Sometimes I feel like giving up

[Bellicus]

When there seem to be no answers to my prayers, when I ask for help and none is given, when I hope my life will improve and nothing happens, when God don't seem to care.

I know that many will reply, that God do care, that he is almighty and can perform miracles. But still that will just be words. I've never seen a miracle, and never heard about anyone else that had one, that could not be explained by something else. And honestly it would just feel even worse to hear that others get help, while I get none.

I have moments like this sometimes, when God makes no sense to me. Generally I just ignore it, but then I stop, I get enough and I start questioning. But I get no answers.

I know that things like "prayers are not always answered at once" and "God helps those that help them self" are just nonsense, things that are made up to better ignore the questions.

Why would God not help his children, this is what I can't understand. I don't doubt God, but I just don't understand why he don't do more to help us all. And that's why I feel like giving up some times, because I don't feel that God cares about my questions. That it is even wrong for me to ask them. That I should just follow him and not ask questions.

[Lirpa]

Maybe you should stop standing there with your hands out to God saying "Wheres my candy??"
God works in his own ways, in his own time. Do you help others just so you can recieve a reward? I do not know your personal relationship with God, that is between you and Him.
You didn't want a "Awe, It will me okay" reply. So I'm just being honest.

[Bellicus]

You didn't want a "Awe, It will me okay" reply. So I'm just being honest.
Lol, and I respect your honesty. :) But I'm not asking God for candy. It is more things like with my kid. I've prayed that God gives him a better appetite, and I've had others to pray for it, but nothing have happened. Like yesterday I made dinner and I prayed to God "please let him eat this", but no, the boy didn't touch his food. I made him two more meals after that, but he didn't want any of it. And that's just one of the things I keep asking God to help me with, but I see no answer. If I thought I had to make myself earned to get God's help, then I would not ask at all, I have nothing to offer back. And when I hear things like: "Oh, God healed my cat", then I really start making some questions to myself that I see no good solution in.

[BlakeMatt]

It's really hard to understand how God works as a whole, and how the "system of prayer" works. You can go out in the world and see people to whom yourself has it much better than yourself does getting their prayers answered long before yours seem to ever be heard. And that makes it difficult, it makes you step out and ask "Why am I forgotten here?". And this is something I myself have also dealt with on an off and on basis.

For the longest time i was praying up and down about anything and everything just to get a sense that he was hearing me; that he was around. And the entire time I'd see others get their prayers answered, get their miracles all the while I sat there wondering why the did he put me here to die and to die alone? It took a lot of arguments amongst myself and with him to finally understand.

If he answered every prayer that was ever asked this world would be in pure chaos. A lot of people though they mean well can at times be selfish in their prayers, I myself have been and instead of him giving in and answering my prayer he knew what I didn't need and he knew where my life was heading all the while i was still lost, he guided me in simple ways but never truly revealing it to me if he had I wouldn't have learned the lessons I now know.

For every prayers that isn't answered there is a reason more significant for it.
I'm not sure if any of that made sense brain is a little fuzzy right now so I'll leave this, a friend emailed it to me as I had a similar question.

But if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us!”
23Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ Everything is possible for the person who believes!”
24With tears flowing, the child's father at once cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief!” NIV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!"
23Jesus said, "If? There are no "ifs' among believers. Anything can happen."
24No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"

[Lirpa]

Good things come to those who wait.

[Bellicus]

Good things come to those who wait.

I remember that before my grandmother died she got my mother to give me a small note where it said "Wait for the Lord, be free and strong". She died from breast-cancer while waiting for the Lord, and still she died in faith.

I guess what makes me head into problems sometimes is when I try to understand God. I have thought others about this, but I do the same mistake myself, to try to pull God down to earth and compare him with my own thoughts.

[Criada]

Yes.. I think you've put your finger on it there.
I know how you feel... and I don't have any answers except the trite ones.. and I know how little those help!
I find it does help to just try to accept that I can't see the whole pattern.. what seems unfair or hard to understad is part of a design so huge that I can never see or understand it this side of heaven.
Just occasionally He allows us a glimpse.. and that is enough to show us that He really does know what He's doing.
If I understood God, He wouldn't be God.. a God who can be comprehended by His creation doesn't make sense. So.. in a way, I find my lack of understanding a comfort.
But, I know, it doesn't make the day to day any easier.
Hang in there, brother. :hug:
I'm praying for you too.. and for your son.

[oxquo]

Sorry if I somehow read past it but how old is Your child? There can be a lot more behind not eating than what We see. A teen could fill up with sugary goodness and hunger not when supper comes. Growth spurts can affect even the youngest of kids even Our child who's almost 2. If You see serious body problems like anorexia You need to pray that God will lead You to someone who can help. Remember that people are the Lord's greatest tools in helping others. Also, miracles are what You make them, I have seen many blessing come even ones I didn't know I needed while I stand on trial for a crime I truly am not guilty for. Though the blessings are many, the one I have yet to receive is freedom from a judge. The bible says to pray for something and then have faith it will be done, not to pray repetitiously as though the Lord is hard of hearing. Ever see the returns line at Walmart after the Christmas season? Imagine that times a billion, yet He still gets to Us all. It is very easy to lose faith, too easy. There are God fearing Christians who have miscarriages and children who die in their arms, is this a test of faith? Is this fair? Is this a reason to lose faith? You could answer yes or no to all, but the truth is, it is the Lord who decides all things and We can pray for everything or anything yet, it all comes down to His will be done. I will pray for you and your son, it is all that I can do to help, be strong and believe in the Lord always, for He does care, He died a brutal death to prove that. All in good time....

[rob64]

Please dont think I'm being mean, but I am a "tell it like it is" person.

You said you prayed that God would make your child eat. God gave you that responsibility. Are you looking for the easy way out? Prayer is not a magic potion. I've heard people pray, "please make my light shine". Well, He told us to let our own light shine.

How much do you pray in a given day?

Prayer is more than asking God to "bless me bless me bless me." It involves seeking His face, even on ones knees.

How much of the Bible do you read?

How much do you pray for others?

[Bellicus]

Thanks for you prayers Criada.

Sorry if I somehow read past it but how old is Your child? There can be a lot more behind not eating than what We see. A teen could fill up with sugary goodness and hunger not when supper comes. Growth spurts can affect even the youngest of kids even Our child who's almost 2. If You see serious body problems like anorexia You need to pray that God will lead You to someone who can help. Remember that people are the Lord's greatest tools in helping others.
My kid is 2 years old, and he is usually only allowed to have things like chocolate and soda in the weekends, and then only small amounts of it.

I haven't said no to any help from people, we have been to probably more then 100 consultations at doctors, pedagogues, pediatric specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, psychologists etc. and there is nothing wrong with him physically.

He didn't want to breast-feed when he were a baby, and after that he became allergic to the common milk-substitutes that are sold in the stores, he were very underweight and weak before we found out what the problem was, and since then he has been eating very little, so I am thinking maybe it has to do with that he used to feel sick from the milk-substitute and then he feels sick from all food.

