Have you been tempted beyond what you were able to bear?

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saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
511
63
#1
I have been tested beyond what I think I could bear - and even presently am. It really makes me wrestle with the very foundations of what I believe. I had a snobby Christian (ex) friend who was as Job's friends and even that made me wonder. Why wasn't she the one tested - why me? Her life has sailed along - and I've come to believe that it's because she's the type of Christian Satan loves. She and her husband go to church every week and when their son ran into an older black woman they refused to pay the bill. She smirked as she said "they likely didn't have insurance."

So that leads me to why am I being tested and not her? I have placed my faith in the Bible for a number of years even though there were times I prayed and God allowed evil people to "ride over my head." Yet I went back to my faith even though time after time God didn't come through for me. I know what happened to me was real but I don't understand why Scripture says one thing and life shows me something else.

I wondered if the bible was 100% accurate. I just don't know anymore. I'm sure that will sound heretical but if we never look at the other side how can we know for sure? What if people were able to tamper with it? And what about the lost books of the bible?

I read about people who walked away from their faith but where do you go?
 

phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
8,345
2,157
113
#2
Hi Saintrose,

Sometimes things in in life can engulf us. I think at some point or other all Christians face the tough situations in this life. Believe this or not but God uses these times to teach us and bring us closer to him. When we are in these positions/situations it is easy to look around us and say why me, why not someone else, I don't deserve this they do. But this may be a part of our thinking that God is trying to teach us something about.

When in one of life's storms the only place that you can rest is in Jesus' love and care. He already knows what the situation is and the outcome. Take this time to know more about Jesus. Don't worry about tomorrow as today has enough problems of its own. Rest in the peace Jesus gives. I know when in a tough real life situation it is not easy, but you will only find joy in sitting in the peace and joy Jesus gives.


=---Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (1 Peter 4:12)


----Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? (Jeremiah 12:1)


----Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).

---Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7).


----In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (1 Peter 1:6)

---Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:-2-5)



We all at some point question our faith especially when trials come, but with each trial/ tough situation our faith gets stronger. Stay close to Jesus. Don't worry or get jealous or bitter about other people or how their lives ''seem''' better. Lean into Jesus' love.

---For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:3)
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
9,385
5,724
113
#3
What we can bear and what we THINK we can bear might be 2 different subjects.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#4
I have been tested beyond what I think I could bear - and even presently am. It really makes me wrestle with the very foundations of what I believe. I had a snobby Christian (ex) friend who was as Job's friends and even that made me wonder. Why wasn't she the one tested - why me? Her life has sailed along - and I've come to believe that it's because she's the type of Christian Satan loves. She and her husband go to church every week and when their son ran into an older black woman they refused to pay the bill. She smirked as she said "they likely didn't have insurance."

So that leads me to why am I being tested and not her? I have placed my faith in the Bible for a number of years even though there were times I prayed and God allowed evil people to "ride over my head." Yet I went back to my faith even though time after time God didn't come through for me. I know what happened to me was real but I don't understand why Scripture says one thing and life shows me something else.

I wondered if the bible was 100% accurate. I just don't know anymore. I'm sure that will sound heretical but if we never look at the other side how can we know for sure? What if people were able to tamper with it? And what about the lost books of the bible?

I read about people who walked away from their faith but where do you go?
1 Cor. 10:13 says the temptations we experience are common to man - meaning everyone else goes through them too. If other people can bear the temptations then you can to or at least learn to.

You know, what Job went through was hard no doubt, but the story has helped countless generations hasn't it? You're going to be tough as nails and have an amazing testimony that will inspire and help others.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#5
Philippians 1:29 NLT - "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him."

Do you see it? If the Lord grants His Children the ability to endure suffering, then it means that we are to expect it. This is where things become hazy. How can I say this?

There is a Plan, written by the Lord, and it is written upon Heavenly Scrolls that will not be altered. These Plans will be fulfilled. In it, is the Plan for Christ to suffer, precisely as He did. Now, if this is the Plan, which is that Christ would become the One who would Cleanse our hearts of the Sinful Nature, the effects of the Fall of "Man," then it would be reasonable that the Lord's Plan for His True Children would suffer as well. As I read and do my best to actually study the Bible, I (at this point) conclude that those who suffer are partakers with Christ. This is why Scriptures speak over and over about how the poor are loved by God, indicating that these are His True Children, who while suffering here on earth, will reign in Heaven with Him.

