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Prayers coming your way, this world is not our home, but we do have to live here, :rose: I do understand what your saying. Each time my life changes, it's difficult, but I talk to Jesus and tell Him, what is next for me?  After suffering for awhile, a JOY comes in the morning with what He has planned and it's always better than before. My daughter got married again after her son and husband died 8 years ago, then 2 years ago she met someone who we know God sent to her. She would always wonder, how was she going to make it as a single mother with 1 child, my granddaughter who was 10 at the time, but God came thru just in time with a very loving husband and two extra kids, boy & girl. She loves them and they love her to, we are praying for their salvation now. My granddaughter is graduating this May, Oh, what a Lord we serve. So live each day knowing God loves you to and He does have a plan for us all, just believe!

Heidi, I am sure you have gone through a lot and have had a lot of pain in your life.  But don't let your pain cause you to reject Christianity.  Are you rejecting your faith or rejecting joining in a church?

I am not rejecting Christianity. I just don't want to be involved in any churches or life groups anymore.

Thank you for sharing Vicky. Best wishes to your family.

Sorry for your pain Heidi.  Praying that the only One who can really know our heart will comfort and encourage you.  Don't give up on the Lord just because people are poops.  We are all so flawed and broken.  Just a word of caution.  With rare exceptions, isolation is the modus operandi of the enemy of our souls.  May the Lord give you wisdom and protect you as you walk through this difficult season.  And don't forget, behold the Bridegroom cometh!  Don't quit now.  The finish line is in sight.  Maranatha!!!

Thank you Watchman35.

Heidi, I wouldn't have you think for a moment that you are alone in what you're feeling.
While I can't speak for others, I can say with absolute certainty that there are many of us here who have been hurt, both within and without churches.

I've been hurt on multiple occasions and had to leave churches in difficult circumstances - the last time, despite the fact that I was in ministry within that very church.  Apparently preachers aren't immune to such things either.

And of course, it's not just about churches; many of us have suffered many things through this life.  But there's something worth remembering - something Chuck Missler used to say: "every day, God provides you with an opportunity to prove that you trust Him."

the book of Romans makes similar points.  Paul says "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us" - and that as we groan and suffer and struggle and persevere, even these things are signs of the coming of Christ; "we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting the adoption, the redemption of our body".

This world is not what it should be.  Sometimes it is painful - even beyond what we think we can endure.  I have most assuredly 'been there and done that' (though I won't go into that here) - but what my own experience proves, and what the Scriptures resoundingly proclaim, is that Jesus Christ is faithful - and He has not abandoned us to suffer alone.  Not only do we have one another, but we have the Holy Spirit.  He "helps us with our weaknesses, making intercession with groanings that cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

Are you suffering?
God knows.  He knows because the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer, makes your needs and sorrows and suffering known to the Father - directly.  And so in all of these things, "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."

You may not see the good that God is working in you - but we are all limited by time and space.  He is not.  I have suffered in this life - not as much as others, but far more than some - and yet in all of these things I can say that God is faithful; and that His plan was ever more wonderful and purposeful than anything I had conceived before Him.

...so do not stumble, do not falter, do not fall - He who upholds you will not let go.  Trust Him in all things, and He will make Himself known to you, even now.

I have been trying to come up with some way to address the hurts presented here, and the hurts of others, too, but I think that was better than anything I could have come up with. It really ministered to me and I pray it did for other's who are suffering as well.

I am removing my post here about God's sovereignty and love, admitting it's contextual insensitivity.

Sincerely,

Dan