But at the same time I see that he eats well in kindergarten and when he is visiting my parents or my brother, or the grandparents of my girlfriend that lives nearby. And since nothing is wrong with him physically I am starting to think that maybe I am the cause of it, since I am on 100% disability because of mental problems. I got a lot of anxiety and really low energy. After picking him up from kindergarten in the days, and going shopping food and home to make dinner I just feel totally exhausted. I am making all the food and it is putting a lot of pressure on me to try to figure out something he would eat, and after the dinner I have no energy left. But still my girlfriend expect me to entertain him, cause she have been working in the daytime while he has been in kindergarten, and I guess I do a poor job with it. I just feel stressed. He is happy and full of energy and want something fun, but I am just sad and full of dark thoughts and trying to pretend I am one of those other daddy's with endless energy and a good mood. So maybe he get affected by my mood and that gives him a bad appetite, cause I know my food is good, everyone tells it is.

Please dont think I'm being mean, but I am a "tell it like it is" person.

You said you prayed that God would make your child eat. God gave you that responsibility. Are you looking for the easy way out? Prayer is not a magic potion. I've heard people pray, "please make my light shine". Well, He told us to let our own light shine.
No problem, I like to tell things like they are too. And I know God gave me the responsibility, but my child still don't eat much no matter what I do. I am really doing my best.


How much do you pray in a given day?

Prayer is more than asking God to "bless me bless me bless me." It involves seeking His face, even on ones knees.

How much of the Bible do you read?

How much do you pray for others?
I don't pray a lot. I live with a girl that is not a Christian, so I can't sit and pray all the day, or else she will think I am nuts.

[oxquo]

I think prayer makes a huge difference, even just a simple talk with God. Go for a walk, a long bath, etc... Non-christians think We are as nuts as We think they are for not accepting Christ. Saying the blessings before dinner and adding that You hope the food is well received by Your child. We've had the same problem around here at times. Often we'll just make food fun and it goes over well. Our boy being almost 2 gets His hands dirty making muffins and stirs up His own imaginary batter, when they are done hungry or not, He reaps the rewards. Some people just use tough love, unplug the TV till dinner is done, etc... It's true that being a parent makes one responsible for their kids, stress is never too accepted in children, when I first was arrested, the tension could cut steel around here. It was My job to pray for Him, My wife and unborn and Myself. Strangely, facing persecution, I found tonnes of energy to play and Him and I have become great buddies. He even prays, well until He remembers He has toys yet to play with and things to do. Involve Your child in everything even reading, The bible says raise up a child in which way He should go and he will not turn from it. Involve them in prayer, even if You have to go to the park to pray. Don't worry about prayer in front of non christians, if they can not accept You they are not for You. Prayer does not mean You have to shout from the roof tops either. Regardless of what this all says, it is Your relationship with your child and Your God that are at stake here. Those are the things that will bring blessings apon You, strengthening Your relationship with Your God and child will bless You in ways You never imagined. Prioritise Your life, Your God, Your family, including You, Others, Job Etc.. Later as the blessings flow and should God compel You to do so put others before Yourself. Pray and talk, talk to the Lord. Do unto others as You wish done unto You, do You wish the Lord keeps His love for You hidden in a closet? I'm praying for You and You alone, You can have all the strength and energy and relationship with God and Your child that You want, You just need to ask and You will receive, May God bless You when you call on Him.

[Bellicus]

Thanks for your answer oxquo, all of it is good words. I just have to agree. Instead of complaining about getting no help, I should just trust God that he is with me in everything I do.

[oxquo]

Amen... Speak with Him always through Your heart, He will always answer. Some things are just His will, and those cannot be changed. Jesus Himself was denied to walk away from the cross, He knew it was God's will and God did not forsake Him for after 3 days, He had risen. Peter had said He would die for the Lord but those were just words, then He denied even knowing the Lord. Would We believe in a Savior that only said He would die for Us but didn't do it? Love is the key to all things, I watch movies and when I see two people act out a scene and tell each other they love one another, it is just another example of how easy it is to say those words. Maybe in Your case much like in mine, the Lord wants You to commit deeper, rather than show You care by words or worry, do it by actions, go camping, fishing, a trip to some town You've never been to, bond, show that love by actions and the love will flow. Being tired is no excuse, imagine how tired Christ was? Yet even after the horrid beating He still fought to carry the cross until He could no longer. You are tired, pray for strength and energy.

I like to put it into this perspective now, I have 2 more weeks till I reappear in court, but I am home now. After the trial, who knows, its really in God's hands and although I believe He will deliver Me, what if His plan for Me was to minister to someone in jail? I want to spend everyday with My son as We do now, laughing and playing even if I am cleared of these accusations against Me. Think of those who's children or family have died, what do they say? If only I could see them one more time or I wish I could have said I loved them one more time. Don't leave till the last minute what needs to be done or said today and take for granted that the Lord will waken both of You each morning. The time is now, for tomorrow may never come, live each day as your last. Seriously, take 5 minutes right now and decide what You shall do with Your child, go do it like You have 5 minutes to spare, it doesn't have to cost money. I once took My son to a fire department asked if they could show Him around, You know what? Those guys were absolutely crazy about it. They put on a show for Him and showed Him everything they could, somehow I think that My child actually made them feel that their job was cool again due to His excitement. Police departments also seldomly or never turn down a child's interest. The main thing is that You have fun together, the benefit is that by having fun, Your worries also disappear. Go out for a bite after a day of exhausting fun and who wouldn't have an appetite? God Bless and give you the strength to act now.

[rob64]

Thanks for you prayers Criada.


My kid is 2 years old, and he is usually only allowed to have things like chocolate and soda in the weekends, and then only small amounts of it.

I haven't said no to any help from people, we have been to probably more then 100 consultations at doctors, pedagogues, pediatric specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, psychologists etc. and there is nothing wrong with him physically.

He didn't want to breast-feed when he were a baby, and after that he became allergic to the common milk-substitutes that are sold in the stores, he were very underweight and weak before we found out what the problem was, and since then he has been eating very little, so I am thinking maybe it has to do with that he used to feel sick from the milk-substitute and then he feels sick from all food.

But at the same time I see that he eats well in kindergarten and when he is visiting my parents or my brother, or the grandparents of my girlfriend that lives nearby. And since nothing is wrong with him physically I am starting to think that maybe I am the cause of it, since I am on 100% disability because of mental problems. I got a lot of anxiety and really low energy. After picking him up from kindergarten in the days, and going shopping food and home to make dinner I just feel totally exhausted. I am making all the food and it is putting a lot of pressure on me to try to figure out something he would eat, and after the dinner I have no energy left. But still my girlfriend expect me to entertain him, cause she have been working in the daytime while he has been in kindergarten, and I guess I do a poor job with it. I just feel stressed. He is happy and full of energy and want something fun, but I am just sad and full of dark thoughts and trying to pretend I am one of those other daddy's with endless energy and a good mood. So maybe he get affected by my mood and that gives him a bad appetite, cause I know my food is good, everyone tells it is.


No problem, I like to tell things like they are too. And I know God gave me the responsibility, but my child still don't eat much no matter what I do. I am really doing my best.


I don't pray a lot. I live with a girl that is not a Christian, so I can't sit and pray all the day, or else she will think I am nuts.

I'm starting to sense that there is more to this than you are telling. And it also seems like "YOUR KID" as you call him, might not be getting the nessessary love and attention that he needs. If he's been to see doctors a hundred times, that alone would send a very disturbing message to the child. Such as, "mommy thinks there is something wrong with me". Or, "If mommy keeps taking me to a doctor, there must be something wrong with me.
Maybe he needs ATTENTION. You said he does eat when he's not at home. You said it yourself. And you said a mouthfull. What is so different when he is away and eats?
Are you an alchoholic, or is there some activity going on that would create his problem with food?

