Did life become harder or easier when you began your walk in the Lord?

[kweenameena]

So I just started my walk (by my own will) with the Lord. I knew that satan was gonna come after me. But dang, not that fast! I'm already having problems at work that came outta nowhere!!! I'm about to lose my job!
One of my best friends says she is scared to really commit to God because she's knows that things will get harder. She said that everyone left her mom's side when she gave her life to the Lord. And when her husband started walking with God...they started to have financial troubles.

Does it always get bad before it gets good?
What trials did you face right after you gave your life to Christ?
Did it get better?

 

[Bublnbrnsuga]

I used to think that if you just 'do right' while walking with God, it would be EASY... WRONG!!! Don't get me wrong, you are not serving God like it's pulling teeth, but it sho ain't a dainty walk in the park either, especially when you see other people doing wrong so much and it seems like they are not reaping what they sow while you are doing right and everything is is falling a part. How discouraging, but listen. Read in the Psalms. David talked about this exact same thing. He looked around and saw people doing wrong and they were still prospering, but then He remembered that God is not to be mocked and they will reap everything they put out. I will find the exact scriptures for you.

 

[kweenameena]

I used to think that if you just 'do right' while walking with God, it would be EASY... WRONG!!! Don't get me wrong, you are not serving God like it's pulling teeth, but it sho ain't a dainty walk in the park either, especially when you see other people doing wrong so much and it seems like they are not reaping what they sow while you are doing right and everything is is falling a part. How discouraging, but listen. Read in the Psalms. David talked about this exact same thing. He looked around and saw people doing wrong and they were still prospering, but then He remembered that God is not to be mocked and they will reap everything they put out. I will find the exact scriptures for you.

Thanks! I look forward to reading them!
But does it EVER get easier?! This is kinda discouraging! Especially since I've been through a lot in my life already.....to go through some more is like...

 

[Honey6928215]

This is a pretty interesting thread. I'm curious to know myself.

 

[kweenameena]

bump. bump. bump!

 

[mrselle]

I definitely came across a lot more challenges, but I think going through those challenges without the Lord would have sent me over the edge. When I gave my life to the Lord my intuition became sharper. With that I was able to see that the people I was around, who I thought were my best friends, were not my friends at all. With that realization I backed away a little bit and those relationships changed. The more I grew in the Lord the more my friends questioned me. The didn’t like the pastor of the church I was attending and told me that they thought I went to church all the time because the pastor was making me feel guilty if I didn’t go. The truth is that I was going to church all the time because I wanted to go and I was learning and growing. I was talked about and judged. I had a lot of financial problems and my friends were saying that maybe everything I was going through was because of something bad I’d done in the past. At one point I was all alone. My roommates left me, my parents were angry with me and my phone never rang. The only person to call me was my prayer partner. One year I spent my birthday alone. But the joy in all that is that while I was alone, God could really talk to me and deal with me on some things. At that time He was really talking to me and showing me everything He had in store for me. It was a few years of me really going through…being tried and tested. But, when I started coming out of that trial it was the most beautiful thing. God is a mighty God and He is worth serving. Don’t give up.

 

[life_is_great]

Don't give up or be afraid. You have everything you need to come through these challenges. I just re-committed my life to Christ. I guess I was opposite, my world was falling apart without God. Things have totally turned around in just a few weeks. The struggles are nothing compared to what they were before. I have to constantly spend time in prayer and in the Word. Whenever something comes up I begin to speak the Word over that situation and I let it go and trust God. I have confessions that I speak over my life daily. It's not easy, but it's not hard either. I admit it's time consuming, most nights I turn the TV off at 9:00 so I can spend time with God. I know if I don't grow close to him and allow Him to be number 1 in my life, all HELL will break loose. I'm not saying that I don't struggle because I do. It's just that when I am weak, He is strong.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Hey sis,

This journey with the Lord is a wonderful one. I have found in the last 20 years of walking with Him that it doesn't matter whether you are in the Lord or not, you will have problems. It probably seems like its harder for you because you are aware of the evil that is present in your life. Satan wants you to walk in the fear of knowing that once you are with the Lord, all hell will break loose. He is a liar and always have been.

The bible tells us to not walk in fear because its the opposite of faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Therefore, spending more time with the Lord will bring about a heart change and satan knows this so he uses scare tactics to try to get you to go back to where you use to be because he makes it seem like as though things were much better BEFORE you became a christian. Remember, he is a liar and the father of lies. You experience the same problems, just NOW you are trusting God to take you through it and satan doesn't want you to trust God at all.

Things happen everyday in our lives. It gets better, sis. Don't focus on the situations...God is in charge of your life, right?

The bible says, "When you seek me, you shall find me, when you search for me with all your heart. And, I will be found by you, says the Lord." Jeremiah 29:13

My prayer is that you will trust the Lord with all your heart and that you will see His power in your life, no matter what it looks like. I pray that as a child of God you will understand His will for your life and that you will know to go to His Throne room in time of need.

His love for you never ceases. May you bask in His love and experience His power everyday of your life.

Blessings to you, always.

 

[mrselle]

I guess I was opposite, my world was falling apart without God.

This is true for me too. So much stuff was going on that all I could do was turn to God. I didn't grow up in the church, but I definitely knew who God was and I did read my Bible...I just didn't know much about being saved and there really wasn't anyone in my life to talk to me about it. The trials didn't stop once I gave my life to God, but I was better able to handle them.

 

[Mocha5]

I definitely came across a lot more challenges, but I think going through those challenges without the Lord would have sent me over the edge. When I gave my life to the Lord my intuition became sharper. With that I was able to see that the people I was around, who I thought were my best friends, were not my friends at all. With that realization I backed away a little bit and those relationships changed. The more I grew in the Lord the more my friends questioned me. The didn’t like the pastor of the church I was attending and told me that they thought I went to church all the time because the pastor was making me feel guilty if I didn’t go. The truth is that I was going to church all the time because I wanted to go and I was learning and growing. I was talked about and judged. I had a lot of financial problems and my friends were saying that maybe everything I was going through was because of something bad I’d done in the past. At one point I was all alone. My roommates left me, my parents were angry with me and my phone never rang. The only person to call me was my prayer partner. One year I spent my birthday alone. But the joy in all that is that while I was alone, God could really talk to me and deal with me on some things. At that time He was really talking to me and showing me everything He had in store for me. It was a few years of me really going through…being tried and tested. But, when I started coming out of that trial it was the most beautiful thing. God is a mighty God and He is worth serving. Don’t give up.

Wow! This is kinda where I'm at now. I find myself longing for friends who are more like me. Since I have no siblings I have always been surrounded my many great friends...the kinda friends who would do anything for me. But as I am going to a different level in him, it is really hard to find friends who compliment me. I want friends who are like me. Friends who are fashion forward and always trying to look cute...lol..friends who have children and a husband but most importantly friends who share my deep deep love for Christ. But like you said I'm thinking this is where He wants me...where I can hear from and go to Him instead of a friend.

I'll say this Kween. My life didn't begin until I got right with Him. Don't let satan deceive you. God loves you and has many blessings for you. Have faith. When all else fails..just stand. Your faith will see you through.

 

[mrselle]

But as I am going to a different level in him, it is really hard to find friends who compliment me. I want friends who are like me. Friends who are fashion forward and always trying to look cute...lol..friends who have children and a husband but most importantly friends who share my deep deep love for Christ.

Its been 10 years since God started weeding people out of my life and I still don't have that one girlfriend I can go shopping with or just call up and vent if I need to. Don't get me wrong, I have friends, but I don't really have a "go to person". My husband is my best friend...I guess he is my go to person, but every now and then I long for a girlfriend I can call up and chat late one night after the husband and kids have gone to bed. Know what I mean? With all that said, I think me not having a lot of friends is God's way of protecting me because it seems like whenever I start getting close to people they do something to let me down. My biggest thing is that most of the people I know just aren't trustworthy.

 

[hair_wit_favor]

Easier..because I now know that I have weapons to use against the enemy's tactics, and believe me I know how to use the Word. It's a whole lot easier having the Lord because with Him, I know the victory is mine, because I'm more than a conqueror--satan wants people to believe it's harder, so they won't 'sell out' to Christ. It's a mind thing--satan wants you to give up because it's 'too hard'...dont believe that, it's a lie...be blessed, ladies!

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Just wanted to add that the Lord desires for us to have friends.

He called David His "Friend."

I found this and I hope it reminds us that friends are important and we should have them, we just have to have the right ones! I believe that the Lord will provide us with the right friends. Ask and it shall be given!!!

****************
​

Closer than a Brother

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). In Scripture, God often provided such a friend in the form of a servant, a colleague, a mentor, or a protege.

Can you identify these Bible characters and their "sidekicks"?

Samuel & Eli, Elijah & Elisha, Moses & Joshua, Ezra & Nehemiah, Paul & Barnabas, Ahab & Jehoshaphat, Jeremiah & Baruch, Deborah & Barak, Ruth & Naomi, David & Jonathan, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego (There are more choices than needed.)
​

1. When this person's freedom was restricted, he asked his friend to go to the Lord's temple and "read to the people … the words of the Lord that you wrote as I dictated."

2. This leader of Israel was given a companion who was first his personal servant, then his military general, and later his successor.

3. After praying, "I have had enough, Lord … Take my life," God gave this person a friend who eventually continued the work.

4. When no one in Jerusalem trusted him, this man's friend stood up for him before the leaders and finally convinced them to accept him.

5. Which famous friendship inspired these words: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God"?

6. When commanded to go into battle for the Lord, he said to his friend, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go."

7. Exiled together, these friends vowed not to defile themselves with forbidden food or to worship foreign gods, regardless of the consequences.

Answers below:

1. Jeremiah and Baruch (Jer. 36:5-8). Jeremiah dictated his unpopular prophecies to his secretary Baruch who then read the scroll aloud at the Temple. When King Jehoiakim burned it, Jeremiah dictated it again. The friends later escaped the fall of Jerusalem and fled to Egypt.

2. Moses and Joshua. Described as "Moses' aide since youth" (Num. 11:28), Joshua accompanied Moses on the mountain of God (Ex. 24:13), stayed with him at God's tent (Ex. 33:11), served as his general (Ex. 17:8-13), and was named his successor (Num. 27:18-20).


3. Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:4, 16). Deeply discouraged in his efforts to call Israel to repentance, Elijah believed he was the only person still faithful to God. In reply, God led him to Elisha who would not only continue Elijah's work but would inherit a double portion of his anointing.


4. Paul and Barnabas (Acts 9:26, 27). Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, believed that Paul's conversion to Christ was genuine and brought Paul, who had once persecuted Christians, to meet the apostles. At first Paul assisted Barnabas (Acts 11:19-30), then assumed leadership in their work as missionaries (Acts 13-14) before they eventually parted (15:39).


5. Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16). In Bible times, a woman depended on her father, husband, or sons for her financial security. The fact that Ruth left her family and her country to follow Naomi, a childless widow, shows her unparalleled devotion.


6. Deborah and Barak (Judges 4:8, 9). Deborah, a prophetess and judge in Israel, gave Barak God's instructions for the battle against the Canaanites. Barak insisted that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but tells Barak the honor will not be his, but a woman's—Jael kills the enemy commander.


7. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan. 1:8, 3:17, 18). These young men remained faithful to God even when faced with being burned alive. Like them, we have God's promise that "I will be with you … When you walk through the fire" of persecution (Isa. 43:2).