The question is . . . do we trust this Plan? Will we give up the freedoms that this world of Satan has to offer? There is so much sex to be had in this free and open world that we live in. But will we curb ourselves to doing what is right? Will we deny ourselves the right to freely sin, enjoying the luscious fruits of this world? Or, do we Trust and Believe that if we live by the Laws of the Spirit of Life, that we will deny these things, become hated by the world, and thus live miserable lives as aliens in a foreign and strange land?

Do you see what I have done? I have shown [to you], that you are the one that will be blessed in Heaven, and that those who seem to live life, freely sinning and seemingly always getting away with anything they want . . . while they reign in their earthly freedoms and enjoyments, they will not reign in Heaven with you. It is so important that you realize that the True Children of God will suffer, but that we are to Trust that we will be alright . . . even if it means dying.

You are the one that God Loves. You are chosen to suffer . . . and as you are being taken deeper and deeper into this pain, it will be these very moments that will help to shape you in your wisdom. It will be moments just like these that will teach you the things that you will need to know, and later use for the benefit of others. These are the moments that you will use as your base of strength, and though it may seem difficult to see things in this manner at this time . . . you will. You will!

I believe in you. I sense you . . . somehow, and I know that you are going to be fine. Pick yourself up . . . and that includes your chin, and hold your head high! We all make mistakes, so be sure not to let former transgressions slow down your self-belief. Why? Because developing a healthy, balanced state of self-acceptance is critical and essential for changing the way we think . . . and ultimately live. So you have to believe in yourself as well, meaning that you must believe that you are worthy to receive the Grace, Mercy, and Compassion just as I have.

Don't worry . . . you suffering will be worth it. Hang in there. Trust in God, for these are the things that happen to those who have given themselves to the Lord so as to become owned by Him, or, Controlled by the Spirit. You are not your own anymore my friend, for you and your life have been purchased by Christ as He died on the Cross. You are not your own . . . therefore, we must stop fighting and accept that the path that we are on is the path that leads to Heaven.

Also remember this: Just because Evil things are happening around you . . . and to you . . . this does not mean that [you] are Evil. No. You are being refined and tested. You are winning, for you have not thrown in the towel. So if it is possible, consider yourself to be incredibly lucky to suffer. And know that you are not alone . . . for I am currently experiencing the greatest level of suffering I've ever imagined. We can do it! We [are] doing it! And we [will] get through it!
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
59,912
29,293
113
#6
I have placed my faith in the Bible for a number of years even though there were times I prayed and God allowed evil people to "ride over my head." Yet I went back to my faith even though time after time God didn't come through for me. I know what happened to me was real but I don't understand why Scripture says one thing and life shows me something else.

I wondered if the bible was 100% accurate. I just don't know anymore. I'm sure that will sound heretical but if we never look at the other side how can we know for sure? What if people were able to tamper with it? And what about the lost books of the bible?

I read about people who walked away from their faith but where do you go?
Believing the Bible is certainly important, but is secondary to believing in and having faith in God.
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
511
63
#7
Hi Saintrose,

Sometimes things in in life can engulf us. I think at some point or other all Christians face the tough situations in this life. Believe this or not but God uses these times to teach us and bring us closer to him. When we are in these positions/situations it is easy to look around us and say why me, why not someone else, I don't deserve this they do. But this may be a part of our thinking that God is trying to teach us something about.

When in one of life's storms the only place that you can rest is in Jesus' love and care. He already knows what the situation is and the outcome. Take this time to know more about Jesus. Don't worry about tomorrow as today has enough problems of its own. Rest in the peace Jesus gives. I know when in a tough real life situation it is not easy, but you will only find joy in sitting in the peace and joy Jesus gives.


=---Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (1 Peter 4:12)


----Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? (Jeremiah 12:1)


----Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).

---Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7).


----In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (1 Peter 1:6)

---Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:-2-5)



We all at some point question our faith especially when trials come, but with each trial/ tough situation our faith gets stronger. Stay close to Jesus. Don't worry or get jealous or bitter about other people or how their lives ''seem''' better. Lean into Jesus' love.