[Bellicus]

There could always be more negative tings to tell, but I think I've explained most of it. I also forgot to tell that he got periods where he eats well, then periods again where he almost don't eat at all, and I haven't seen anything yet that makes me see a connection with something that happens in every day life. And yes, I agree that all those doctors have probably made him worried too. They look at their curve

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:Ey0PCh-y9XX34M:http://economistsview.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/05/10/grandmafig2e.gif
(just a random picture for example) and he has been below the average all the time, sometimes up on the normal, but then down below again. And every time he goes below it, then they get worried and send him to some specialist. I've tried to point out that this has been happening all the time, that this seem to be his normal curve of growth, that he has just been below what is average, probably because he went below it at young age with the milk-allergy, and never had the chance to go above it again because of that, and that maybe it got some connection to that his mother also used to eat very little when she was a baby, and also other kids in our family got the same issue, both on the mother and father side. Like all the 3 boys of my aunt is also very skinny, and she is a well functioning marine biologist with tons of extra energy. And the boy of my girlfriends uncle has to be forced into eating or else he don't eat at all, and her uncle is owning several hotel's and like my aunt a well functioning man, unlike me with my mental problems. So that is something that makes me think it runs in the family, and is also why I have been praying, because I just want him to have no worries because of our worries. And he is a very happy boy, even if I got limited energy for playing and things like that, then I always give him all the love he needs. The nurse that have been had most to do with him says he is shining and is a happy boy, he has always been calm and smiling and easy to make happy, so she thinks he don't lack attention even if I've told I feel maybe my mental problems would be a problem, and that if she thought this was a problem then it would have been her duty to do something about it long ago.

So I have no clue really, could be a mix of both things that run in the family, the milk-allergy he used to have, me and his mother arguing, me with my low mood and all the doctors. But I don't see a clear connection to anything specific anywhere. So that's why I have been praying. And like I said above, I guess I should just trust God that this will get better.

[rob64]

There could always be more negative tings to tell, but I think I've explained most of it. I also forgot to tell that he got periods where he eats well, then periods again where he almost don't eat at all, and I haven't seen anything yet that makes me see a connection with something that happens in every day life. And yes, I agree that all those doctors have probably made him worried too. They look at their curve

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:Ey0PCh-y9XX34M:http://economistsview.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/05/10/grandmafig2e.gif
(just a random picture for example) and he has been below the average all the time, sometimes up on the normal, but then down below again. And every time he goes below it, then they get worried and send him to some specialist. I've tried to point out that this has been happening all the time, that this seem to be his normal curve of growth, that he has just been below what is average, probably because he went below it at young age with the milk-allergy, and never had the chance to go above it again because of that, and that maybe it got some connection to that his mother also used to eat very little when she was a baby, and also other kids in our family got the same issue, both on the mother and father side. Like all the 3 boys of my aunt is also very skinny, and she is a well functioning marine biologist with tons of extra energy. And the boy of my girlfriends uncle has to be forced into eating or else he don't eat at all, and her uncle is owning several hotel's and like my aunt a well functioning man, unlike me with my mental problems. So that is something that makes me think it runs in the family, and is also why I have been praying, because I just want him to have no worries because of our worries. And he is a very happy boy, even if I got limited energy for playing and things like that, then I always give him all the love he needs. The nurse that have been had most to do with him says he is shining and is a happy boy, he has always been calm and smiling and easy to make happy, so she thinks he don't lack attention even if I've told I feel maybe my mental problems would be a problem, and that if she thought this was a problem then it would have been her duty to do something about it long ago.

So I have no clue really, could be a mix of both things that run in the family, the milk-allergy he used to have, me and his mother arguing, me with my low mood and all the doctors. But I don't see a clear connection to anything specific anywhere. So that's why I have been praying. And like I said above, I guess I should just trust God that this will get better.

I see. The reason I asked is this, I used to be a counselor for troubled youth. And I've studied human behavior, and this behavior is usually brought on by some sort of unnatural behavior on the part of the parent. Such as "force feeding".
But not always.
If I were you, I would do three things,
1. Put your behavior as parents under a microscope, and see if there is anything you could improve on.
2. Ask your pastor to have the boy anointed with oil, and the elders lay hands on him, and pray for him in that manner.
3. Change the whole way in which food is presented to him. Try different foods, Make some changes so that eating becomes fun for him. Let him choose what to eat - within reason of course. Totally redo this food thing. You will also have fun in doing so!
Thats about all I have

[Bellicus]

I see. The reason I asked is this, I used to be a counselor for troubled youth. And I've studied human behavior, and this behavior is usually brought on by some sort of unnatural behavior on the part of the parent. Such as "force feeding".

Well, you just have to pick from a large list if you want to find some unnatural behavior in me. I'm diagnosed bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety and I don't have to work, because my mind is too messed up.

I did force feed him once, after he had been to hospital to get food trough a tube in his nose and we got the message from the leader of the clinic that if he ever returned to be feed there she would call the Child Protection office (they didn't find anything wrong with him physically, so she assumed the problem was that we didn't give him food). He refused to eat a meal I knew he liked and I lost my temper, so I forced him to eat, but my girlfriend told me to stop it, and I haven't done it again.


If I were you, I would do three things,
1. Put your behavior as parents under a microscope, and see if there is anything you could improve on.
2. Ask your pastor to have the boy anointed with oil, and the elders lay hands on him, and pray for him in that manner.
3. Change the whole way in which food is presented to him. Try different foods, Make some changes so that eating becomes fun for him. Let him choose what to eat - within reason of course. Totally redo this food thing. You will also have fun in doing so!
Thats about all I have

1 and 3 is already something we do. And nr2 is out of the question. I don't want some old people to put their hands on him and make him even more confused.

Why can't God just help instead of all this? I know he have the power.

[MoNiCa4316]

:hug:I know how you feel, brother..it's really hard.. but remember that God proved His love for us by dying for us. If you were the only person in the world He still would have died for you. That's the greatest evidence of His love right there. He doesn't always answer our prayers in the ways that we would like Him to, and maybe we'll only understand the reason for this in Heaven.. sometimes He allows us to feel far from Him so that we can learn to trust Him.. at those times, He doesn't give us any miracles or signs. And sometimes this lasts a really long while. Try to offer it to Him and don't look for signs, remember..blessed are they who have not seen, but believed. Faith is hard but it's what we are called to. And trials are given to help our faith grow. When we feel distant from God and are barely holding on and are finding it difficult to trust Him, difficult to pray.. but we still pray, that pleases God immensely. And He responds by giving us graces, but you might only notice them later on. Nothing makes much sense while we're still in it ;)
Don't give up and keep on trusting God.. talk to Him, tell Him whatever is on your mind..
prayers for you..

God bless :hug:

[tturt]

Questions such as - "How much do you pray in a given day?" "How much of the Bible do you read?" Please posts the scriptures that this is the criteria for answered prayer---- THOUGH there is a list of things from the Bible that will keep our prayers from being answered.

