Since the heart is only known by God, how can we be SURE?

[HeavenlyOne]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

don't you think being a Christian and having a relationship with God has helped?

God is the ultimate father. He has adopted us as his own. This has helped me greatly, because my father was an alcoholic most of my life, and now is a dry one.

He is very hard to get close to, but I dont feel bitter with him because I know he was raised by an abusive woman, he is just a weak man-my expectation of him is very low.

Some of the junk he pulls still hurts and I still need to forgive him.

While being Christian certainly has helped, I believe the relationship I never had has effected my relationship with God, in that, it's difficult to see Him as my Father knowing that my own father wants nothing to do with me. It's hard for me to fathom having a daddy.

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by HeavenlyOne

While being Christian certainly has helped, I believe the relationship I never had has effected my relationship with God, in that, it's difficult to see Him as my Father knowing that my own father wants nothing to do with me. It's hard for me to fathom having a daddy.

To me your dad has just been one disappointment after another, how could this not affect anyone. Its just easier to see him as some Joe Smuck on the street than to identify him as your father.

Thats why God taking us as his own and being re-parented us to Him is so powerful.

HO I am going to pray that God helps you in this area and that you can experience God as your father. I know if you ask Him to He will help you too. God has helped me in this area and I know he will help you--I will be praying for you and my heart is touched by what you have gone through, truly.

[HeavenlyOne]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

To me your dad has just been one disappointment after another, how could this not affect anyone. Its just easier to see him as some Joe Smuck on the street than to identify him as your father.

Thats why God taking us as his own and being re-parented us to Him is so powerful.

HO I am going to pray that God helps you in this area and that you can experience God as your father. I know if you ask Him to He will help you too. God has helped me in this area and I know he will help you--I will be praying for you and my heart is touched by what you have gone through, truly.

Thanks, Jeannie. It's not something I talk about much, but you are right. He's like a stranger to me.

I'm out of here until late this evening as I have to work, so I didn't want you to think I abandoned the thread or anything. Thanks for your prayers.