---For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:3)
Very encouraging, thank you. I know the verses but they didn't come to mind. I know God hears which is what is so very hard. I think there is something He wants me to do but I just don't know what it is. It's hard when you see the wicked/ liars prosper.
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
511
63
#8
1 Cor. 10:13 says the temptations we experience are common to man - meaning everyone else goes through them too. If other people can bear the temptations then you can to or at least learn to.

You know, what Job went through was hard no doubt, but the story has helped countless generations hasn't it? You're going to be tough as nails and have an amazing testimony that will inspire and help others.
Yes I often feel like the female version of Job. I'm at a very weary time. I've turned from God before but there was nowhere to go. Trying to find out what He wants out of me. I appreciate the encouragement.
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
511
63
#9
Philippians 1:29 NLT - "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him."

Do you see it? If the Lord grants His Children the ability to endure suffering, then it means that we are to expect it. This is where things become hazy. How can I say this?

There is a Plan, written by the Lord, and it is written upon Heavenly Scrolls that will not be altered. These Plans will be fulfilled. In it, is the Plan for Christ to suffer, precisely as He did. Now, if this is the Plan, which is that Christ would become the One who would Cleanse our hearts of the Sinful Nature, the effects of the Fall of "Man," then it would be reasonable that the Lord's Plan for His True Children would suffer as well. As I read and do my best to actually study the Bible, I (at this point) conclude that those who suffer are partakers with Christ. This is why Scriptures speak over and over about how the poor are loved by God, indicating that these are His True Children, who while suffering here on earth, will reign in Heaven with Him.

The question is . . . do we trust this Plan? Will we give up the freedoms that this world of Satan has to offer? There is so much sex to be had in this free and open world that we live in. But will we curb ourselves to doing what is right? Will we deny ourselves the right to freely sin, enjoying the luscious fruits of this world? Or, do we Trust and Believe that if we live by the Laws of the Spirit of Life, that we will deny these things, become hated by the world, and thus live miserable lives as aliens in a foreign and strange land?

Do you see what I have done? I have shown [to you], that you are the one that will be blessed in Heaven, and that those who seem to live life, freely sinning and seemingly always getting away with anything they want . . . while they reign in their earthly freedoms and enjoyments, they will not reign in Heaven with you. It is so important that you realize that the True Children of God will suffer, but that we are to Trust that we will be alright . . . even if it means dying.

You are the one that God Loves. You are chosen to suffer . . . and as you are being taken deeper and deeper into this pain, it will be these very moments that will help to shape you in your wisdom. It will be moments just like these that will teach you the things that you will need to know, and later use for the benefit of others. These are the moments that you will use as your base of strength, and though it may seem difficult to see things in this manner at this time . . . you will. You will!

I believe in you. I sense you . . . somehow, and I know that you are going to be fine. Pick yourself up . . . and that includes your chin, and hold your head high! We all make mistakes, so be sure not to let former transgressions slow down your self-belief. Why? Because developing a healthy, balanced state of self-acceptance is critical and essential for changing the way we think . . . and ultimately live. So you have to believe in yourself as well, meaning that you must believe that you are worthy to receive the Grace, Mercy, and Compassion just as I have.

Don't worry . . . you suffering will be worth it. Hang in there. Trust in God, for these are the things that happen to those who have given themselves to the Lord so as to become owned by Him, or, Controlled by the Spirit. You are not your own anymore my friend, for you and your life have been purchased by Christ as He died on the Cross. You are not your own . . . therefore, we must stop fighting and accept that the path that we are on is the path that leads to Heaven.

Also remember this: Just because Evil things are happening around you . . . and to you . . . this does not mean that [you] are Evil. No. You are being refined and tested. You are winning, for you have not thrown in the towel. So if it is possible, consider yourself to be incredibly lucky to suffer. And know that you are not alone . . . for I am currently experiencing the greatest level of suffering I've ever imagined. We can do it! We [are] doing it! And we [will] get through it!
That touched a chord in my weary soul. I had expected God to help me in a situation and I was deeply disappointed. Liars prevailed in a situation. i remembered the verse: "If you were of the world, the world would love you." And the shoe sure does fit. Someone ungodly won and someone trying to live godly lost. And I'm suffering heavily from the injustice.

