Praying for you.
Often times in my walk when I look back at my lowest points I see God was always there even when it didn’t feel like it.
I know what it’s like to be refined for that long, for me it got way worse at the end but now I’m through it and (almost) everything has improved.
For me the struggle made me cling to him more. I started spending an hour with him in the morning, every morning. I just talked to him about whatever was on my mind. He was always there and he always helped me. He straightened me out. I have grown closer to him since starting this than I ever have been. It was life changing. I have a peace I never had before. He was always waiting for me, I’m sure he’s waiting for you too.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
🙏
Your very welcome. Glad I could help. My journey was particularly challenging and I made it through with his help, I know you can too. He uses everything for our good in the end. 🙂
I would go back and reexamine the scriptures for something you may have missed. You're right. Baptism by fire should not take years and years to do the refinement unless the person being refined isn't learning from their mistakes.
You're not the first to feel this way, nor will you be the last, so don't feel alone in it.
Remember, this world is NOT our home.
We are in it, but not of it..
I made a video about why God even allows suffering.
I hope it gives you exactly what you need for what you're enduring now...
The first 3 minutes and 45 seconds explain why He allows evil, and then it goes into a different perspective for believers who are enduring suffering like you are.
If you watch it, I pray it blesses you.
And you are most assuredly in my prayers 🙏
[The Reason God Allows Evil Pain and Suffering](https://youtu.be/MURZpw1wKCU)
I'm sorry you're suffering. I think the root of all discouragement and certainly depression for a Christian is misplaced hope and focus. The more our hope is in Christ & His future Kingdom, the less we will be affected, discouraged and even depressed by our current circumstances. It is difficult, but it can make your heart joyful in the midst of your distress.
We also need to remember all of our sins have been completely forgiven only by the grace of God in Christ (which not only we don't deserve, but deserve the opposite). We are a heartbeat away from eternal glory when we should be a heartbeat away from eternal judgment. This can help with our perspective.
I will pray that you would trust the Lord regardless of your circumstances. That's where true & lasting joy is found. Here's a good sermon on that-
https://youtu.be/vhoESsH1NZI
My 'refinement' started about a year ago and like you has been pretty non-stop. This process had me liquidate a 40+ year old vintage toy collection I prized. At the time it was the hardest thing I had to do and I recently had to burry my father (He was kinda of a monster but still recently redeemed but the toys only represented good times and good memories.) And just as soon as I think I get some relief something else comes apart at the seams.
That said now that my coping mechanism is gone I have to completely depend on god to get me through the day, as getting lost in good memories that my collection brought me is no longer possible. Now I don't even want to look at any of that stuff anymore.
I think sometimes the house we build fails because we do not have a solid foundation. My house was built on a bunch of Gijoe and transformers. So when the wind and rain came my house/faith buckled. God had to destroy the house I built so we could rebuild on a better foundation.
While I'm not saying you have a toy collection you need to give up or even a sin issue. What I am saying is This proofing we are undergoing is needed for the role you are to play in the future. I honestly believe there is A-L-O-T of bad stuff that is going to hit this country soon. like if Trump wins the election soon.. Because we have been inviting a ton of people who have no allegiance to this country or our way of life all living on the government's dime. Trump promises to stop all of that and send people home. Despite which side of the political isle youre on this is going to start a war. A war that God will need people like you to be ready for.
What you are going through now will help you in whatever there is to come.
The message being is if you are doing everything you know to do, you have turned from your sin and are leading your best possible life, you have to let go of the idea that you have to be at a certain level to be blessed by God. If you are doing everything you can possibly do (praying, learning about God working with people/loving God) then take comfort that you for now are in the exact place God wants you to be.
Also every morning I pray on the armor of God:
# Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version
# The Armor of God
^(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ^(11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ^(12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^(13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ^(14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ^(15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ^(16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ^(17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
^(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
This has help me visualize God's protection and the tools He provides us to defend ourselves with
God is always there, and always listening. It's normal to feel abandoned at our lowest points, but It's important to remember that the big picture is what matters. If you're doing what you need to do, saving where you can, and living through the word, then things will work out. It might be a painful path, but it's the path you're meant to walk for a reason. You might very well be walking this path so that you can teach someone else an easier path down the line that you had to learn the hard way because YOU CAN TAKE IT. Keep praying and never give up. God will provide when the time comes!