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Easier..because I now know that I have weapons to use against the enemy's tactics, and believe me I know how to use the Word. It's a whole lot easier having the Lord because with Him, I know the victory is mine, because I'm more than a conqueror--satan wants people to believe it's harder, so they won't 'sell out' to Christ. It's a mind thing--satan wants you to give up because it's 'too hard'...dont believe that, it's a lie...be blessed, ladies!

Yes, yes, yes!!!!!

 

[kweenameena]

Wow!! Thanks Ladies for all of the responses. I'll have to print this and show it to my friend. Plus I'll need this thread as a reminder from time to time!

 

[kweenameena]

Wow! This is kinda where I'm at now. I find myself longing for friends who are more like me. Since I have no siblings I have always been surrounded my many great friends...the kinda friends who would do anything for me. But as I am going to a different level in him, it is really hard to find friends who compliment me. I want friends who are like me. Friends who are fashion forward and always trying to look cute...lol..friends who have children and a husband but most importantly friends who share my deep deep love for Christ. But like you said I'm thinking this is where He wants me...where I can hear from and go to Him instead of a friend.

I'll say this Kween. My life didn't begin until I got right with Him. Don't let satan deceive you. God loves you and has many blessings for you. Have faith. When all else fails..just stand. Your faith will see you through.

Awww...too bad we don't live near each other because I'm looking for the same type of friend. Oh and don't forget.....they have to love all things HAIR!!! lol

 

[Mocha5]

Awww...too bad we don't live near each other because I'm looking for the same type of friend. Oh and don't forget.....they have to love all things HAIR!!! lol

EXACTLY!

 

[Mocha5]

Just wanted to add that the Lord desires for us to have friends.

He called David His "Friend."

I found this and I hope it reminds us that friends are important and we should have them, we just have to have the right ones! I believe that the Lord will provide us with the right friends. Ask and it shall be given!!!

****************​

Closer than a Brother

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). In Scripture, God often provided such a friend in the form of a servant, a colleague, a mentor, or a protege.


Can you identify these Bible characters and their "sidekicks"?

Samuel & Eli, Elijah & Elisha, Moses & Joshua, Ezra & Nehemiah, Paul & Barnabas, Ahab & Jehoshaphat, Jeremiah & Baruch, Deborah & Barak, Ruth & Naomi, David & Jonathan, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego (There are more choices than needed.)​

1. When this person's freedom was restricted, he asked his friend to go to the Lord's temple and "read to the people … the words of the Lord that you wrote as I dictated."

2. This leader of Israel was given a companion who was first his personal servant, then his military general, and later his successor.

3. After praying, "I have had enough, Lord … Take my life," God gave this person a friend who eventually continued the work.

4. When no one in Jerusalem trusted him, this man's friend stood up for him before the leaders and finally convinced them to accept him.

5. Which famous friendship inspired these words: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God"?

6. When commanded to go into battle for the Lord, he said to his friend, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go."

7. Exiled together, these friends vowed not to defile themselves with forbidden food or to worship foreign gods, regardless of the consequences.

Answers below:

1. Jeremiah and Baruch (Jer. 36:5-8). Jeremiah dictated his unpopular prophecies to his secretary Baruch who then read the scroll aloud at the Temple. When King Jehoiakim burned it, Jeremiah dictated it again. The friends later escaped the fall of Jerusalem and fled to Egypt.

2. Moses and Joshua. Described as "Moses' aide since youth" (Num. 11:28), Joshua accompanied Moses on the mountain of God (Ex. 24:13), stayed with him at God's tent (Ex. 33:11), served as his general (Ex. 17:8-13), and was named his successor (Num. 27:18-20).


3. Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:4, 16). Deeply discouraged in his efforts to call Israel to repentance, Elijah believed he was the only person still faithful to God. In reply, God led him to Elisha who would not only continue Elijah's work but would inherit a double portion of his anointing.


4. Paul and Barnabas (Acts 9:26, 27). Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, believed that Paul's conversion to Christ was genuine and brought Paul, who had once persecuted Christians, to meet the apostles. At first Paul assisted Barnabas (Acts 11:19-30), then assumed leadership in their work as missionaries (Acts 13-14) before they eventually parted (15:39).


5. Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16). In Bible times, a woman depended on her father, husband, or sons for her financial security. The fact that Ruth left her family and her country to follow Naomi, a childless widow, shows her unparalleled devotion.


6. Deborah and Barak (Judges 4:8, 9). Deborah, a prophetess and judge in Israel, gave Barak God's instructions for the battle against the Canaanites. Barak insisted that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but tells Barak the honor will not be his, but a woman's—Jael kills the enemy commander.


7. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan. 1:8, 3:17, 18). These young men remained faithful to God even when faced with being burned alive. Like them, we have God's promise that "I will be with you … When you walk through the fire" of persecution (Isa. 43:2).

I LOVE it! Thanks, girl. Those are the kinda friends I desire. Hmmm. I think I'll start a study on friends. Maybe God wants to show me how to be a real friend before He brings me some new ones.

And on the subject of friends. I sent a friend who I've been praying for a pic of my daughter last night letting her know that she has turned two. So she calls me today and she's like I have a gift for Chloe and I want to bring it by. All though I'm out, I go home so I can be home to receive it because she refuses to just drop it off with DH. She comes by and she has bought a ton of clothes for Chloe from the Gap. And before she leaves, she's like I have a huge tv that I have replaced with a plasma. You want it? Well what do you know? My kids broke their tv last week.

I just needed to share this because God is amazing!!! Let me say it again. He's amazing. He always knows what you need and just when you need it. This friend isn't saved but she has a loving heart. I have been praying for her salvation daily. But He used her today to say you know what: I love you and I know what you desire. And not only am I going to have a friend visit you today because you're desiring friendship but I'm going to hook your daughter up with a new wardrobe AND give you a new tv on top of that. I'm in awe of Him.

 

[kweenameena]

I LOVE it! Thanks, girl. Those are the kinda friends I desire. Hmmm. I think I'll start a study on friends. Maybe God wants to show me how to be a real friend before He brings me some new ones.

And on the subject of friends. I sent a friend who I've been praying for a pic of my daughter last night letting her know that she has turned two. So she calls me today and she's like I have a gift for Chloe and I want to bring it by. All though I'm out, I go home so I can be home to receive it because she refuses to just drop it off with DH. She comes by and she has bought a ton of clothes for Chloe from the Gap. And before she leaves, she's like I have a huge tv that I have replaced with a plasma. You want it? Well what do you know? My kids broke their tv last week.

I just needed to share this because God is amazing!!! Let me say it again. He's amazing. He always knows what you need and just when you need it. This friend isn't saved but she has a loving heart. I have been praying for her salvation daily. But He used her today to say you know what: I love you and I know what you desire. And not only am I going to have a friend visit you today because you're desiring friendship but I'm going to hook your daughter up with a new wardrobe AND give you a new tv on top of that. I'm in awe of Him.

That's such a wonderful story!!! I love the way He works!!! Definitely in mysterious ways!

 

[Bublnbrnsuga]

Thanks! I look forward to reading them!
But does it EVER get easier?! This is kinda discouraging! Especially since I've been through a lot in my life already.....to go through some more is like...

Yes,boo It will get easier. Remember, God is not mocked.

Here's one scripture my granny used to repeat to me over and over again when I was struggling with being single.

'Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest, if we faint not '

Hey, when I get home, I will find that scripture for you where David was comparing his life to others who were prospering, but not serving God, mmkay?

Also, please don't think that because you are Christian now that your world is going to be superb in all aspects. Remember, we have an enemy who HATES us and lets not even go into submitting your flesh to God's will. Girl, your flesh must be crucified...DAILY!!! It doesn't even have to be anything major either. It could be gossip. Who doesn't like a juicy bit of gossip? I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself engaging in gossip only to be reminded that I am now God's child and He doesn't want me to engage in those things, seemingly simple and harmless things, ya know?