OP - our youngest son wouldn't eat much when he was growing up and we did all kinds of things - at a buffet he only wanted the mashed potatoes, we let him participate in food prep (stirring the food in the bowls, setting the table, etc) and made a big deal out of it, he selected foods from the grocery store (fruits, vegetables, cereals (some weren't allowed), and later he helped decide what was gong to be prepared for meals. It continued this way until he was a teenager. One of his friends' mom fried a lot - fried okra, fried sweet potatoes, fried squash, etc. Now he's an adult and one of his kids eats like he use to -

Back then I didn't realize that Yahweh still spoke to believers. He communicates in so many different ways which I realized after reading "How to Hear from God in a Noisy World" and it helped a lot. I understand how frustrating it can be.

Glad that you posted "I should just trust God that he is with me in everything I do." You know when we're tired, it's easy to become discouraged. I Sam 30 David and his men returned to camp to find their families kidnapped and their belongings destroyed. David encouraged himself in the Lord then ask Yahweh for direction.

[rob64]

Questions such as - "How much do you pray in a given day?" "How much of the Bible do you read?" Please posts the scriptures that this is the criteria for answered prayer---- THOUGH there is a list of things from the Bible that will keep our prayers from being answered..

I never said anything about criteria for answered prayer. Where did you come up with that?l

[rob64]

Well, you just have to pick from a large list if you want to find some unnatural behavior in me. I'm diagnosed bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety and I don't have to work, because my mind is too messed up.

I did force feed him once, after he had been to hospital to get food trough a tube in his nose and we got the message from the leader of the clinic that if he ever returned to be feed there she would call the Child Protection office (they didn't find anything wrong with him physically, so she assumed the problem was that we didn't give him food). He refused to eat a meal I knew he liked and I lost my temper, so I forced him to eat, but my girlfriend told me to stop it, and I haven't done it again.



1 and 3 is already something we do. And nr2 is out of the question. I don't want some old people to put their hands on him and make him even more confused.

Why can't God just help instead of all this? I know he have the power.

That's a good question, and I'm certain that He has a reason
Are you married, or have a girlfriend.?

[Bellicus]

Questions such as - "How much do you pray in a given day?" "How much of the Bible do you read?" Please posts the scriptures that this is the criteria for answered prayer---- THOUGH there is a list of things from the Bible that will keep our prayers from being answered.

OP - our youngest son wouldn't eat much when he was growing up and we did all kinds of things - at a buffet he only wanted the mashed potatoes, we let him participate in food prep (stirring the food in the bowls, setting the table, etc) and made a big deal out of it, he selected foods from the grocery store (fruits, vegetables, cereals (some weren't allowed), and later he helped decide what was gong to be prepared for meals. It continued this way until he was a teenager. One of his friends' mom fried a lot - fried okra, fried sweet potatoes, fried squash, etc. Now he's an adult and one of his kids eats like he use to -

Back then I didn't realize that Yahweh still spoke to believers. He communicates in so many different ways which I realized after reading "How to Hear from God in a Noisy World" and it helped a lot. I understand how frustrating it can be.

Glad that you posted "I should just trust God that he is with me in everything I do." You know when we're tired, it's easy to become discouraged. I Sam 30 David and his men returned to camp to find their families kidnapped and their belongings destroyed. David encouraged himself in the Lord then ask Yahweh for direction.
Would be nice to know better what God wanted me to know.

That's a good question, and I'm certain that He has a reason
Are you married, or have a girlfriend.?

Listen: If you got any advice, then feel free to say it. But I can't see how I haven learned anything useful from what you have said this far. All you have done is to give me a feeling there is something wrong with me because my kid won't eat.

And I am not married. What would this have to do with my child's bad appetite? :(

[cesty]

When there seem to be no answers to my prayers, when I ask for help and none is given, when I hope my life will improve and nothing happens, when God don't seem to care.

I know that many will reply, that God do care, that he is almighty and can perform miracles. But still that will just be words. I've never seen a miracle, and never heard about anyone else that had one, that could not be explained by something else. And honestly it would just feel even worse to hear that others get help, while I get none.

I have moments like this sometimes, when God makes no sense to me. Generally I just ignore it, but then I stop, I get enough and I start questioning. But I get no answers.

I know that things like "prayers are not always answered at once" and "God helps those that help them self" are just nonsense, things that are made up to better ignore the questions.

Why would God not help his children, this is what I can't understand. I don't doubt God, but I just don't understand why he don't do more to help us all. And that's why I feel like giving up some times, because I don't feel that God cares about my questions. That it is even wrong for me to ask them. That I should just follow him and not ask questions.

Perhaps you might find this article that I have written to be helpful. Just click on the following link to access it: Patience Suggests the Ability to Wait on God (http://www.thebiblepost.com/devotional-thoughts/patience-suggests-the-ability-to-wait-on-god)

[Jayangel81]

Im sorry to hear that you are going through Bellicus. I didnt read through all the posts. God is with you my brother but you need to keep the Faith and trust in the Lord that He knows what He is doing. I just wanted to say that ill be praying for you and your son :pray:

Perhaps you might find this article that I have written to be helpful. Just click on the following link to access it: Patience Suggests the Ability to Wait on God (http://www.thebiblepost.com/devotional-thoughts/patience-suggests-the-ability-to-wait-on-god)

Good article my friend, it speaks truth ;) We cannot just have our Faith in the Lord when we see good days, but we need to keep it in our harships as well :thumbsup:

Its through our faith and trust in the Lord where He will do the most for us.

[cesty]

Im sorry to hear that you are going through Bellicus. I didnt read through all the posts. God is with you my brother but you need to keep the Faith and trust in the Lord that He knows what He is doing. I just wanted to say that ill be praying for you and your son :pray:



Good article my friend, it speaks truth ;) We cannot just have our Faith in the Lord when we see good days, but we need to keep it in our harships as well :thumbsup:

Its through our faith and trust in the Lord where He will do the most for us.

I am pleased to know that you appreciated it! :)

[tturt]

rob53 - Bellicus has shown a lot of patience. Let's try to be encouraging to him.

cesty - great article. Thanks!

[nataliexcore]

i agree that you just gotta trust Him.
i dunno.

now that i look back, God was seriously on my side SO many times. he helped me so many times and i had NO idea, because i wasn't listening or choosing to notice. i was a bratty teen and only asked for help when things were totally miserable, and i didnt ask for help as much as demand help and blame God when He didn't do anything.

psh, can't blame Him now.

you just have to trust Him... thank Him for the little things He gives you. i thank God on a daily basis, some things big, some things totally small, like me remembering to bring more TP with me to the potty so i'm not stuck on the can with nothing hahaha. but really.

every little thing that makes ANY headway, makes your life easier, makes you happier, anything, just thank Him for it. and trust Him. He knows whats up. He has a plan, you just gotta go with the flow.

i dunno. just don't give up. i'm probably not helping much, but you're just in a rut. you can get through this. i believe in you, and so does God. weeeee.

good luck. =]

[Bellicus]

i thank God on a daily basis, some things big, some things totally small, like me remembering to bring more TP with me to the potty so i'm not stuck on the can with nothing hahaha. but really.

LOL! :D


i dunno. just don't give up. i'm probably not helping much, but you're just in a rut. you can get through this. i believe in you, and so does God. weeeee.

good luck. =]
Thanks, at least you cheered me up :)

[Bondservant by Grace]

Dear Bellicus and other new or young believers,

As an old warrior who has walked (and sometime stumbled along) many years with the Savior, I want to encourage you to stand firm in your faith during your days on earth. They are so temporary when measured against eternity, and for those who truly do choose to trust in the restoration to God that Jesus Christ bought for you with His own blood on the cross at Calvary, they are precious years of training in faith that will lead to an eternity of bliss with our God, Who reigns supreme in the universe and Whose will and ways are perfect, even though we cannot understand them in our finite state.

