion to this group but I have been concerned about Elshiva since the announcement in the Lounge and the Religion group. I am glad a resolution was found that alleviated the stress it was causing.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Az]

14. Working on it

Tensions are running high on both sides. I think there is gonna have to need to be some cheek turning real soon.

Peace and good luck. :hug:

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RevCheesehead]

20. Concern for others is a progressive value.

Az, you are most certainly welcome here, and in no way are you "intruding" in the group.

[elshiva]

21. Thanks, Az.

:)

[FreedomAngel82]

15. I know how you feel hon

:hug: Sometimes I get weary myself but then something always happens to lift my faith again and I can't give up. Then they'll win. :hug:

[FreedomAngel82]

17. I found a great verse for you!

I knew I had to share this verse with you! You'd like it.

"Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the Lord will find new strength, they will be strong like eagles, soaring upward on wings, they will walk and run without getting tired." Isaiah 40:30-31

[lavenderdiva]

18. I have the biggest smile on my face right now...

In your post #15, when you wrote that you were sometimes tired and weary, this specific verse came to my mind, and I was going to post it, to remind you of God's strength for each of us! And then you posted it yourself!!! Wonderful!

Often, it is hard to remember to let go of our daily stresses, concerns, and fears, and turn each concern over to Him. He wants to carry our yoke, as it were. But that is sooo hard, isn't it? I find it hard to turn everything over to Him. I guess that it is either my own arrogance or forgetfulness, that prevents me from remembering that He wants to answer our every need, and provide for each of us in each circumstance.

But He is aware of our limitations (Psalms states that knew us in the womb, including the number of hairs on our heads), so He surely knows out weaknesses and strengths. He is just waiting for us to turn each situation over to His loving guidance.

Philippians 2:13 tells us that 'He is at work in you, both to will and to do, for His good pleasure'. From that, we know that we cannot even claim the desire to want to do good, or the desire to want to draw closer, etc. as our own desire. HE is the one, at work within us, drawing us closer, wanting us to do good, strengthening us. When you have these doubts, and draw on faith for answers, finding comfort, you should be reminded that He is alive within you, satisfying your needs in barren places, strengthening us when we are tired, and carrying our burdens. All we have to do is turn to Him. :pals:

[pelagius]

22. I lack faith...

much of the time, but it hasn't prevented God from working in my life, often to my chagrin. My prayers are with you, dear sister, as you take this next step in your journey.

[shrike]

23. Ain't that the truth

I am sheepish, at times, at the things that happen in my life.

I was never one to believe in fate, or any vast eternal plan. I felt that our lives were our own, to do with what we wish -- the Catholic free will thing. Now, at mid-life, I look back and see how things changed for the better, without me wanting them to or realizing it at the time.

I would NEVER be arrogant to assume I have had -- or even deserve -- personal intervention via the Deity. However, there are times I do wonder if there are storylines written for us -- we may fill in the blanks, but some kind of destiny pushes things along.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

24. That's sort of how I feel, too

We do our own thing, but every once in a while, we get sent off in unexpected directions like a billiard ball, and when we look back, we find that it's exactly where we were supposed to be sent.