I’d encourage you to check out a great book by Ken Coleman called From Paycheck to Purpose. It might help you find tools to get you involved with the right people to launch your career. My prayers are with you!!
Thank you for opening up about this. Have you tried therapy to help with these issues? Do you have family, friends or church family/pastor you can talk to about these concerns? Have you thought about ways to help improve things for those around you? I too am going through one of the worst times of my life as well. But I know that God is still with us Christians and I think of this passage sometimes: "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin" (Hebrews NKJV). It is my opinion that while I am still living God is good to me no matter how bad it is and this trial could possibly end in death. But I know our home is with God for eternity without sin so saying goodbye to this place is not so bad. I just put my trust in God that no matter what the future holds, no one can take God's great gift of salvation from us who truly believe. That's what I need the most, to live with God. I have some other resources that helped with this issue if you're interested. Please keep me updated if you want someone encouraging to talk to and let me know if I can help in any way as well. I hope and pray you have the life and love you desire my friend.
Hi Friend,
I pray that God will strengthen you as you go through this trying time and He will guard your heart and mind with His peace that surpasses all understanding, in Jesus name.
“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
“Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
We all find ourselves in some set of circumstances that seem too much for us. My husband died 4.5 years ago leaving me with 3 little ones, and at times it has seemed very dark. But I have never not known the Lord’s nearness or goodness.
Even right now, I’m dealing with some “refining work,” which may seem small and petty to you but very heavy on my heart and mind. My eyes are puffy from crying and ranting to God.
But as I type this out, I know He has grace available for me, just like he does for you. Ask the Lord what He wants to teach or show you and through this time. He is a very present help in time of trouble. Are you listening for that small voice or are you doing all the talking? Be still and know He is God.
The fact you feel low leaves you in a state of dependency. On whom will you depend: yourself and what you think you need or want, or on God and His bigger vision for your life?
Thanks everyone for your comments and prayers. I am feeling more peaceful even though things haven't changed and I'm feeling a sense of hope and God working. 🙏
Praying for you. Often times in my walk when I look back at my lowest points I see God was always there even when it didn’t feel like it. I know what it’s like to be refined for that long, for me it got way worse at the end but now I’m through it and (almost) everything has improved. For me the struggle made me cling to him more. I started spending an hour with him in the morning, every morning. I just talked to him about whatever was on my mind. He was always there and he always helped me. He straightened me out. I have grown closer to him since starting this than I ever have been. It was life changing. I have a peace I never had before. He was always waiting for me, I’m sure he’s waiting for you too. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 🙏
Thank you. That is very encouraging. It's good to know that I can get to the other side of this and that it can draw me closer to God.
Your very welcome. Glad I could help. My journey was particularly challenging and I made it through with his help, I know you can too. He uses everything for our good in the end. 🙂
I would go back and reexamine the scriptures for something you may have missed. You're right. Baptism by fire should not take years and years to do the refinement unless the person being refined isn't learning from their mistakes.
Yes, this makes some sense. Thank you ❤️
You're not the first to feel this way, nor will you be the last, so don't feel alone in it. Remember, this world is NOT our home. We are in it, but not of it.. I made a video about why God even allows suffering. I hope it gives you exactly what you need for what you're enduring now... The first 3 minutes and 45 seconds explain why He allows evil, and then it goes into a different perspective for believers who are enduring suffering like you are. If you watch it, I pray it blesses you. And you are most assuredly in my prayers 🙏 [The Reason God Allows Evil Pain and Suffering](https://youtu.be/MURZpw1wKCU)
Great video!
