request

Thank you Benjamin for your kind post. Unfortunately, my pain is beyond what I can endure.

I am also very lonely without my family and can't handle having to take care of everything on my own. I live in an expensive city. I live in an apartment that is not in good shape yet expensive. My work situation is not good. It's always contract positions and every now and then I have to look for work again. I have long commutes to work, sometimes in horrible weather. I have a car but I can't afford the insurance. I am overwhelmed. I thought of moving to another city or another apartment but moving is also so stressful. I don't know where to go from here.

That's why I asked for a prayer that I get married. I know that can have problems of its own, however, I won't have to deal with everything on my own anymore. I will have some security and stability. two incomes are also better than one. I really can't keep taking care of everything on my own and feeling of loneliness and depression keeps getting worse by the day.

Yes Yohanan. Romans 8:28 has that funny little three letter adjective "all," relative to "things."  Not a few, some, many, or most.  It's all.  Implying sovereignty of the One who works "things."  Note also the reciprocity in who loves whom.  "...for them that love Him,..." And we certainty love Him because He first loved us.

Heidi, you started this thread with a request for prayer.  As sterile and logical as my, and to a lesser degree maybe Yohanan's responses just above may appear, the one thing you and others hurting here should be sure of is that these expressed pains of yours are not being brushed aside.  The requests you have expressed or will express from now until the Rapture, are taken to the Throne.  And God remains sovereign.  And God loves you.  And the Spirit intercedes for you with groans that words cannot express.  And Jesus intercedes for you before the Father too. All these are facts we have on good authority from His Word.  And we intercede for you too, Sister, because we supernaturally love you.  And there's some evidence at least that this RITA Now family is not too dysfunctional.  It's certainly a good place to grow up in.  I'm glad for this reunion.

ybiC,

Dan

This post was off topic and did not offer the requested prayer asked for, therefore I am deleting it.

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

Sincerely,

Dan

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.

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.

Thank you Watchman35.

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 for sharing Vicky. Best wishes to your family.

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

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?

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!