What do you guys do?

[War5475]

You know in the past couple of months i have had so many doors closed to me. I really dont see the need. I pray to God all the time to give me direction. So many things in the way of salvation and the lords work he talks to me and helps me. but he seems to be completly silent about things in all other aspects of my life. I ask him for direction in all things but He only seems to help in one area. I wish he would just tell me not to go down a path rather than for me to look and see a wide open door that looks wonderful. I pray and seem to get postive answeres but at the last second he slams the door in my face. And im just really hurting because its just too much. What do you guys do when every week you have somthing major in your life go wrong? and when you started everything seemed so right? Its just hard to take all at onece. I need a breather. It just seems like in love, buisness, relationships, I just cant seem to make any progress. Doors seem to open and then slam shut at the last second. /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif I just need a good pep talk im really feeling down and out. I just wish somthing would go right for change. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif What do you guys do when things start going like this?

[10forty2]

I remember that He doesn't put anything on me that I cannot handle. I remember my faith and I remember those who are less fortunate than me. It's kind of like the law of the Old West... Never think you're the fastest gun because there's always someone out there who's faster. Likewise, never get so down on yourself that you fail to see your blessings. There's always someone out there who has it worse than you. Just this weekend, as I was contemplating the hard week I had ahead of me, I was reminded that I didn't have it so bad when a friend of mine, who has a wife and 2 small children, slamed into a tree on a skiing trip and is now paralyzed from the neck down. My troubles are small in comparison. I also remember that Jesus was persecuted, spit on, beaten, whipped, scourged and nailed to a cross to die all because of me. Since He endured that for me, I surely can't say that I can't endure what few things life throws at me.

Perserverence and faith will pay off.

I heard or read a testimony several years ago from a man who had been involved in an accident and was given little chance to live. The man was suprisingly unscathed by the news. The doctors, nurses and his family all wondered how he could take the news so well. His reply was this....

In all things in life, we are given choices. When we wake up in the morning, we have the choice to have a good day or a bad day. This morning, I choose to have a good day and something like this is not going to change my mind. If I die, I will only be going to a better place. If I pull through, then it's still been a good day. We have choices in all things. Right now I have the choice to live or die. I choose to live.

You have a choice, War.... it's whatever you choose to make of your situation. I personally choose to have a good day!

[jeffrobodean]

Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?

I've been down there with you brother. As 10forty2 says -
[ QUOTE ]
I remember my faith and I remember those who are less fortunate than me.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think about my friend Jenna who's only 9 and she has leukemia. Her friend of about the same age that she met in the hospital is undergoing a life or death procedure today to remove tumors from all over her body. It's not fair. When I think I have it rough, I think about them.

I'm not saying this to make you feel bad that you are feeling down. Feeling down is a fact of life for many people all the time and almost everyone some of the time. One of my favorite books in the Bible is the Book of Job. When I think things are bad for me, I think of what he went through and how he never cursed the Lord. Questioned him, yes, but he never lost the faith. As Jenna's father told me one day something that I'll never forget "How can I be mad at God for this when he's blessed me for nearly 40 years of my life?" I drew amazing inspiration from him.

I've been struggling to get on with a Fire Department, but being 35, many doors have been closed to me. I was upset that it took me this long to find what I think is my calling. There are relatively few men of God such as 10forty2 and my friend Jeff in the fire service. I can't speak for 10forty2, but I know Jeff is taking the opportunity to reach his brothers in the service and help them find God. I think that's why I have this stirring in my heart to pursue this field, and it's tough. Everytime that I think God has made an opening for me, I didn't make it. I get upset about it, but I gotta think that God is still working in my life - something I don't yet know about, and may never know, but he does have a plan, and he doesn't abandon his children.
Just yesterday, I recevied a letter from a deparment in Indiana that I had all but given up on. They have now asked me to submit some forms to run a criminal and driving history check on me, so who but God knows what is in store. He has given me new hope though.
I was discouraged because I felt just like you. Why show me these things and then close the door on me. Again, I remember what the Lord said to Job:

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel
with words without knowledge?
3 Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone-

I have to remember that and stop questioning, but have faith that the Lord will lead me, and someday maybe, or maybe not, He will reveal his plans to me.

War- maybe he's closing these doors now so that you will have a better appreciation for the one he opens and allows you pass.

[Adam Knowlden]

I've also found a lot of times God provides an answer yet I do not want to hear it. So a lot of times I'm really praying for God to answer me the way I want to be answered and not His way/His timing.

You have to make sure this is not the case as well.

