Trials of faith...

[jeff1979]

Hi Folks,

First day here, first post here. I cut right to the chase, dont I : )

Just have a question for you. I know there is no "quick" question with dealings of faith, so I'll just leave the "quick" out of the question.

What do ya'll do when you have trials of faith, any recommendations? Any particular scripture that you cling onto? My faith in Christ has been on a challenged rollercoaster. While my belief in God has never dwindled, my belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is challenged constantly. Especially so in the last couple of weeks. I was drawn to the Book of Mark today, and found a new interesting scriptures on faith and even one concerning "gloominess", which is basically the way I feel when I am not feeling charged up with Christ.

While I know thats part of the walk, I am fairly new to real "Christianity" I just really started pursuing God on my own, as in reading the Bible outside of church and really reading the bible, not just letting scripture go through one ear and out the other, and I just need that gift of faith to be bolstered.

Sometimes I despise my own overly analytical/scientific/skeptical mind, but then I remember that God makes no mistakes in creation, and I have been giving this brain for a reason. I just wish it and my faith came with an operators manual :p

Warmest regards,

Jeff

[11MAN]

Hi Folks,

First day here, first post here. I cut right to the chase, dont I : )

Just have a question for you. I know there is no "quick" question with dealings of faith, so I'll just leave the "quick" out of the question.

What do ya'll do when you have trials of faith, any recommendations? Any particular scripture that you cling onto? My faith in Christ has been on a challenged rollercoaster. While my belief in God has never dwindled, my belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is challenged constantly. Especially so in the last couple of weeks. I was drawn to the Book of Mark today, and found a new interesting scriptures on faith and even one concerning "gloominess", which is basically the way I feel when I am not feeling charged up with Christ.

While I know thats part of the walk, I am fairly new to real "Christianity" I just really started pursuing God on my own, as in reading the Bible outside of church and really reading the bible, not just letting scripture go through one ear and out the other, and I just need that gift of faith to be bolstered.

Sometimes I despise my own overly analytical/scientific/skeptical mind, but then I remember that God makes no mistakes in creation, and I have been giving this brain for a reason. I just wish it and my faith came with an operators manual :p

Warmest regards,

Jeff
Hi Jeff,
If it is doubting in God's existence or presence, that is the enemy trying to blindfold your mind to God's existence, Ask God to draw you closer, if it is Satan trying to draw you into sin Ask God for His fear to come upon you, The fear of the Lord keeps us from going down paths of sin the book of James4:7 "submit yourselves to God. resist the devil, and he will flee from you, draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
Also meditate on the Lord's prayer Matt6:9
if you pray in tongues (in the spirit) this is edifying to your spirit, which builds you up in your faith (1Corinthians14:4)
God bless
11man

[CarolinaMom]

While I know thats part of the walk, I am fairly new to real "Christianity" I just really started pursuing God on my own, as in reading the Bible outside of church and really reading the bible, not just letting scripture go through one ear and out the other, and I just need that gift of faith to be bolstered.

Sometimes I despise my own overly analytical/scientific/skeptical mind, but then I remember that God makes no mistakes in creation, and I have been giving this brain for a reason. I just wish it and my faith came with an operators manual :p

Jeff, I too am fairly new. I also know all too well how my skeptical mind works. Sometimes I ask myself, "Did somebody just make this stuff up to make people live better?" Then, if I could kick my own tail, I would. Just little thoughts pop up in my head, even at church when the Pastor is up there, and again I wish they would go away. I think it just takes practice, and saying it over and over, and PRAYING. When you pray, you become closer and closer to Jesus. I'm nowhere near where I want to be, but I'm definately closer today than I was yesterday.

I recite 2 Corinthians 5:7 many times throughout the day "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Maybe that will help.

[JulySheMustFly]

I went through this for months last year. I still don't feel extremely close to Jesus right now, but much closer than last year. Anyhow, all I can do is tell you what worked for me.