He does care very much about every tear that His creatures cry, and He longs to comfort us. He cares about children who refuse to eat, tired parents who struggle to make currency stretch to meet needs, human beings who strive to stretch their minds to encompass His ultimate plan for our world and the universe; and old weary people who most of the world has forgotten and does not value. He cares about us, all. Learn of Him by studying the life of Jesus, in Whom dwelt the fullness of the Godhead, bodily (Col 2:9, Greek). See how tenderly He loved us simple little creatures as He walked among us for 33 years then died to save us from our own foolish sins. Trust Him to lead and guide you through every difficult aspect of life on this fallen planet, then to ultimately reveal to you why He chose to allow us to have free will and suffer the natural consequences of generations of sin in mankind. He is faithful and trustworthy, and He will make all things new in His time. In the meantime, He will whisper comfort and guidance to your weary souls, if you will feed on His word and listen to the whisper of His indwelling Holy Spirit. He may not always answer your wishes, but He will answer the prayer of your true heart to walk in His ways on earth and live with Him throughout eternity. Cast your earthly life in all its aspects upon His capable shoulders, and walk in obedience to His Word, the Bible; the inner witness of His Holy Spirit; the guidance of mature Christians; and the open or shut door of circumstances--when and only when these voices of guidance are in agreement. God will not contradict Himself. Keep your eyes on eternal gain and be willing to trust him in times of great trail--He clearly warned us that we will face them. In fact, as we draw closer to His return, we will face them increasingly. Do not be among those who allow faith to become cold. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and when we come to Him, we must make a decision to trust Him because of Who HE is, not of because of some emotion we can or cannot stir up in our own selves.

Many will suffer for Christ on this earth. Many are suffering, now, but again, we are not to fear these trials but are to strengthen our faith by trusting Him in the midst of them. Study the lives of the great saints of the past who learned these lessons and came through their trials as shining trophies of God's grace. It is when we filter events through our own limited, puny understand that we judge God by our own standards, when He has clearly informed us that His ways and thoughts are far above our own, and beyond our comprehension. It is enough that He chose to come to this fallen planet to take our just punishment in our place. We have eternal life because of His Love. You really can trust the Man who died in your place, for your sins. He has already paid the ultimate price for you, and if you trust Him, He will lead and guide you to be strong in the midst of the confusion of this tainted world.

Just read the NT and learn what He really says about this temporary existence. Then, set your face like flint toward Him, toward His will, toward His ultimate goal, and walk through whatever trials and tribulations you are called to face without wavering in faith. Read Hebrews 11. Read Matt: chapter 24. Read about Paul and the things he endured for Christ. Don't listen to the teachers who offer a different gospel that coddles the flesh--it has a form of godliness but denies the power to become endurers and overcomers. Read all the promises to the Believers in Revelations. Each and every one of them is conditional to enduring and overcoming in faith. We can handle this earthly life when we know the truth--it sets us free to trust God in the midst of things we cannot understand. Satan is a liar and he wants you to doubt God. Ignore his lies that God does not love you and does not understand your suffering.

God understands. He suffered the ultimate agony when He choose of His own free will to die in your place for sins you are guilty of, then comfort you when you fumbled around in the process of struggling against your carnal nature that will be in conflict with your reborn spirit until the day you finish your earthly training. Pray to be filled with the Holy Sprit, then every day choose to obey the Holy Spirit guidance. This is what walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh means. If you have given your soul to Satan willfully by dabbling in Satanic rituals, renounce them, submit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and ask Him to deliver you from the demonic strongholds you have given over to the enemy. Then, pray for the Holy Spirit to fill those areas you have been released in. If necessary, find a mature Christian leader to help you pray in these matters. Don’t accept the teaching of every person who claims to be a Christian, but test all spirits against the true plumb line of God’s Word.

I hope this helps young Christians get a little perspective of truth. Endure hardship as discipline; trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; make straight paths of faith and strengthen feeble knees. Your God and father is the creator of all things that are and ever will be--and He cares for you.
He will explain everything to you when you see Him face to face in eternity—and you will not regret any temporal human suffering on that day. Everything will be crystal clear—even the daily strains of raising children who may be ill or just resistant to Mom and Dad because of their own little fallen natures.

Hang in there, Christians. If you endure and overcome, you will also reign with Him in eternity, and if you train your children to trust Him in all things, there is a very good chance that they will follow Him, as well. Now, what tempory, earthly tribulation could compare with that?

BBG

[Elijah2]

Hi B,

I’ve just read through your thread, and I can see a lot of confusion and doubt. I may repeat myself at times, because I reading each posting that you made in order. And I would like to comment on your comments made throughout the thread.

You said:
When there seem to be no answers to my prayers, when I ask for help and none is given, when I hope my life will improve and nothing happens, when God don't seem to care.

I know that many will reply, that God do care, that he is almighty and can perform miracles. But still that will just be words. I've never seen a miracle, and never heard about anyone else that had one, that could not be explained by something else. And honestly it would just feel even worse to hear that others get help, while I get none.

I have moments like this sometimes, when God makes no sense to me. Generally I just ignore it, but then I stop, I get enough and I start questioning. But I get no answers.

I know that things like "prayers are not always answered at once" and "God helps those that help them self" are just nonsense, things that are made up to better ignore the questions.

Why would God not help his children, this is what I can't understand. I don't doubt God, but I just don't understand why he don't do more to help us all. And that's why I feel like giving up some times, because I don't feel that God cares about my questions. That it is even wrong for me to ask them. That I should just follow him and not ask questions.

Now, to have an improvement in our Christian life, we need to understand that sinful nature will be an obstacle to unanswered prayer.

Now there are many reasons why prayer isn’t answered and it starts off with:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:2-8)

The aim of “testing” isn’t to destroy or afflict us, but to purge and refine us, which is essential to Christian maturity, and to have “patience” as we “stand fast”, “stand” and “withstand” the “wiles of the enemy” being under pressure with the staying power that turns adversities into opportunities, and positiveness that you had made aware to me on other threads.

When we endure a trial we will be “perfect and complete” as we had reached the end with success and maturity. And those trials are sickness, temptations, and being alone.

If we “lack wisdom”, then we won’t get out of trouble, but with “wisdom” we will learn how to get out of trouble and learn from and through our difficulties. Our “wisdom” of our Lord Jesus Christ begins with our genuine reverence of HIM, and a steadfast confidence that HE controls all circumstances guiding us to His Purposes, and not our own purposes.

When we begin “doubting” we are indicating that we have a divided allegiance and uncertainty in our life, as our constant conflict within our “soul” indicates that we have “two souls”, one part of our “soul” is set on our Lord Jesus Christ, but the other part is set on the world.

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (James 1:21-26)

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things see how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James2-5)

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:13-16)

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)

Many of us protest by claiming that we haven’t receive answer to our prayers, but if we pray for the wrong things, for our sinful desires, instead of praying for our Lord Jesus Christ’s good will, then answer will not be forthcoming.

Many times HE doesn’t answer prayer, or that is, HE doesn’t supply what a person desires is simply that HE knows it would not benefit that person.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is NOT obliged to answer prayers in the affirmative that is contrary to His Will, even though he is berated, badgered, and besieged by fervent prayers. Our personal pleasure through prayer is “asking amiss”. Our Lord Jesus Christ doesn’t bow to our will; instead we submit to His Will for our lives.


