Is God really there?

Sometimes, I have felt so alone, I have wondered if God was really there. But, he has always shown his presence to me.

These are hard times to go through , thouhg.

 

I believe that it isn't God that leaves. I think that sometimes we get away from Him, and think it's Him that moved. But He is always patiently waiting to recieve us back into full fellowship.
I know there are times when I have gotton away from Him {and ya know what? Somtimes ya don't even know you are away. BUT if you aren't were you were a week/month/year/whatever ago in your Christian walk, then you have gotton away.}
I remember right after I got saved I really got on fire for Him. I had such a newness and happiness in Him, but surrcomstances caused me to get really discouraged. Other people couldn't realize I wasn't right with God, but I knew in my heart I wasn't. Then, in a revival meeting, the preacher pointed out that we could be away form God's will, without even realizing it, I knew he was unknowingly talking to me! I remember praying forgivness, and I could almost hear God saying "I havn't moved,it was you" and I cried, begging forgivness.
That was a few months ago. And I am still trying to get back to where I was in my Christian walk. I'm getting there, thankfully God has helped, cause without Him, I don't know where I would be.
I just want you to know that you aren't the only one to feel that way.
Know that I am praying for ya.
Abby

 

Dear Extreme,

You need to know that what is happening to you now is perfectly normal and that God is closer than ever. During the teenage years your brain is literally getting re-wired. Some connections that were there in childhood are being replaced by new ones. The result is often a sort of 'floating anxiety' -- the kind teens are famous for. Most of us remember it all too clearly. During those years we are not even sure who we are, let alone who anyone else is -- including God.

What we think we should feel is not what we feel, and almost everything seems upside down.

God knows and God understands. You can talk to Him. He's right there with you. This time WILL pass, I promise.

One of the things that is happening is that you are dissociating from the child's world you knew. You are being made ready to take on adult responsibilities and make adult decisions. This includes a decision, as an adult, later, to totally submit to Christ. You cannot ride in on your parents' faith; you cannot ride in on youthful enthusiasm. Bit by bit you are moving away from that. But God is not moving away from you.

When you do something wrong admit it to God. Get in the habit of being honest with Him. No excuses -- He already knows WHY you did something. And He has already taken care of atonement for your sins. All that is already accomplished. But even if He seems far away, talk to Him. Admit your errors and thank Him for forgiving you. Ask Him to help you do better. You will not change overnight -- none of us does -- and sometimes it seems He is not helping at all. But He is. He is walking with you through this growing up time every step of the way. And He really does understand.

You are very loved.

Do me a favor, OK? Go read Philippians. When you hit the sixth verse of the first chapter, read it about three or four times before you continue, OK? But this whole letter from Paul to the church at Philippi is a wonderfully encouraging one. And we all need that encouragement.

God bless you. Email if you like. I've raised six kids and taught hundreds more.

You'll make it. That fact that you are worried tells me you will make it. Hang in there!