It may sound strange but I read through Job. I used some reference books to help provide the context etc. That helped me get perspective on what was going on in my life. After that I just starting thanking God/Jesus for everything in my life that He has given. I mean everything. I was like thank you for giving me the ability to open my eyes and see the sun, having shoes to put on, a bed to sleep in on and on and on. It was basically the only time I would talk to God. That is when things started to turn around. My attitude started to change and then I thought back to the verses/books of the Bible that had the most meaning when I first accepted Christ. I read them over and over for at least two months. It was as though I needed to remember why I commited in the first place and remember the joy and peace I found in him. I had to essentiall reclaim my faith.

I don't know if any of that will work for you. If it does great. If it doesn't well keep searching for a way to come back to Jesus' arms. As long as you are searching for Him he waits.

[JesusPower]

In my experience the way to have a closer relationship with Jesus, is by humbling yourself and to rely on Him for everything. In the book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar was made insane because he would not humble himself. He thought his power came from his doings where inturn it was God who gave him his kingdom. Also, praying is a good way to get closer to the Father. Daniel prayed three times a day. What a witness?

Pro

[PastorMikeJ]

Pray Pray Pray!!! and Pray again!!

[prophecystudent]

While I was counselling, we always told new Christians to expect to be attacked by the devil. The devil would come in and try to convince that person that they were not really saved, that one sacrifice was not adequate to cover all the world's sins, etc etc etc.

The answer was to study the Word, to pray, to fellowship with other believers, get into a true bible-believing, gospel-preaching church.

Get commentaries written by acknowledged experts on the scriptures and study them. There are so many links from one part of the bible to another that it is truly helpful for the new believer (read student) to solicit the help of experts.

Having said that, be sure that the experts you choose are ones that are bible believing, gospel preaching individuals that preach the TRUE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

Get with a bible study group that studys the scriptures using learning tools developed by experts.

Praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit is always a good idea in studying the scriptures.

Fred

[Evangelica]

I love all the answers above. I want to comment on the roller coaster effect.
I find that at times of mountain experiences when everything looks so clear, then suddenly finding ourselves in the valley with Jesus is no where in sight. I find it heartbreaking almost because I want Him close so badly. And sometimes it would last such a long time.
I look at it now as my Parent teaching me something new, then letting me go and saying "Now walk in it"

Just as we stand back and let our babies take that step on their own w/o rescuing them from the fall,,so Jesus takes us from the mountain to the valley so we can grow and walk in maturity.

This seems to help me learn and apply things quicker to my life and helps to bring Jesus closer to my heart where I love to have Him. On the mountain.

Bless you!

[linssue55]

Hi Folks,

First day here, first post here. I cut right to the chase, dont I : )

Just have a question for you. I know there is no "quick" question with dealings of faith, so I'll just leave the "quick" out of the question.

What do ya'll do when you have trials of faith, any recommendations? Any particular scripture that you cling onto? My faith in Christ has been on a challenged rollercoaster. While my belief in God has never dwindled, my belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is challenged constantly. Especially so in the last couple of weeks. I was drawn to the Book of Mark today, and found a new interesting scriptures on faith and even one concerning "gloominess", which is basically the way I feel when I am not feeling charged up with Christ.

While I know thats part of the walk, I am fairly new to real "Christianity" I just really started pursuing God on my own, as in reading the Bible outside of church and really reading the bible, not just letting scripture go through one ear and out the other, and I just need that gift of faith to be bolstered.

Sometimes I despise my own overly analytical/scientific/skeptical mind, but then I remember that God makes no mistakes in creation, and I have been giving this brain for a reason. I just wish it and my faith came with an operators manual :p

Warmest regards,

Jeff

Here are 40 things you were given at your salvation, when you first believed in Him. These are PROMISES from Him to YOU. Look at all He has given us, yet He continues to give everyday to us. Read the verses here, and re-new your spirit, in the appreciation of what the Lord has done, and still does. STUDY His word EVERYDAY, NOT just on Sunday's.......EVERYDAY,,,,,,,,,,,,

The Salvation Package

The 40 things we receive at Salvation.......

