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Post by stormyknight on Aug 31, 2018 10:26:20 GMT -6
18-24 year olds may have the highest statistics of suicide, but it is my belief that the body of Christ, while having the protection and guidance of Jesus, is still the most 'at risk' groups on earth. Satan would like so much to derail us on our path. We may think we're doing ok, God is on our side, and all that, but, it only takes seconds, in certain circumstances, to make and act on a bad thought. I confess that I, myself, have had terminal thoughts in the past. I still get down and drag my mind through the muck of life. This 'waiting for Jesus' is not easy, as I'm sure you all know. At times it gets almost unbearable. We must pray for each other for the strength to keep going.
At the time I'm writing this, I'm at somewhat of a crossroads in my and my wife's life. My Dad is 90 and still lives on his farm. We live on my Grandpa's farm, which my Dad lets us live on with the condition that we take care of it. I have eight other siblings. The only real property we own is the vehicles we drive. We have no savings. I have retirement through my job, but I'm 55. We don't know what's going to happen when my Dad passes away. He's in good health, but who knows, it could be tomorrow, it could be five to ten years from now. My job, while it has excellent benefits and good wage, is a deadend and not very fulfilling. My wife and I take care of our grandson during the day while our second daughter works. My wife takes most of the day and I take over after I get off so she can go to work. Consequently, this takes up our day and doesn't leave much time for us at home. Please don't take this wrong, I'm not complaining. I know we are "OK". But, something will be changing soon. Whether it be my Dad passing away and we may have to move or Jesus returns shortly. Do you see my dilemma? How does one plan for the future in this scenario? I feel like we've looked at every possible avenue to get out or possible start over. Every time we do something that will put extra money in our pocket, something happens that drains it almost immediately. There are numerous other details that I have left out that would make this post a small novel. I don't know what to do anymore and frankly it makes getting out of bed extremely difficult. Sometimes my wife and I sit in silence driving to work (30 miles) not knowing what to do anymore. It seems she has tears in her eyes constantly, but it's "nothing". I'm sorry. This started out as a warning that we need to pray for each other, but turned in to a cry for help. I don't know what anyone could do for us except pray. I only wish Jesus was a little clearer on where/what He wants us to go/do. Maybe this post should be in the Prayer Chain, but it has everything to do with Spiritual Warfare. And just because we put on the Armor of God, doesn't mean we don't get wounded now and then.
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Post by mike on Aug 31, 2018 11:02:29 GMT -6
Dear brother know that you are not alone in your fight. We stand united in HIM against the evil forces of this present world. The enemy knows his time is drawing to a close and the attack...the final attack against our Redeemers people is upon us. Fret not about your circumstances, plan for the Lord to not return during your lifetime, yet hope he will. I dont believe His delay is that long based on our signs he's provided but we need to occupy until He appears.
1 Ch 19:13 Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.
This is something I often remind myself about. though I go through trials, tests and difficult times HE is Sovereign. His testing of our faith hurts and challenges us to want to quit sometimes, yet He is soooo right there in the fire with us! Think about that bro! How in the H-E-double hockey sticks did Shad, Mesh, Abed feel?!?! Imagine yourself there at that very moment. In the furnace and they begin to stoke it HOLY SUGAR!!! Paul and Silas in Prison, Moses and (what? like 5 million) children of Israel being pursued by Pharoah and up against a body of water?! WHAT! But GOD!
1 Pet 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
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Post by Gary on Aug 31, 2018 23:25:38 GMT -6
Dear brother, thank you for sharing what's really going on in your life.
Prayers headed your way (as soon as I finish typing this!)
Here's what it sounds like to me: you have many trials, which means you will have one incredible testimony when we're (soon) out of here.
Consider for a moment the incredible promise contained in these verses:
I credit my Dad with really showing me the importance of these verses, when, like you, I often struggled with despair because of many trials in my life.
The hard truth with trials is there is often no easy answer. The simple truth is that they exist in this broken life and all we can do is endure them, trusting in God's plan, longing for Heaven, and helping our fellow servants endure their own.
Maranatha.
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Post by barb84 on Sept 2, 2018 14:40:37 GMT -6
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Post by stormyknight on Sept 3, 2018 18:11:22 GMT -6
Thank you all for your love and support. This waiting makes me anxious and I forget to give my worries to Jesus. It is rather frightening how easily one can lose focus. I confess I was just worrying too much and not praying enough. Thank you for your prayers.
This last saturday, my wife and I helped our oldest daughter move to the city into an apartment with her cousin, hopefully to restart her life. She has been living with us for the last couple of years and has had some rather intense trouble with depression and anxiety. I think getting her to face a new life was taking it's toll on us. She did have some professional help, but it was still pretty stressful on us.
These next couple of weeks... we'll see what happens, right?
May our Heavenly Father give us tremendous strength of heart and mind. I pray in Jesus' name.
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Post by sawdy on Sept 3, 2018 19:31:09 GMT -6
Thank you for sharing your struggles. I will pray for you and your wife when you come to mind.
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Post by Joecool on Sept 4, 2018 8:18:10 GMT -6
Thank you for sharing your struggles. This thread has helped and uplifted me. I will pray for you and your wife. The devil and his minions may attack you, but always remember Our Heavenly Father is All Powerful and He actually Loves you and nothing in the heavens or on earth can take that All-encomposing Love from you.
And when the burden's of life become seemingly too much to bare remember Jesus's words in
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
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