I have really wrestled in my soul. I'm really ready for a rest. But you reminded me that Scripture does tell us "all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
9,385
5,724
113
#10
That touched a chord in my weary soul. I had expected God to help me in a situation and I was deeply disappointed. Liars prevailed in a situation. i remembered the verse: "If you were of the world, the world would love you." And the shoe sure does fit. Someone ungodly won and someone trying to live godly lost. And I'm suffering heavily from the injustice.

I have really wrestled in my soul. I'm really ready for a rest. But you reminded me that Scripture does tell us "all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
Remember we have a limited view.
Like a man watching a parade from the roadside. He can see only parts of the parade as it passes him.
God can see as though from the top of a very tall building, the whole parade. It's beginning & it's end all at once.

It may look like others are not being tested while you are and it may look unfair. But we can't see the whole picture.
If the people who have wronged you are unsaved, read Psalm 37, it might help a bit.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#11
That touched a chord in my weary soul. I had expected God to help me in a situation and I was deeply disappointed. Liars prevailed in a situation. I remembered the verse: "If you were of the world, the world would love you." And the shoe sure does fit. Someone ungodly won and someone trying to live godly lost. And I'm suffering heavily from the injustice.

I have really wrestled in my soul. I'm really ready for a rest. But you reminded me that Scripture does tell us "all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
You're going to make it, and here's why . . . you are [not] going to let the Devil win. No way . . . not in your house!

Yell at your anxiety to get out of your life. I did. I mean it, I really yelled at my emotions to the point that my neighbors likely heard me doing it. I didn't care. I had to learn to feel a different way otherwise I was going to kill myself. I hated my life and the way that I was feeling about it . . . I just wanted to die. So I finally made it to the point that I planned out my death. I was going to jump off the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma Washington, and I had no fear of it. I looked forward to the wind rushing past my face and I proceeded towards black silence. Rest.

But God didn't let it happen. I finally got to the point of planning my death, but God didn't allow it. And now today, though my circumstances are much, much worse than in those days, I am strong! I do not cave in; I do not doubt nor question our Powerful and Almighty God! I will never turn nor curse Him. I will never blame Him, though He is in full Control, for I offer my life to Him. You see, I told my God that I would submit my all to Him, and that includes my body. When I gave my life to Jesus . . . I gave Him everything. There is nothing about me that does not belong to Christ, so as I plow through my cascading sense of pain and misery, I know in whom it is that I Trust! It does not matter what happens to me on this planet, for I know without a doubt that I am utterly Loved by God, and that in my willingness to be used and abused, I will be remembered in Heaven.

Never cave-in to the Devil and the feelings that he wants you to have . . . and spread to others. Have nothing to do with his mindset!

Now you go . . . and have an amazing day! :)
 

1ofthem

Senior Member
Mar 30, 2016
3,729
1,921
113
#12
I have been tested beyond what I think I could bear - and even presently am. It really makes me wrestle with the very foundations of what I believe. I had a snobby Christian (ex) friend who was as Job's friends and even that made me wonder. Why wasn't she the one tested - why me? Her life has sailed along - and I've come to believe that it's because she's the type of Christian Satan loves. She and her husband go to church every week and when their son ran into an older black woman they refused to pay the bill. She smirked as she said "they likely didn't have insurance."

So that leads me to why am I being tested and not her? I have placed my faith in the Bible for a number of years even though there were times I prayed and God allowed evil people to "ride over my head." Yet I went back to my faith even though time after time God didn't come through for me. I know what happened to me was real but I don't understand why Scripture says one thing and life shows me something else.

I wondered if the bible was 100% accurate. I just don't know anymore. I'm sure that will sound heretical but if we never look at the other side how can we know for sure? What if people were able to tamper with it? And what about the lost books of the bible?

I read about people who walked away from their faith but where do you go?
This is how the enemy works and tries to get in. He would love to make us doubt the Word of God in anyway.

It rains on the just and the unjust. We will all face problems in life. Also the devil is not going to tempt people if he has already got them doing what he wants. I'm not going to try to judge your ex-friend, but if she is doing evil then the devil is not going to bother her. God, on the other hand, is a different story. We will all eventually reap what we sow.