Lol, and I respect your honesty. But I'm not asking God for candy. It is more things like with my kid. I've prayed that God gives him a better appetite, and I've had others to pray for it, but nothing have happened. Like yesterday I made dinner and I prayed to God "please let him eat this", but no, the boy didn't touch his food. I made him two more meals after that, but he didn't want any of it. And that's just one of the things I keep asking God to help me with, but I see no answer. If I thought I had to make myself earned to get God's help, then I would not ask at all, I have nothing to offer back. And when I hear things like: "Oh, God healed my cat", then I really start making some questions to myself that I see no good solution in.
I remember a similar case of a child not eating, is that something happened to the child through a trauma and a spirit came into the child. Because the child is young, the spirit has no right. And when the minister laid hands on the child, anointing with oil, cast the demon out of the child, and the demon left, and the child began eating.

There appears that there is a similar problem there, because if the child was eating and all of a sudden they stop eating, then something happened to the child. There appears to be an abuse, trauma, or spoken words over your child. How old is your child, B?

I remember that before my grandmother died she got my mother to give me a small note where it said "Wait for the Lord, be free and strong". She died from breast-cancer while waiting for the Lord, and still she died in faith.
I’m sorry to hear that, and no doubt if we wait on our Lord Jesus Christ, and love and forgive, and then we will be free through the truth of His Word. We need to fight a good fight of faith, and know doubt your grandmother did such.

I guess what makes me head into problems sometimes is when I try to understand God. I have thought others about this, but I do the same mistake myself, to try to pull God down to earth and compare him with my own thoughts.
That is one of those things than most humans try to do. HE is our Almighty God, and that doesn’t work that way.

My kid is 2 years old, and he is usually only allowed to have things like chocolate and soda in the weekends, and then only small amounts of it.

I haven't said no to any help from people, we have been to probably more then 100 consultations at doctors, pedagogues, pediatric specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, psychologists etc. and there is nothing wrong with him physically.
Well my dear brother, if there is nothing physical then it has to be spiritual. Something has happened to your child. You need a Christian counsellor who is in the healing ministry.

He didn't want to breast-feed when he were a baby, and after that he became allergic to the common milk-substitutes that are sold in the stores, he were very underweight and weak before we found out what the problem was, and since then he has been eating very little, so I am thinking maybe it has to do with that he used to feel sick from the milk-substitute and then he feels sick from all food.
I am sorry for asking, but you mention your child, but no mention about his mother, is there something you can share, because it’s not making spiritual sense at the moment.

But at the same time I see that he eats well in kindergarten and when he is visiting my parents or my brother, or the grandparents of my girlfriend that lives nearby. And since nothing is wrong with him physically I am starting to think that maybe I am the cause of it, since I am on 100% disability because of mental problems. I got a lot of anxiety and really low energy. After picking him up from kindergarten in the days, and going shopping food and home to make dinner I just feel totally exhausted. I am making all the food and it is putting a lot of pressure on me to try to figure out something he would eat, and after the dinner I have no energy left. But still my girlfriend expect me to entertain him, cause she have been working in the daytime while he has been in kindergarten, and I guess I do a poor job with it. I just feel stressed. He is happy and full of energy and want something fun, but I am just sad and full of dark thoughts and trying to pretend I am one of those other daddy's with endless energy and a good mood. So maybe he get affected by my mood and that gives him a bad appetite, cause I know my food is good, everyone tells it is.
Stop blaming yourself, there is something deeper. Well, it appears that as much as you try to be a good dad, he is missing his mum. When he eats okay when he is at kindergarten, visits grandparents and others, then he is saying that he loves the attention that he gets there.

It appears that “patience” might be the problem, and your anxiety. Even at his age, he still discerns those emotional feelings. Is there anytime that you may have been very angry with him, and abused him verbally?

I don't pray a lot. I live with a girl that is not a Christian, so I can't sit and pray all the day, or else she will think I am nuts.
So, you are living with a girl. Is your relation sexual?

There could always be more negative tings to tell, but I think I've explained most of it. I also forgot to tell that he got periods where he eats well, then periods again where he almost don't eat at all, and I haven't seen anything yet that makes me see a connection with something that happens in every day life. And yes, I agree that all those doctors have probably made him worried too. They look at their curve


(just a random picture for example) and he has been below the average all the time, sometimes up on the normal, but then down below again. And every time he goes below it, then they get worried and send him to some specialist. I've tried to point out that this has been happening all the time, that this seem to be his normal curve of growth, that he has just been below what is average, probably because he went below it at young age with the milk-allergy, and never had the chance to go above it again because of that, and that maybe it got some connection to that his mother also used to eat very little when she was a baby, and also other kids in our family got the same issue, both on the mother and father side. Like all the 3 boys of my aunt is also very skinny, and she is a well functioning marine biologist with tons of extra energy. And the boy of my girlfriends uncle has to be forced into eating or else he don't eat at all, and her uncle is owning several hotel's and like my aunt a well functioning man, unlike me with my mental problems. So that is something that makes me think it runs in the family, and is also why I have been praying, because I just want him to have no worries because of our worries. And he is a very happy boy, even if I got limited energy for playing and things like that, then I always give him all the love he needs. The nurse that have been had most to do with him says he is shining and is a happy boy, he has always been calm and smiling and easy to make happy, so she thinks he don't lack attention even if I've told I feel maybe my mental problems would be a problem, and that if she thought this was a problem then it would have been her duty to do something about it long ago.
Mate, I guess if you have anxiety, depression, and mental problems it is picked up by a child, but now it’s getting a lot deeper. Do you suffer from bipolar?

So I have no clue really, could be a mix of both things that run in the family, the milk-allergy he used to have, me and his mother arguing, me with my low mood and all the doctors. But I don't see a clear connection to anything specific anywhere. So that's why I have been praying. And like I said above, I guess I should just trust God that this will get better.
Now I am confused. Are you separated, or divorced from your son’s mother?

Well, you just have to pick from a large list if you want to find some unnatural behavior in me. I'm diagnosed bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety and I don't have to work, because my mind is too messed up.
Oh mate, no wonder your are struggling with your son, because you are struggling with yourself as well.

I did force feed him once, after he had been to hospital to get food trough a tube in his nose and we got the message from the leader of the clinic that if he ever returned to be feed there she would call the Child Protection office (they didn't find anything wrong with him physically, so she assumed the problem was that we didn't give him food). He refused to eat a meal I knew he liked and I lost my temper, so I forced him to eat, but my girlfriend told me to stop it, and I haven't done it again.
Well, as this story goes on it gets worse.

Have you confessed and repented all your problems, such as anger, temper, impatience to our Lord Jesus Christ and ask HIM forgiveness for your actions toward your son. By doing that, you may find some relief from your tests. And then say to your son that you are very sorry for yelling at him and please forgive you, even though he is only two years of age. At least speak the words to our Lord Jesus Christ and your son.

Did you lose your temper with your girlfriend?

If so, then there is another confession and repentance and forgiveness required.

1 and 3 is already something we do. And nr2 is out of the question. I don't want some old people to put their hands on him and make him even more confused.

Why can't God just help instead of all this? I know he have the power.
Your son needs help mate, and you need help as well from a good Christian counsellor.

