Does anyone else feel the same way about this
Ive been to so many Christian sleep-away camps and every time on the last day we all gather around the fire and people share their testimonies and whatnot, but I never really liked that bit because everyone was like, “as soon as I met Jesus my life changed and instantly got better.” That may happen to some people but it’s never that they met Jesus and they’re still struggling. I would say that I have pretty bad mental health and I pray and pray and pray but nothing ever changes, I still have suicidal thoughts, I still have very low self esteem, and I still have multiple other problems.
@Bearbear22
Maybe it is not that prayers are not answered as those are not the right questions being asked in prayers. I think the campfire situation you talk about has many false witnesses.
I had what I would call intervention that could not be explained. I did not pray for what I thought I wanted............ instead asked for a new path. The situation I was in was not working asked for someone to send me a sign or guidance.
It happened, not instantly but within a very short time.... An opportunity happened... I could have chosen to not follow that path presented and stayed in the security of what I knew.... but as I has asked for it, I followed the new path.
sometimes the key- path is not clear or simple ... It takes a leap of faith to get to the next level.
That is the part others do not say at a campfire.
@Bearbear22 I totally understand where you're coming from. I'm proud of you for reaching out on here about this.
Faith is definitely a journey. As believers, it is normal to struggle, stumble, fall down, be attacked, be sick, etc. during our walk with Jesus. We are still imperfect and sinful. However, we have been completely freed by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and we are no longer bound by sin. We have the solution to our sin, which is following Jesus and surrendering to Him (being saved through faith / building a relationship with Him). He has blessed us with the Holy Spirit to guide us. He still loves us and is willing to forgive us when we come to Him with repentance. Also, He is always with us during times of hardship. (A phrase I like is "Having God in your boat doesn't mean you will not face any storms; it means no storms will sink your boat.")
Knowing this, it's SO important that during difficult times, we lean on Him and trust that He's working everything out for our good (as He promised in His Word!) I know how hard it can be. But James 1:12 reminds us that He will reward us and that He is with us: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
As much as you can, keep praying, reading His word, and getting closer to Him. Go to church if you can. Surround yourself with other believers that uplift and support you. Keep reaching out for help, either here on 7Cups or from people you trust around you. Listen to some good worship music. Keep surrendering to Him. He's with you. He's got you. He is merciful. He hears your prayers. He's still working. It WILL get better.
I pray that God blesses you and gives you the strength, peace, and patience to endure during this time. I also pray that He heals your mind and spirit, protects you from all the enemy's attacks, guides you, and helps you to grow closer to Him. Sending you love and hugs 💗
@Bearbear22 I have had very similar feelings in the past so please know you are not alone. I used to get almost mad when someone would say God healed their anxiety or depression because quite literally what I would used to think almost reflexively and often say outloud is, "That's not how it works." I would be mad because I had previously been around just pray it away kind of people, and even been told worry was a sin, while I was struggling with OCD about sinning. I felt like when people would say God healed them of these things a couple things were happening. They were helping these people who told me to pray it away have more "evidence" that they were right, but also, to me it felt like they were rubbing their healing in my face, or that they never really had clinical anxiety or depression so they just can't understand. Over the years I have learned to be happy for these people and understand that God can heal people, and he likely does heal people, and I am not one of those people who has experienced miraculous healing. I have experienced some relief from some of my mental health problems and my ticking disorder via meds and therapy, and I do believe that God has given us both of these things to help us so in a way I have been healed some by him. That was a whole lot of rambling, but I guess I just wanted you to hear my experiences with this so you don't feel so alone. I can't say that I know how bad you are hurting, but I know just how much pain this type of stuff has caused me.
Please, if you ever feel like you are an imminent danger to yourself please reach out to the suicide hotline. The phone number is 988. You are loved by God, you are important, and I would be willing to bet you have friends and family around you who love you as well.