01. Immputed Righteousness..... Rom 4: 3-5
02. Justification.....Rom. 3: 24-30
03. Regeneration .....John 3: 1-12, Titus 3:5, Rom 8:16, 1 cor 2-14
04. Human Spirit.....Rom 8:16, 1 Cor 2:14
05. Imputed Everlasting Life.....John 5: 11-12
06. Baptism of the Holy Spirit.....Rom 8: 1-2, Rom 8: 38-39, 1 Cor 15:2, 1 Cor 12:13, John 5: 11-12
07. Propitiation.....Ex 25: 17-22, Heb 9:4, 1 John 2: 2
08. Reconcilliation.....Rom 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18-19
09. Redemtion.....1 peter 1: 18-19
10. Forgiveness.....Isaiah 43: 25, Isaiah 44:22, Eph 1: 7, Col 1: 14
11. Removal of Condemnation.....John 3:18, Rom 8: 1-3
12. Removal of Domination of the Old Sin Nature.....Rom 6:6-12
13. Removal of Satan's Power.....Col 1: 12-13, 1 John 5: 19, Eph 6:11-12, Eph 2: 1-2, Gal 1: 12-13
14. Freedom from the Penalty of the Mosaic Law.....Rom 3: 8, Rom 8:2, Gal 3: 10-13
15. Identification with Jesus Christ.....Rom 6: 3-12, Gal 2: 20,
16. Indwelling of God the Father.....John 14: 23, Eph 4:6, John 14: 23
17. Indwelling of Jesus Christ.....John 14: 20, Rom 8: 10, 2 Cor 5: 3, Col 1: 27
18. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit.....1 Cor 6: 19-20, Math 3: 11, John 14: 7, Rom 5: 5, Rom 8:9, Gal 3:2
19. Sealing of your Salvation.....Eph 4: 30, Tim 2: 19, Eph 1: 13
20. Circumcision of the Soul.....1 Cor 7: 17-24, Jer 4: 4, Rom 2: 29, Deut 10: 16-17
21. Unseen Assets.....Eph 1: 2-6
22. Judgement of Sins.....1 Pet 2: 24, Rom 4: 251 John 1: 9
23. Royal Adoption.....Rom 8: 15, Rom 8: 23
24. Eternal Relationship to God.....Eph 2: 13, James 4: 8, Heb 10: 25
25. We are on the Rock Jesus Christ.....2 Cor 1: 21; 2, Cor 3: 11, Eph 2: 26.
26. We are a Gift to Christ.....John 17: 5, John 17: 11-12, John 17: 20, John 10: 29
27. Royal Priesthood.....Peter 2: 5, Peter 2: 9, Rev 1: 6
28. We are a Chosen Generation.....1 Peter 2: 9, Titus 2: 14
29. Access to God.....Eph 2: 18, Rom 5: 2, Heb 4: 14, Heb 10: 19-20
30. We are under God's Care.....Eph 2: 4, Eph 5: 2, 31.
31. We are His Inheritance.....Eph 1: 18
32. We Inherit Christ's Eternal Future.....1 Pet 1: 14, Eph 4: 14, Col 3: 24, Heb 9: 15
33. We have a Heavenly Partnership and Association.....Col 3: 4, 1 John 5: 11-12, Eph 2:6, 1 Cor 1: 9, 1 Cor 3: 9, 2 Cor 3: 3, 2 Cor 3: 6, 2 Cor 5: 20, @ cor 6: 4
34. We Become Heavenly Citizens.....Eph 2: 19, Phill 3: 20-21
35. We Become Members of the Royal Family of God....Eph 2: 19, Eph 3: 5, Gal 6: 10
36. We are the Light in the Lord.....Eph 5: 8, Thess 5: 4
37. We are United to the Trinity.....1 Cor 12: 13, John 15: 5, Eph 2: 19, Eph 2: 22, Eph 5: 25-27, 1 Peter 2: 5-9
38. We are Glorified.....Rom 8: 30
39. We are Complete in Him.....Col 2: 10
40. We Recieve a Guardian Angel.....Heb 1: 14

[Col]

Pray

[Athanasian Creed]

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

;):thumbsup:


Ray :wave: