I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters.

I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (Full Version)

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SomeFineDay -> I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/7/2008 6:56:53 AM)
Sorry for the long title. If anyone could give me insight, or perhaps has lived through the same thing. Way back in October of last year, I went through a period of spiritual growth that is continuing to this day. We all know what we need to work on and me being no exception knew very well what my weaknesses and sins were. Started out on the path to overcome them, but I have to admit that I have not tried very hard with some on them, and the ones I have become better at I have to admit the I am at a mediocure level of effort with them, not failing, but not soaring either. I am pretty well versed in theology so I know that is not the level that Jesus would have Christians functioning at. Yokes, abundant life, love me obey me ect.. So, even though I have had much conviction on the above, I have not tried my hardest. I know that that is wrong, I am ashamed even typing it, but I have to admit it is the truth. My question. All before in my life I have been blessed money wise. I am not a greedy person, but it was enjoyable not to have to worry. However, ever since March I have been plagued with one money disaster after another. Everything in my life was set up to go smoothly in that regard and it has not been at all. The last three months have been particularly hard, this has never happened before. Not a little bit, but financial ruin. This ruin all started after a period of conviction after instead of trying harder, I indeed slacked off quite a bit, and it has been running through my mind that last few days that perhaps they are connected. Not that I want to think of the connection, but I have never been that one that had to live though this before, it is very atypical. Am I thinking too much, has this sort of thing happened to anyone here before? I have prayed the last two days and repented and resolved to try much better. Not a bad thing in itself I know. But, am I reading to much into this situation? Am I putting a connection where it does not exist? I don't want to connect God's actions to something that might be random chance. Would God do such a thing? The worse thing is looking at the worry on my husband's face and knowing that I might be responsible for our troubles. Thanks for reading such a long post, would appreciate any feedback.

deliveredarling -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/7/2008 8:37:40 AM)
God doesn't cause financial ruin in people's lives. He does allows us to suffer the consequences of our decisions. Financial troubles in a marriage is a two person deal, not one person's fault. I would suggest that you look back at your decisions and see where you made the mistakes, repent and follow God's leading from this moment forward. It doesn't mean an overnight financial windfall though. He won't remove the consequences, however He will be with you as you go through them.

rcjames -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/7/2008 8:41:46 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: deliveredarling God doesn't cause financial ruin in people's lives. He does allows us to suffer the consequences of our decisions. Financial troubles in a marriage is a two person deal, not one person's fault. I would suggest that you look back at your decisions and see where you made the mistakes, repent and follow God's leading from this moment forward. It doesn't mean an overnight financial windfall though. He won't remove the consequences, however He will be with you as you go through them. Excellent post. Thanks RC

Little_1 -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/7/2008 9:03:37 AM)
From what you have shared, whilst you seem to have invested your money in ways which you hoped would bring you security and peace, these have fallen through and you are disappointed and disillusioned as a result. You are blaming yourself for all of this happening on top of this. At the back of your mind, (please forgive me if I am wrong) you seem to be thinking that perhaps your present situation is some kind of punishment from God for not obeying what He was speaking to you about prior to this happening and this seems to be ‘the connection’ you are making between losing your investments and not taking God seriously enough when He was speaking to you. Although God forgives the repentant heart in any situation where we have sinned, we may still have to face the consequences of our own actions and this is not pleasant but we would never learn from our sinfulness if God waved a magic wand over such and made the fruit of sin disappear. If when we repent we also submit to God, He will also help us learn from our mistakes. It is perhaps also worth mentioning that there are times in our lives when we may face trials/difficulties despite not having sinned, e.g. Job, the Apostle Paul, Peter, all faced trials whilst they were doing the will of God! So no matter what, i.e. if we find ourselves in trial-some times because of our own sinfulness or whether we find ourselves in trials despite not having sinned, if we will surrender to God, He will work in our lives to bring blessings and good out of every situation because (((((( He is God )))))). PTL. Something which God has been drawing my own attention to lately is that the Apostle Paul said that he “counted it all joy” concerning the trials, persecution, hardships, etc he faced. He praised God in the midst of some of the most awful situations and yet “Why was this?” I believe Paul learnt the secret of bringing glory to God and realised that when he was weak, then God could prove to Paul and others that He was strong. What a testimony to the power of God working in a Christian’s life. Paul’s life was a ‘submitted and surrendered life’ and I believe Paul knew more about abundant life than Christians who trust in riches, fine mansions and fast cars, etc (now I want to add that some Christians have all of these and don't trust in them as being their emphasise on an abundant life but many do treat material possessions as abudant life sadly!). God's grace enabled Paul to persevere under every difficulty he ever faced. “WOW!” I believe that as we head towards a recession in our countries (UK and USA and wherever else in the world recession is coming) that God is calling many of His people into the same power which raised Jesus up from the grave and to lay hold of this abundant life. Sadly, many Christians may miss these God ‘given opportunities’ because they are still holding on too tightly to the things of this earth, i.e. worldly possessions, money, material comforts, etc and will faint and fade away (i.e. depart from the faith) because they think it is their right never to have to go through trials and suchlike. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be amongst the latter group of Christians and I pray that my faith will withstand. This is my prayer for both your husband and yourself as you go through your present trial: Ephesians 3:16-20 God bless. L1

URForgiven -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disaste (9/7/2008 11:13:00 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SomeFineDay Sorry for the long title. If anyone could give me insight, or perhaps has lived through the same thing. Way back in October of last year, I went through a period of spiritual growth that is continuing to this day. We all know what we need to work on and me being no exception knew very well what my weaknesses and sins were. Started out on the path to overcome them, but I have to admit that I have not tried very hard with some on them, and the ones I have become better at I have to admit the I am at a pedicure level of effort with them, not failing, but not soaring either. I am pretty well versed in theology so I know that is not the level that Jesus would have Christians functioning at. Yokes, abundant life, love me obey me ect.. So, even though I have had much conviction on the above, I have not tried my hardest. I know that that is wrong, I am ashamed even typing it, but I have to admit it is the truth. My question. All before in my life I have been blessed money wise. I am not a greedy person, but it was enjoyable not to have to worry. However, ever since March I have been plagued with one money disaster after another. Everything in my life was set up to go smoothly in that regard and it has not been at all. The last three months have been particularly hard, this has never happened before. Not a little bit, but financial ruin. This ruin all started after a period of conviction after instead of trying harder, I indeed slacked off quite a bit, and it has been running through my mind that last few days that perhaps they are connected. Not that I want to think of the connection, but I have never been that one that had to live though this before, it is very atypical. Am I thinking too much, has this sort of thing happened to anyone here before? I have prayed the last two days and repented and resolved to try much better. Not a bad thing in itself I know. But, am I reading to much into this situation? Am I putting a connection where it does not exist? I don't want to connect God's actions to something that might be random chance. Would God do such a thing? The worse thing is looking at the worry on my husband's face and knowing that I might be responsible for our troubles. Thanks for reading such a long post, would appreciate any feedback. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Our true struggle, as Christians, is to enter into God's rest. In fact, this entering into God's rest is our act of obedience... Hebrews 4:10-11 "for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." The Christian life is not about cleaning ourselves up, or working harder at being what we think a Christian is. The Christian life is Christ, and only He can live it. John 16:33 *"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.* But take heart! I have overcome the world."** In this world we will have trouble. We are not promised that everything will go smoothly. Quite the opposite. And the truth is that we are stubborn and pigheaded people, and we only seem to learn through difficulties. Troubles are opportunities to trust God...where we learn that He is worthy of our trust. I have had many disasters in my life, financial and otherwise. Of course they were not pleasant when I was going through them...but I did go through them. And I came out the other side not only a stronger and better Christian, but a stronger and better person. You may not see the other side as yet, but it is there. Romans 8:28 *And we know that all things work together for good* to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.** Bless you. Peace

