Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Having a hard time...

Have any of you ever had a hard time understanding, relating to, or just a feeling of overall not getting it??? I often wonder sometimes if God is sitting on his throne wondering why we Christians are making it so hard and difficult on one another?? Just a thought I ponder (a lot here lately) Well I have and to be completely honest I am having a hard time understanding, and relating to anything that has to do with church or relegion right now. I am sick of the fighting and the "I'm right your wrong attitude" that seems to be flying around so freely right now. I have been shaken to the core yet again and not sure that this time I can find the will to fight through it. It is a true struggle for me to even want to go church, I have never felt this way but it is so real and I know that it is Satan working in me, but am I strong enough this time? I know that God is the only true one that knows what is on my heart and I pray that he will open my heart and consume me with the love and comfort that only he can...

6 comments:

Apple said...

Dear Kari.

I do think that God sits on his throne wondering where things went so wrong for his children. But, I also know that He gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us and comfort us.

The question isn't "am I strong enough this time?" The question is "is God strong enough?" And the answer is always a resounding "YES!"

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in trouble."

Pray to him, Psalm 119:28 "My soul weeps with grief, strengthen me according to your word."

I have been frustrated before, so I understand. I have drug myself to church on Sunday morning and watched the clock waiting for it to end. I've watched my home church split in an ugly battle over church politics. But, God is sufficient. He has placed us in a new church that feeds our soul and I actually look forward to Sundays now. Pray that He will show you the church where you need to be. I will pray for you and your family.

Amanda said...

Kari,
I was going to try to say something great here, but apple said it so well. Remember that church is for us, not us for church. If your church doesn't understand that, I would kindly suggest a different church. I know I'm suggesting a lot there.

Most importantly, keep striving to know God. He desires that. It is our purpose in life. We are created to know Him. Sometimes, Christians stand between other Christians and God with rules and politics. Keep your eyes on Him. He will bring you and all others involved in "the mess" through this.

With Prayers,
Amanda

Apple said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

“Church is for us” ??? Where does scripture support that idea? Learn to serve and then will Christ’s fellowship mean something. Be the servant, in other words, us for Church

Anonymous said...

John 8:7 "But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Kari, I support your cry for prayer. I encourage you to seek the solace and guidance of our God. I'm sorry that people feel the need to cast stones, but our God will deal with that in due time. I'm afraid that sometimes people try to use the scripture as a sword to wound their brothers and sisters in Christ, when the sword of the Spirit is to be used against Satan and his forces. There are many things that Christ teaches us, not the least of which follows about encouragement and loving our enemies. God bless.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..."

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Romans 12:16"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

Romans 12:17-21"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Matthew 12:36 "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

Valerie said...

Praying for you Kari. I don't have lot's of wise words or scripture to quote to you on this. I'm only sure of one thing- God can give you strength, peace, endurance and comfort during this time. I read that some suggested a change in church, others a change in perspective.... I just know that our goal is to get to Heaven.... and to take as many people with us as possible. IMO, there are many different roads that will lead us there. You just have to find the one that you can walk on. I'd love to listen anytime.