The word of God is true. He will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to stand and with the temptations will make a way to escape. I'm not sure what your problems or temptations are, but I know from my own experience sometimes I have fell under my load. Not because I was being tempted above what I could stand, but mostly likely because I wasn't willing to stand the temptation. Even though, I know that I would have been able to stand had I tried and trusted in the Lord to bring me through it. Also many times he made a way to escape, but I didn't take that way and chose to follow along after the temptations. So of course, I fell.

As far as walking away from your faith, I've been there done that too. There is no where to go, but to the pig pen eating slop just like the prodigal son did. Life is hard for everyone, but the children of God have someone to turn to and trust in. Someone who will help. Can you imagine going through your trials and temptations without Jesus. Well that is how it is when you turn from God.

When I turned from God, it didn't matter how good my life was going. No matter how much money, friends, and what others call good times, I had....I was totally and completely miserable. Knowing that I had walked away from God. It leaves a hole in you and nothing can fill it but Jesus. There is nothing in this world that will ever compare to having a relationship with the Lord.

So take courage in the word of the Lord and know that he will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear and will make a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,404
13,747
113
#13
I have been tested beyond what I think I could bear - and even presently am. It really makes me wrestle with the very foundations of what I believe. I had a snobby Christian (ex) friend who was as Job's friends and even that made me wonder. Why wasn't she the one tested - why me? Her life has sailed along - and I've come to believe that it's because she's the type of Christian Satan loves. She and her husband go to church every week and when their son ran into an older black woman they refused to pay the bill. She smirked as she said "they likely didn't have insurance."

So that leads me to why am I being tested and not her? I have placed my faith in the Bible for a number of years even though there were times I prayed and God allowed evil people to "ride over my head." Yet I went back to my faith even though time after time God didn't come through for me. I know what happened to me was real but I don't understand why Scripture says one thing and life shows me something else.

I wondered if the bible was 100% accurate. I just don't know anymore. I'm sure that will sound heretical but if we never look at the other side how can we know for sure? What if people were able to tamper with it? And what about the lost books of the bible?

I read about people who walked away from their faith but where do you go?
In response to the bolded question in particular, and your situation in general...

Deuteronomy 8:5, Job 5:17, Psalm 94:12, Psalm 118:18, Proverbs 3:11, 1 Corinthians 11:32, Hebrew 12:5-11, Revelation 3:19. :)
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
511
63
#14
You're going to make it, and here's why . . . you are [not] going to let the Devil win. No way . . . not in your house!

Yell at your anxiety to get out of your life. I did. I mean it, I really yelled at my emotions to the point that my neighbors likely heard me doing it. I didn't care. I had to learn to feel a different way otherwise I was going to kill myself. I hated my life and the way that I was feeling about it . . . I just wanted to die. So I finally made it to the point that I planned out my death. I was going to jump off the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma Washington, and I had no fear of it. I looked forward to the wind rushing past my face and I proceeded towards black silence. Rest.

But God didn't let it happen. I finally got to the point of planning my death, but God didn't allow it. And now today, though my circumstances are much, much worse than in those days, I am strong! I do not cave in; I do not doubt nor question our Powerful and Almighty God! I will never turn nor curse Him. I will never blame Him, though He is in full Control, for I offer my life to Him. You see, I told my God that I would submit my all to Him, and that includes my body. When I gave my life to Jesus . . . I gave Him everything. There is nothing about me that does not belong to Christ, so as I plow through my cascading sense of pain and misery, I know in whom it is that I Trust! It does not matter what happens to me on this planet, for I know without a doubt that I am utterly Loved by God, and that in my willingness to be used and abused, I will be remembered in Heaven.

Never cave-in to the Devil and the feelings that he wants you to have . . . and spread to others. Have nothing to do with his mindset!

Now you go . . . and have an amazing day! :)
That gave me a laugh - yes I have yelled, but not at my emotions - at God. I too worried my neighbors heard it. I too have begged for death and have thought about it - mine is from relentless physical pain. It's hard to bear. Some days are better than others but when you can't sleep because of pain and you're awoken in the middle of the night with it and it goes on and on and on it's like Chinese water torture.

Thank you for the encouragement. It helps to know when other believers reach times of despair. One verse in Scripture said the apostles "despaired of life" and I guess that sums up where I've reached.
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
511
63
#15
This is how the enemy works and tries to get in. He would love to make us doubt the Word of God in anyway.