Your disabilities can be helped by confession, repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ every time you get off the path, and most of all, to forgive yourself. Forgiveness and love will reconcile things.

Listen: If you got any advice, then feel free to say it. But I can't see how I haven learned anything useful from what you have said this far. All you have done is to give me a feeling there is something wrong with me because my kid won't eat.

And I am not married. What would this have to do with my child's bad appetite?
Mate, if you are living in a relationship that points to adultery and fornication, then the answer is “YES”!

Be blessed in Jesus’ Name.

[Bellicus]

Thanks for your answers everyone. Since I've started this thread my son has been gaining weight and now he don't look skinny at all. Actually he is starting to look quite healthy. And a couple of days ago one of the leaders at the hospital canceled all future examinations, since they think he is doing well now. When I heard that, it was like a big pile of stones being lifted from my shoulders.

What have happened I can explain by that I talked to my doctor and asked for a protein-powder that would increase the calories in any food I added the powder into. I also came across a article on the internet about Chinese cooking and how they use MSG in about everything they eat, so I started to add MSG in my dull Norwegian food, and after that both me, my girl and him have been eating very well, cause everything tastes really nice with MSG, and I read on the internet that the only negative things about MSG is that it makes people gain weight (probably because the food taste better, and they eat more) and that's just what I've been looking for.

So right now, everything looks very good. And I really, really hope it stays this way.

So thanks everyone. If you got time for prayer, then please pray that what is happening now will continue.

I added +rep to "Bondservant by Grace" since you shared your wisdom, and I'm going to send a PM to you Elijah, since some of the questions seem to be a bit personal.

[Criada]

I am so very glad to hear that he is doing well, brother.
I have been praying for him, as well as for you, and will continue to do so.
God is good :)
:hug:

[Jayangel81]

Im so happy to hear that you guys are doing better.

Just wait maybe one day youll be telling him that he needs to go on a diet ^_^

[Bondservant by Grace]

From Bellicus:
I added +rep to "Bondservant by Grace" since you shared your wisdom . . .

Very kind of you. I am also very thankful to hear your child is doing so much better.
Blessings,
BBG

[Elijah2]

<LI class=g>MSG - Dangers & Deceptions (http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/dietbad/32/)

MSG (mono-sodium glutamate) is a food additive that enhances flavors in food. It virtually has no flavor of its own, but neurologically causes people to ...
www.becomehealthynow.com/article/dietbad/32/ - 70k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:-Cf4ms_XMXMJ:www.becomehealthynow.com/article/dietbad/32/+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:www.becomehealthynow.com/article/dietbad/32/)
<LI class=g>It's A Weird and Dangerous World - MSG Dangers (http://members.cox.net/davehanson/weirdworld/MSG.htm)

MSG Dangers. Monosodium Glutemate - a dangerous food additive, it is now in many processed foods, hidden under different names on the ingredients label. ...
members.cox.net/davehanson/weirdworld/MSG.htm - 3k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:8vSySztnWskJ:members.cox.net/davehanson/weirdworld/MSG.htm+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:members.cox.net/davehanson/weirdworld/MSG.htm)
<LI class=g>MSG: a neurotoxic flavor enhancer (http://www.truthinlabeling.org/)

Focuses on the issue of monosodium glutamate in food and drugs, which some people consider is causing their health symptoms.
www.truthinlabeling.org/ - 23k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:2u5einFZ-e8J:www.truthinlabeling.org/+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:www.truthinlabeling.org/)
<LI class=g>The Shocking Dangers of MSG You Don’t Know - Articles (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/28/dangers-of-msg.aspx)

28 Aug 2007 ... You probably already knew that MSG could damage your brain cells, but that is only the tip of the iceberg.
articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/28/dangers-of-msg.aspx - 377k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:JwLAl-DSAVIJ:articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/28/dangers-of-msg.aspx+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/28/dangers-of-msg.aspx)
<LI class=g>Well Within - MSG Dangers (& foods its in that will surprise you!) (http://www.wellwithin1.com/msg.htm)

Hidden Sources Of MSG In Foods From the book 'Excitotoxins - The Taste That Kills' by By Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD. The Danger of MSG and How it is Hidden in ...
www.wellwithin1.com/msg.htm - 3k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:sVd44SlbfCUJ:www.wellwithin1.com/msg.htm+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:www.wellwithin1.com/msg.htm)
<LI class=g>MSG - Hidden Sources (http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/MSG.htm)

Here are some sources of MSG, which has been linked to asthma, headaches, and heart irregularities. ... Aspartame Dangers · Calcium Requirements, Sources ...
www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/MSG.htm - 21k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:j7LCSJrnfp8J:www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/MSG.htm+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/MSG.htm)
<LI class=g>Naturopathic Perspectives » The Hidden Dangers of MSG (http://blogs.insidetoronto.com/naturopathic_perspectives/msg/the-hidden-dangers-of-msg/)

The Hidden Dangers of MSG · MSG. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is often added to prepared and processed foods as a flavour enhancer. By enhancing the flavour, ...
blogs.insidetoronto.com/naturopathic_perspectives/msg/the-hidden-dangers-of-msg/ - 55k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:fVWmfiboO_4J:blogs.insidetoronto.com/naturopathic_perspectives/msg/the-hidden-dangers-of-msg/+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:blogs.insidetoronto.com/naturopathic_perspectives/msg/the-hidden-dangers-of-msg/)
http://img.youtube.com/vi/5Tc4-FQ8WIs/2.jpg (http://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D5Tc4-FQ8WIs&sa=X&oi=video_result&resnum=8&ct=thumbnail&usg=AFQjCNEtx3SW8u89UlJKs7D0QXLJWmdstQ)YouTube - Part 4 - The Dangers of MSG (Flavor Enhancers ... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tc4-FQ8WIs)


Part 4 in this series on MSG (E621) will show you how to ...
7 min - http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tc4-FQ8WIs
http://img.youtube.com/vi/txiVDY-prk4/2.jpg (http://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DtxiVDY-prk4&sa=X&oi=video_result&resnum=9&ct=thumbnail&usg=AFQjCNFOhMKQXJ6YMN0poGKmYb5za6owww)YouTube - Part 1 - The Dangers of MSG (Flavor Enhancers ... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txiVDY-prk4)


Part 1 in this series on the flavor enhancer monosodium ...
7 min - http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png
http://www.google.com.au/images/nav_logo3.png

www.youtube.com/watch?v=txiVDY-prk4
<LI class=g>MSG Dangers? By Michelene K. Bell (http://www.inlighttimes.com/archives/2007/05/msg.htm)

MSG Dangers? By Michelene K. Bell. ... First let me say that I am in no way an expert on the safety nor the reported dangers of MSG. ...
www.inlighttimes.com/archives/2007/05/msg.htm - 28k - Cached (http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:rMKSgLhtyR0J:www.inlighttimes.com/archives/2007/05/msg.htm+dangers+of+msg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&gl=au) - Similar pages (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=related:www.inlighttimes.com/archives/2007/05/msg.htm)

[Jayangel81]

Ok seriously, that is scary...

thank you for posting this.

[Elijah2]

Ok seriously, that is scary...

thank you for posting this.

Yes Jay, I've found that MSG has a number of side affects, and when I have Chinese food, I know when they have put MSG into the food. I then strike them off my list.