SomeFineDay -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disaste (9/7/2008 12:39:55 PM)
We are in our late 30's, I am a Christian, my husband is not. Loving money, I really don't I would rather live a simple happy life, than an elaborate rich life. I don't think that God wants us to be in poverty, just to make sure that we put it in the proper perspective and be an good and as generous as we can be. We are generous and do give a lot to charity. What I found strange and prompted this question. Our businesses are prosperous and have good sales, its just that we are get hit by an unending run of unforseen expenses, almost on a daily basis, and we have never had to deal with this before. In fact our businesses seemed blessed. As I said back in October, God very much led to to quite a list of things that he would have me be a different person. I have to admit, though I have tried (and with God's help of course) on some things I have improved, on some things I have not tried, because I wanted to cling to things that I know in the long run are against what God would have a Christian to be.

Little_1 -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/7/2008 2:27:13 PM)
Sometimes financial expenses come all at once not just in business but in normal day-to-day running of households. Machines break down and need replacing at the most inconvenient times, etc. Just over a year ago, whilst reading the Bible re: the life of Joseph and his dream regarding a time of plenty and a time of great famine, I believed the Holy Spirit impressed putting aside some money each month for an emergency in time of leaness. I did this despite my husband saying that we cannot take it with us when we die. Whilst I agree with him on that score, I do believe we have to be good stewards of our money also. It was hard because he thought I was taking saving too seriously but I believed the Holy Spirit had drawn my attention to this passage and to heed it. A year down the line, and we have had some hefty and unexpected outgoings financially. I praise God that He challenged me to obey Him because we would have perhaps have had to borrow money or we'd have gone into debt had this lesson not been heeded. I don't particularly understand your situation SomeFineDay and I think I misunderstood your OP but perhaps there is someone else who will read this response to your thread who will be helped as a result of doing so. Bless L1

terryjohn -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/7/2008 2:42:29 PM)
God takes what we are not willing to give. If we will not humble ourselves, then we can only hope that He will lovingly humble us least we perish. It is easy to make a lot of money for even unbelievers show us that effort and reward usually go hand in hand but not always. Now when it comes to salvation trying harder is really not an option God and His grace has given us.The necessity of grace is important. Love is said to cover a multitude of sins, hence if you were but to love God and others more you would not or could not begin to sin against them. Are we not made perfect in love? None of us should be foolish with our money and I suppose none of us should seek to expolit the poor by charging excessive amounts of profit. I know in many cases we can but should we considering the grace given us? Now if the fruit tree does not blossom and the fruit be cut off from the vine, will we not bless the name of the Lord. It is easy to praise God for our abundance but will we do it if He should take it all from us? Is satan right in saying we fear God for nothing? On our death beds, no man will regret not having spent more time at the office.

drussell52 -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/8/2008 8:43:03 AM)
One fine day, Your subject says alot, I gave up on some of the daily struggle, and that alone trips a lot of us believers up. We believe the lie that this sin or that sin committed just 1 more time won't result in death right away, or we can stop it from being indulged in again the next time. I heard teacher Steve Brown say something on Key Life recently that will stick in my memory on this issue of sin. "We can fool our spouse, we can fool our best friend, but we cannot fool God." There is a song that talks too about god thinking of us when he died on the cross and even suggests each of the sins that "us" did, does, or will do. Get the picture? While He is not willing any should succumb to Spiritual death, apologize for your faithlessness, ask Him to show you the benefits of being faithful, and know He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness, where you have become slack in your life. I have some verse cards on my desk, and one says, "be joyful in hope; patient in affliction; faithful in prayer." Romans 12-12. Those are good parameters on which to build today and any day on. You cannot save yourself, none of us can, but you are called, as are the rest of us, to be holy, set apart, because the Lord our God is holy. May he help us desire that with everything that is in us and not buy the damnable lie that peroports mediocrity and complaicency.. Be blessed and encouraged today, help us our Savior be all we can be..