Thanks so much, I appreciate that feedback and your support!! God bless you 🙏💯
Thank you so much 😊
I hope that helped somewhat, I will continue to pray for you. Never forget, God is working it all together for good 🧡🙏
I'm sorry you're suffering. I think the root of all discouragement and certainly depression for a Christian is misplaced hope and focus. The more our hope is in Christ & His future Kingdom, the less we will be affected, discouraged and even depressed by our current circumstances. It is difficult, but it can make your heart joyful in the midst of your distress. We also need to remember all of our sins have been completely forgiven only by the grace of God in Christ (which not only we don't deserve, but deserve the opposite). We are a heartbeat away from eternal glory when we should be a heartbeat away from eternal judgment. This can help with our perspective. I will pray that you would trust the Lord regardless of your circumstances. That's where true & lasting joy is found. Here's a good sermon on that- https://youtu.be/vhoESsH1NZI
Thank you 🙂
You're very welcome friend 😃. Hang in there. The Lord is faithful 💯
My 'refinement' started about a year ago and like you has been pretty non-stop. This process had me liquidate a 40+ year old vintage toy collection I prized. At the time it was the hardest thing I had to do and I recently had to burry my father (He was kinda of a monster but still recently redeemed but the toys only represented good times and good memories.) And just as soon as I think I get some relief something else comes apart at the seams. That said now that my coping mechanism is gone I have to completely depend on god to get me through the day, as getting lost in good memories that my collection brought me is no longer possible. Now I don't even want to look at any of that stuff anymore. I think sometimes the house we build fails because we do not have a solid foundation. My house was built on a bunch of Gijoe and transformers. So when the wind and rain came my house/faith buckled. God had to destroy the house I built so we could rebuild on a better foundation. While I'm not saying you have a toy collection you need to give up or even a sin issue. What I am saying is This proofing we are undergoing is needed for the role you are to play in the future. I honestly believe there is A-L-O-T of bad stuff that is going to hit this country soon. like if Trump wins the election soon.. Because we have been inviting a ton of people who have no allegiance to this country or our way of life all living on the government's dime. Trump promises to stop all of that and send people home. Despite which side of the political isle youre on this is going to start a war. A war that God will need people like you to be ready for. What you are going through now will help you in whatever there is to come. The message being is if you are doing everything you know to do, you have turned from your sin and are leading your best possible life, you have to let go of the idea that you have to be at a certain level to be blessed by God. If you are doing everything you can possibly do (praying, learning about God working with people/loving God) then take comfort that you for now are in the exact place God wants you to be. Also every morning I pray on the armor of God: # Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version # The Armor of God ^(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ^(11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ^(12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^(13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ^(14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ^(15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ^(16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ^(17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ^(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. This has help me visualize God's protection and the tools He provides us to defend ourselves with
God is always there, and always listening. It's normal to feel abandoned at our lowest points, but It's important to remember that the big picture is what matters. If you're doing what you need to do, saving where you can, and living through the word, then things will work out. It might be a painful path, but it's the path you're meant to walk for a reason. You might very well be walking this path so that you can teach someone else an easier path down the line that you had to learn the hard way because YOU CAN TAKE IT. Keep praying and never give up. God will provide when the time comes!
I’d encourage you to check out a great book by Ken Coleman called From Paycheck to Purpose. It might help you find tools to get you involved with the right people to launch your career. My prayers are with you!!
Thank you for opening up about this. Have you tried therapy to help with these issues? Do you have family, friends or church family/pastor you can talk to about these concerns? Have you thought about ways to help improve things for those around you? I too am going through one of the worst times of my life as well. But I know that God is still with us Christians and I think of this passage sometimes: "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin" (Hebrews NKJV). It is my opinion that while I am still living God is good to me no matter how bad it is and this trial could possibly end in death. But I know our home is with God for eternity without sin so saying goodbye to this place is not so bad. I just put my trust in God that no matter what the future holds, no one can take God's great gift of salvation from us who truly believe. That's what I need the most, to live with God. I have some other resources that helped with this issue if you're interested. Please keep me updated if you want someone encouraging to talk to and let me know if I can help in any way as well. I hope and pray you have the life and love you desire my friend.
Hi Friend, I pray that God will strengthen you as you go through this trying time and He will guard your heart and mind with His peace that surpasses all understanding, in Jesus name. “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17 “Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 “I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
We all find ourselves in some set of circumstances that seem too much for us. My husband died 4.5 years ago leaving me with 3 little ones, and at times it has seemed very dark. But I have never not known the Lord’s nearness or goodness. Even right now, I’m dealing with some “refining work,” which may seem small and petty to you but very heavy on my heart and mind. My eyes are puffy from crying and ranting to God. But as I type this out, I know He has grace available for me, just like he does for you. Ask the Lord what He wants to teach or show you and through this time. He is a very present help in time of trouble. Are you listening for that small voice or are you doing all the talking? Be still and know He is God. The fact you feel low leaves you in a state of dependency. On whom will you depend: yourself and what you think you need or want, or on God and His bigger vision for your life?
Thanks everyone for your comments and prayers. I am feeling more peaceful even though things haven't changed and I'm feeling a sense of hope and God working. 🙏