Another thing. I used to feel like a baby Christian a lot when people would say they would speak the scriptures out loud when they were being attacked and INSTANTLY their problems went away. In my desperation to be free from somethings, this was what I started doing...only thing is my problem didn't go away over night like some make it seem like it will do. I felt like my spiritual life was not strong enough, but this was not the case. I think we should be careful when we look at how God worked something out in someone else's life and try to assume He will do the exact same thing in ours. He may, but He may not. Kween, ask God what is He trying to do in your life and why is it so difficult. Remember Paul? Paul prayed to God to have this 'thorn in his flesh' removed. God said 'my grace is sufficient enough.' If I was Paul, I would've been like , 'look God, yeah, your grace is the bomb and all, but I need this done NOW!! God knows what He's doing. In the mean time, take the focus off of yourself and onto others who may be in less stressful or more stressful situations than you are in. You will be fine. Why? 'Cause you can do ALL thing through who? CHRIST (not man, not yourself) who strengthens you, boo!'

 

[fattyfatfat]

I think my life has become easier. Through many threads in this forum and reading the bible, I have learned to talk to God more about my problems and give them up to him. I would stress myself out so much at work. I would come home feeling bad, down and out and like I did nothing to make the situation better. I learned from this forum that trying to fix these situations myself was like saying God cant and wont do it. Each time I encounter a bad situation at work, I come home, talk/pray to God and I feel better. I still get the same situations at work, but I am no longer stressed about it. I think *wow, God is the MAN!!!!!!* These situations that were draining for many months are no longer so.

I have learned forgiveness through reading Psalms and I feel so much better about many situations. I have been forgiven many times, so there was/is no need for me to hold grudges about things that happened years ago.

mocha.....HIIIII!!! and God truly did bring your friend over that day for many good reasons!!!! Im in need of money badly and Im over here pinching pennies to pay my student loans. I was on craigslist today looking for a part-time job and the phone rang. It was Urban Outifitters calling me in for an interview this week!!!!!!!!! Im so happy! God is always on time

 

[Mocha5]

I think my life has become easier. Through many threads in this forum and reading the bible, I have learned to talk to God more about my problems and give them up to him. I would stress myself out so much at work. I would come home feeling bad, down and out and like I did nothing to make the situation better. I learned from this forum that trying to fix these situations myself was like saying God cant and wont do it. Each time I encounter a bad situation at work, I come home, talk/pray to God and I feel better. I still get the same situations at work, but I am no longer stressed about it. I think *wow, God is the MAN!!!!!!* These situations that were draining for many months are no longer so.

I have learned forgiveness through reading Psalms and I feel so much better about many situations. I have been forgiven many times, so there was/is no need for me to hold grudges about things that happened years ago.

mocha.....HIIIII!!! and God truly did bring your friend over that day for many good reasons!!!! Im in need of money badly and Im over here pinching pennies to pay my student loans. I was on craigslist today looking for a part-time job and the phone rang. It was Urban Outifitters calling me in for an interview this week!!!!!!!!! Im so happy! God is always on time

Hey, Dani, gurl! The job is already yours! Speak it and receive it!

 

[gottabme247]

Hey everybody, I just wanted to say be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. It is worth the fight. At the very moment we make the commitment to me sold out for Christ. The devil gets busy with trying to ruin your life. He knows everything that makes you mad..he pulls out whatever bag of tricks he can think of and every tailor made sin to get you to fall...but many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God delivers us from them all.(psalm 34:19)
Remember it's only a test. If you can get through it, talking to the Lord at all times, you will get to new levels in Him.(new level,new devils) We are all on a divine assignment, God's purpose will be carried out in you.
I remember when I first got saved my mother had a fit. It was like she felt like it was a personal attack on her because I decided to follow christ. The devil was completely at work..through using my mother..but God worked out the entire situation. it wasn't easy,it still isn't easy but the reward for being obedient to God is awesome. Stay in the fight, as I encourage you, I gotta encourage myself.
Read Job...the devil couldn't do anything to Job,uneless God gave him permission. God knows what the end will be in our lives.