It rains on the just and the unjust. We will all face problems in life. Also the devil is not going to tempt people if he has already got them doing what he wants. I'm not going to try to judge your ex-friend, but if she is doing evil then the devil is not going to bother her. God, on the other hand, is a different story. We will all eventually reap what we sow.

The word of God is true. He will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to stand and with the temptations will make a way to escape. I'm not sure what your problems or temptations are, but I know from my own experience sometimes I have fell under my load. Not because I was being tempted above what I could stand, but mostly likely because I wasn't willing to stand the temptation. Even though, I know that I would have been able to stand had I tried and trusted in the Lord to bring me through it. Also many times he made a way to escape, but I didn't take that way and chose to follow along after the temptations. So of course, I fell.

As far as walking away from your faith, I've been there done that too. There is no where to go, but to the pig pen eating slop just like the prodigal son did. Life is hard for everyone, but the children of God have someone to turn to and trust in. Someone who will help. Can you imagine going through your trials and temptations without Jesus. Well that is how it is when you turn from God.

When I turned from God, it didn't matter how good my life was going. No matter how much money, friends, and what others call good times, I had....I was totally and completely miserable. Knowing that I had walked away from God. It leaves a hole in you and nothing can fill it but Jesus. There is nothing in this world that will ever compare to having a relationship with the Lord.

So take courage in the word of the Lord and know that he will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear and will make a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.
I'm dealing with an overload of physical suffering - an injury that was not my fault and it's overwhelmingly painful. It gets very hard to bear. It's the waking every day to it, the carrying it all day long, being unable to sleep - the grind of it that is wearing me down. On top of that are the never-ending medical expenses. So I'm looking at my life which is so very hard and my ex-friend's life that has sailed along so that she even acted as Job's friends - why is God allowing her life to be so smooth. Maybe it does take blind faith to shut out all the questions; I don't know.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

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Feb 20, 2021
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#16
That gave me a laugh - yes I have yelled, but not at my emotions - at God. I too worried my neighbors heard it. I too have begged for death and have thought about it - mine is from relentless physical pain. It's hard to bear. Some days are better than others but when you can't sleep because of pain and you're awoken in the middle of the night with it and it goes on and on and on it's like Chinese water torture.

Thank you for the encouragement. It helps to know when other believers reach times of despair. One verse in Scripture said the apostles "despaired of life" and I guess that sums up where I've reached.
Oh . . . boy. Physical pain. I have never experienced such continual pain, so all that I can do is imagine. I wish there was something I could do to help. Prayer is good, but action is better than sitting back and praying that God would do all the work. And by the way . . . the Lord sees you and knows exactly how you are feeling. And I'm not just saying that. I have felt the Raw, Almighty Power of God in a physical and measurable way, and from this, I was able to conclude that it doesn't matter where we are, be it in a plane or if falling from a place . . . the Lord is right there with us latitude and longitude every nanosecond of the day. The Truth seems to be that we all have a Cross to bear; all of God's Children will have a miserable cross to bear, for the Lord's Children will follow the Path of Christ, which includes suffering.

And God Loves the poor, oppressed, and those who are suffering! So if we are suffering, and you certainly are, then consider yourself as one Loved by God. Jesus came to heal those who are sick; not those who are well (Spiritual healing). And so consider yourself to be of this Holy Flock of sufferers! The word "endure" comes up in many forms throughout the New Testament (at least within the Pauline writings) for a reason. Those who are enduring are those who are suffering. Incredibly, we must endure each of our varied forms of pain, sorrow, and misery, all the while Trusting in Christ and His Power to raise us from the dead. I do. I have never been more miserable in my life, but it only makes me lean upon Him more and more. The more miserable I become, the more focused on the Lord I am. So . . . this seems to be the path of God, that in by suffering, we become like Christ, and to become like Christ is one of our primary objectives.

Read all of the below verses. Some of them really hit home, such as the last one.

Romans 8:17 NLT - 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT - 10 That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 3:10 NLT - 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,
Colossians 1:24 NLT - 24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.
2 Timothy 2:3 NLT - 3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 10:32 NLT - 32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.
1 Peter 2:21 NLT - 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
1 Peter 3:18 NLT - 18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
1 Peter 4:1, 13 NLT - 1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. ... 13 Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
1 Peter 5:10 NLT - 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.