Be blessed in Jesus Name.:)

[Bellicus]

Many people think that MSG is dangerous, but the truth is that there have been massive studies on this, as well as on things like aspartame, and these things are still allowed, because there have been found no health concerns in it. Only in high doses there have been found harmful effects in this, for example on testing on rats. And both aspartame and MSG is being added to food in really small amounts. For a dinner for a family only 1/3 teaspoon of MSG is enough to give the full taste-enhancing effect from it.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid_(flavor)#Health_concerns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid_%28flavor%29#Health_concerns)
Health concerns

In April 1968, Ho Man Kwok wrote an article for the New England Journal of Medicine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Journal_of_Medicine) where he said, "I have experienced a strange syndrome whenever I have eaten out in a Chinese restaurant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_restaurant), especially one that served northern Chinese food (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine). The syndrome, which usually begins 15 to 20 minutes after I have eaten the first dish, lasts for about two hours, without hangover effect. The most prominent symptoms are numbness at the back of the neck, gradually radiating to both arms and the back, general weakness and palpitations...". This comment began a global health (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_health) scare about monosodium glutamate and "Chinese restaurant syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_restaurant_syndrome)" was born. Research has failed to prove that monosodium glutamate affects a large percentage of the population, and Chinese restaurant syndrome is largely resigned to urban legend (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legend) status. However, monosodium glutamate is still thought of as suspect by a large proportion of the general public, and many foods continue to be labeled "MSG free".[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid_%28flavor%29#cite_note-3)
In 1959, the FDA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration) classified monosodium glutamate as a "generally recognized as safe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generally_recognized_as_safe)", or GRAS, substance.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid_%28flavor%29#cite_note-4) This action stemmed from the 1958 Food Additives Amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Food,_Drug,_and_Cosmetic_Act), which required premarket approval for new food additives and led the FDA to promulgate regulations listing substances, such as monosodium glutamate, which have a history of safe use or are otherwise GRAS. Since 1970, FDA has sponsored extensive reviews on the safety of monosodium glutamate, other glutamates and hydrolyzed proteins, as part of an ongoing review of safety data on GRAS substances used in processed foods. One such review was by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_American_Societies_for_Experimental_Biology) (FASEB) Select Committee on GRAS Substances. In 1980, the committee concluded that monosodium glutamate was safe at current levels of use but recommended additional evaluation to determine monosodium glutamate's safety at significantly higher levels of consumption. Additional reports attempted to look at this. In 1986, FDA's Advisory Committee on Hypersensitivity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypersensitivity) to Food Constituents concluded that monosodium glutamate poses no threat to the general public but that reactions of brief duration might occur in some people. Other reports have given the following findings:


The 1987 Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Agriculture_Organization) and the World Health Organization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization) placed monosodium glutamate in the safest category of food ingredients.
A 1991 report by the European Community's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission) (EC) Scientific Committee for Foods (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directorate-General_of_the_Joint_Research_Centre_%28European_Commission%29) reaffirmed monosodium glutamate's safety and classified its "acceptable daily intake" as "not specified", the most favourable designation for a food ingredient. In addition, the EC Committee said, "Infants, including prematures, have been shown to metabolize glutamate as efficiently as adults and therefore do not display any special susceptibility to elevated oral intakes of glutamate."
A 1992 report from the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Medical_Association) stated that glutamate in any form has not been shown to be a "significant health hazard".
A 1995 FDA-commissioned report by the FASEB (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FASEB) confirmed the safety assessments of the aforementioned Committees, but stated that an unknown percentage of the population may react to monosodium glutamate and develop a monosodium glutamate symptom complex when consuming more than 3 grams of monosodium glutamate alone. The report compiled several, mostly very non-specific and common, symptoms from anecdotal reports, including burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest, numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back, tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms, facial pressure or tightness, chest pain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chest_pain), headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, bronchospasm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchospasm), drowsiness, weakness, and sweating.[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid_%28flavor%29#cite_note-fda-5)
A 2002 report found that rats fed on diets supplemented with 10% and 20% pure monosodium glutamate suffered retina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retina) degeneration, possibly through glutamate accumulation in the vitreous humour (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitreous_humour). However, such extreme amounts are more than one order of magnitude higher than those used for flavoring or found in foods.[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid_%28flavor%29#cite_note-6)

So only a small percentage of the population might get problems if they eat 3 grams of pure MSG, and rats get eye injuries when they eat food with 10%-20% pure MSG. But this is just not something people do. To gain the full effect of the food-enhancing properties of MSG, only a 1/3 teaspoon is enough for a meal for a whole family, maybe 0.1-0.2 gram. And there is several things that we consider harmless that might be dangerous in large doses. For example if you eat 20-40 grams of nutmeg, then you might die, or at least suffer from terrible hallucinations for days. But this don't make nutmeg something dangerous for the food.

Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-challenge evaluation of reported reactions to monosodium glutamate
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WH4-45SJDMY-6D&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=42a51c9d5f930174a7cf465af03d6854)
Conclusion: The results suggest that large doses of MSG given without food may elicit more symptoms than a placebo in individuals who believe that they react adversely to MSG. However, neither persistent nor serious effects from MSG ingestion are observed, and the responses were not consistent on retestingSo placebo studies have shown that there is no harmful effects from MSG, even in large doses. So when people do experience uncomfort from digesting MSG this is probably because they expect MSG to be something bad for them.


http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14119082.400-science-why-msg-myth-is-a-load-of-chop-suey-.html
Monosodium glutamate is innocent. Australian scientists say it is not responsible for the peculiar sensations some people experience after eating Chinese food. A flushed face, palpitations, weakness and numbness are all symptoms of Chinese restaurant syndrome. But they are probably caused by a 'cocktail' of other components in the food or by too many glasses of wine.
Chemist Leonid Tarasoff and statistician Michael Kelly of the University of Western Sydney recently completed a double-blind study on 71 volunteers of the effects of high doses of MSG before a standard breakfast. Some reaction to MSG was experienced by 15 per cent of the volunteers. However, 14 per cent also reported aftereffects when given a placebo of gelatin powder. 'Most had no reaction at all to MSG or the placebo,' says Tarasoff.

Participants fasted overnight. Then, for three mornings before a light breakfast, they were given either capsules containing a placebo, 1.5 grams of MSG, or 3 grams of MSG. On two other days, breakfast was followed by drinks which contained no MSG or 3 grams of MSG. The drinks had sweet, bitter or sour tastes and a strong odour of grapefruit, so the MSG was masked. Volunteers received the capsules and drinks at random and researchers who monitored the sessions did not know which ones contained MSG.

...

According to Tarasoff, the results show that MSG is a 'scapegoat'. He suspects that the real villains of Chinese restaurant syndrome are compounds called histamines. These form during the fermentation of ingredients common to Chinese cooking such as soy sauce, black beans and shrimp paste. Researchers at the US National Institutes of Health have shown that cramp, headaches, palpitations and flushing can be produced by between 25 and 50 milligrams of histamine.
Tarasoff and Kelly speculate in a paper published last month in Food and Chemical Toxicology that the symptoms of Chinese restaurant syndrome could also be produced by allergenic proteins, preservatives, food dyes, or high salt levels in the food.
And that there might be other things that are more dangerous.

I've read that only one meal of sausages or other types of processed meats a week is enough to double the chance of many forms of cancer.

And I am sure that no matter what we eat, we will get sick and die from something.

"It is not what comes in the mouth that makes unclean, but what goes out it"