 

[kweenameena]

Yes,boo It will get easier. Remember, God is not mocked.

Here's one scripture my granny used to repeat to me over and over again when I was struggling with being single.

'Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest, if we faint not '

Hey, when I get home, I will find that scripture for you where David was comparing his life to others who were prospering, but not serving God, mmkay?

Also, please don't think that because you are Christian now that your world is going to be superb in all aspects. Remember, we have an enemy who HATES us and lets not even go into submitting your flesh to God's will. Girl, your flesh must be crucified...DAILY!!! It doesn't even have to be anything major either. It could be gossip. Who doesn't like a juicy bit of gossip? I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself engaging in gossip only to be reminded that I am now God's child and He doesn't want me to engage in those things, seemingly simple and harmless things, ya know?

Another thing. I used to feel like a baby Christian a lot when people would say they would speak the scriptures out loud when they were being attacked and INSTANTLY their problems went away. In my desperation to be free from somethings, this was what I started doing...only thing is my problem didn't go away over night like some make it seem like it will do. I felt like my spiritual life was not strong enough, but this was not the case. I think we should be careful when we look at how God worked something out in someone else's life and try to assume He will do the exact same thing in ours. He may, but He may not. Kween, ask God what is He trying to do in your life and why is it so difficult. Remember Paul? Paul prayed to God to have this 'thorn in his flesh' removed. God said 'my grace is sufficient enough.' If I was Paul, I would've been like , 'look God, yeah, your grace is the bomb and all, but I need this done NOW!! God knows what He's doing. In the mean time, take the focus off of yourself and onto others who may be in less stressful or more stressful situations than you are in. You will be fine. Why? 'Cause you can do ALL thing through who? CHRIST (not man, not yourself) who strengthens you, boo!'

Thanks Sis!! This was really encouraging. Right now, my biggest struggle is going to be fighting my what ifs! Especially the :What if it doesn't get better? Especially when it comes to my husband. He's so withdrawn as a person and now that he's in Iraq....it's worse. Pray for him ya'll !!! Please! Okay that's enough about him...I hate thinking about all my many issues!
I agree with you about looking at how God has worked in other people's lives. But I guess that hard part is seeing how some people never struggle and never praise God. But then there's someone like me who wants to be all about him and I seriously think there's a curse of strugglin' that has been put on my behind! But I'm sure that I need to read my bible more. I couldn't speak a scripture out loud if my life depended on it. My memory is horrible. I'd be like "Now I lay me down to sleep as I walk thru the valley of the shadow of Eden and then God said let there be light, Lord!"

Jesus, Help me!

 

[fattyfatfat]

Last night I posted that I needed another job and......as of today I have another job!!!!!!!!!! I prayed on it so much and God heard me

 

[Mocha5]

Last night I posted that I needed another job and......as of today I have another job!!!!!!!!!! I prayed on it so much and God heard me

He is AWESOME! Congrats!

 

[matuncks]

All I can say is that whenever I have had major or minor problems, God made a way where there was absolutely NONE! And I give thanks every single day.

 

[Bublnbrnsuga]

Here's the scripture about David's struggle:

Girl it's so good! Read Psalm 73 -Emphasis on verses 73:3 , 11-12, and 17.

Isn't the Bible wonderful?? EVERYTHING you can imagine, every struggle, when you think you are in this by yourself, the Bible covers your issues.

 

[kweenameena]

Here's the scripture about David's struggle:

Girl it's so good! Read Psalm 73 -Emphasis on verses 73:3 , 11-12, and 17.

Isn't the Bible wonderful?? EVERYTHING you can imagine, every struggle, when you think you are in this by yourself, the Bible covers your issues.

Thanks I'm gonna read it tonite!

 

[empressaja]

HARDER, Ever since my life has been terrible. I 'm blessed but it has been so hard.