[War5475]

thanks guys for all the encouragement. Im feeling alot better. Im just tired and worn out. /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif These things really get to me when im like that. But your words have edified me and i thank you. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Today is alot better than yesterday. Sometimes i just have to hear the encouragment comming from someone else. Being your own cheerleder isnt allways effective.

So thanks. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[tarheelsykes]

you definitely need that cheerleading and support. The worst thing you can do is try to handle it yourself. It isn't always easy to tell others that you are struggling, that times are tough and you have had enough. Too many Christians put up a front. But we are supposed to be real, transparent with one another. I have been there as well. It isn't easy when every door closes, and it is hard to look at the big picture. But if you continue to give it up to the Lord, and follow his leading, at the end of your life he is going to see a good and faithful servant, and bottom line is that is ALL that matters.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" John 16:33

[Mavrick]

"pray to god but row for land"

[jlands]

[ QUOTE ]
A farmer is in Iowa during a flood. The river is overflowing, with water surrounding the farmer's home up to his front porch. As he is standing there, a boat comes up, The man in the boat says "Jump in, I'll take you to safety."

The farmer crosses his arms and says stubbornly, "Nope, I put my trust in God."

The boat goes away. The water rises to the second floor. Another boat comes up, the man says to the farmer who is now in the second story window, "Jump in, I'll save you."

The farmer again says, "Nope, I put my trust in God."

The boat goes away. Now the water is up to the roof. As The farmer stands on the roof, a helicopter comes over, and drops a ladder. The pilot yells down to the farmer "I'll save you, climb the ladder."

The farmer says "Nope, I put my trust in God."

The helicopter goes away. The water comtinues to rise and sweeps the farmer off the roof. He drowns.

The farmer goes to heaven. God sees him and says "What are you doing here?"

The farmer says "I put my trust in you and you let me down."

God says, "What do you mean, let you down? I sent you two boats and a helicopter!!!"

[/ QUOTE ]

Just like Old School said. Maybe you are looking for answers in your way that God is giving in His way.

[War5475]

Yes i sometimes i have been looking for my own answers but lately i have been really trying to see what he wants for me not what i want for me.

My problem is it seems that in things that are about me i cant allways hear what he wants for he seems to be silent. But in things that have to do with him like salvatioin of others or his work he talks to me all the time. Im just haveing dificulty trying to make the right decicions in my personal life.

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[10forty2]

War.... I was in a bible study a few years back. The title was "Experiencing God" by Dr. Henry Blackaby. The main thing that I was able to retain from that study was this:

We always ask God to come to us and tell us what His Will is for us.

Now pay attention to the key words in this statement. I'll re-write it again with highlights on the key words...

We always ask God to come to <u>us</u> and tell <u>us</u> what His Will is for <u>us</u>.

We should be asking simply what His Will is and where He is working so that we can join Him.

We must remember that God is always working. That is one of the basic truths of God. He truly desires for us to take part in His work and calls us to help. But guess what.... if we don't join Him, He is still working. He continues His Will. It's not about us.. It is about Him and His work. By human nature, we are selfish and cannot see that God has a bigger purpose than simply what we want. We have to spend time seeking Him, and looking for where he is working so that we can join Him in His work, not vice-versa.

Churches today get caught up in the notion that everything revolves around the church facility. If we look around us, we can see many places where God is doing marvelous and miraculous things and it ain't in a church building. There's campus crusades, there's street witnessing, there's living room bible studies, and there's places like ABC Bodybuilding. God is working in a powerful way right here. He's reaching thousands of people that we may never know through this rich medium that has been provided by the creators of this site.

The key point I'm trying to make again is this:

Ask God to reveal where He is working and what He is doing and ask that He provide a place for you to join Him in His work.

Be willing to accept His invitation when He gives it. Don't be afraid to ask God to put someone in your path today that you can serve.

[jlands]

War, don't worry. We all struggle. We all have doubts at times. It doesn't mean you are not strong. It means you are human. I see you on here and honestly I wish I had your faith.

Just remember what happened to Job.

[War5475]

Thanks jlands I dont deserve you compliment, But i will shurly
take it! /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

These things just happen. God did not promise us an easy ride just cause we are on his team. So i just got to suck it up. Sometimes i just wish i wasnt so lonley. Although I wouldnt want to share this stress with someone else and ruin thier day. but it would be nice to have someone that I would know would have a smile for me at the end of the day. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also i just had two lovely things happen to me today as well. They really wernt so lovely. Man i am under some seriously strong spiritual attacks latly. I dont know what the deal is. I must be doing somthing right. Oh well thanks for the encourgment guys. It makes things alot more berable.