SomeFineDay -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disaste (9/8/2008 9:22:14 AM)
It's funny how writing a dilemma down helps you think about an issue. I can't say if God is or is not putting this pressure on me, but I can say that he cares very much how I live, and he cares very much is I learn to lean on him and trust him. On that issue I can say that I was not trusting him to help me with the list that he wanted me to change, that I was trying perhaps to do it on my own. I realize that I have to look to him to help me, and that he cares about that much more that my money situation.

rcjames -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disaste (9/8/2008 2:48:54 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: URForgiven Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Our true struggle, as Christians, is to enter into God's rest. In fact, this entering into God's rest is our act of obedience... Well shucks the Scripture says; (Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. So according to Scripture the struggle is agains the enemy (devil, satan, etc.). Now the "Rest" may be the reason for the struggle, but the principalites, powers, rulers of darkness, etc. are where the fight is; the struggle is definately against them (the evil ones).. Thanks RC Thanks RC

URForgiven -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disaste (9/8/2008 3:35:22 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: rcjames quote: ORIGINAL: URForgiven Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Our true struggle, as Christians, is to enter into God's rest. In fact, this entering into God's rest is our act of obedience... Well shucks the Scripture says; (Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. So according to Scripture the struggle is agains the enemy (devil, satan, etc.). Now the "Rest" may be the reason for the struggle, but the principalites, powers, rulers of darkness, etc. are where the fight is; the struggle is definately against them (the evil ones).. Thanks RC Well golly, I guess maybe they don't want us to enter that rest, eh? [;)] Peace

sisrev -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disaste (9/8/2008 10:05:25 PM)
The last part of Ephesians 6:13 states, "...and having done all, to stand." Sometime we want to stand we haven't yet "done all". Other times, we've done all we can or know to do, and forget afterwards to "stand". I think sometimes the Lord lets us get to the place that all we can do is stand--then when victory comes, we know it's from God, and not our own puny efforts. So I guess it boils down to--have you "done all?" If not, get to doing. If so, stand. Kind of reminds me the Israelites, when the Lord told them to stand fast the see the victory that HE would give them--from God alone, not through any effort on their part. They had already done all they could do in the natural, and all that was required of them was obedience.

iamjc-s -> RE: I gave up on some of the daily Christian struggle to be free, now my life is filled with disasters. (9/12/2008 11:00:39 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SomeFineDay Sorry for the long title. If anyone could give me insight, or perhaps has lived through the same thing. Way back in October of last year, I went through a period of spiritual growth that is continuing to this day. We all know what we need to work on and me being no exception knew very well what my weaknesses and sins were. Started out on the path to overcome them, but I have to admit that I have not tried very hard with some on them, and the ones I have become better at I have to admit the I am at a mediocure level of effort with them, not failing, but not soaring either. I am pretty well versed in theology so I know that is not the level that Jesus would have Christians functioning at. Yokes, abundant life, love me obey me ect.. So, even though I have had much conviction on the above, I have not tried my hardest. I know that that is wrong, I am ashamed even typing it, but I have to admit it is the truth. My question. All before in my life I have been blessed money wise. I am not a greedy person, but it was enjoyable not to have to worry. However, ever since March I have been plagued with one money disaster after another. Everything in my life was set up to go smoothly in that regard and it has not been at all. The last three months have been particularly hard, this has never happened before. Not a little bit, but financial ruin. This ruin all started after a period of conviction after instead of trying harder, I indeed slacked off quite a bit, and it has been running through my mind that last few days that perhaps they are connected. Not that I want to think of the connection, but I have never been that one that had to live though this before, it is very atypical. Am I thinking too much, has this sort of thing happened to anyone here before? I have prayed the last two days and repented and resolved to try much better. Not a bad thing in itself I know. But, am I reading to much into this situation? Am I putting a connection where it does not exist? I don't want to connect God's actions to something that might be random chance. Would God do such a thing? The worse thing is looking at the worry on my husband's face and knowing that I might be responsible for our troubles. Thanks for reading such a long post, would appreciate any feedback. My Dad strayed from God and our family experienced similar financial ruin or almost ruin more than once. Yes, God can cut off His flow of blessings to open our eyes. Please pray with me that God will renew a right spirit & relationship with you & my Dad. God will use whatever He has to to open the eyes of His children & draw them closer to His loving arms.

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