'Cause I'm Scared

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

You are probably right, it may not be that simple for some.

Besides my immediate family - husband, daughter, son and myself, I only have one sister in church. So, I've never had to deal with relatives in the equation. That can only be a huge sigh of relief! LOL!

One thing we did make sure and do when we were over Children's Church - we never played favorites. That is a big deal to me! We never treated our children any more special than anyone's children and we certainly didn't treat the pastor's children any better either. We wanted ALL of the children to know what FAIR meant without actually talking about it. I'm sure I said things like, "I need to use so-and-so today, because I used you last week and I want to be fair to everyone." I know I did try to make that point.

I was in a service with the pastor's son that I taught 15 years earlier and he was at the altar praying. After the service he came up to me and hugged me and cried for about 10 minutes. His parents had made some mistakes, he knew that I knew about it at the time even though he was a young boy. All he knew was - I never treated him any different through all of it. He did see his mother treat my children horrible, but I never took that out on him. I was afraid I'd suffer through my grandchildren if I ever did that to another child. lol

But, I digress....

My only thoughts on the confusion, doubt, fear, questions, etc. would be - Has God even suggested that He's opened another door? That is what I looked at when I was questioning, disappointed, angry, etc.

The bottom line for me was and is - Where does God want me to serve Him? There were times when I thought NOTHING was going to get better. I'd love to tell you some stories. The only reason I don't is that it would only add fuel to the fodder for some here that love to hear the negative of the organization. For me, it's just people.

When I homeschooled, the families in my group, at the time, were ALL going through a questioning time in their churches and with their current leadership. I took note of that.

I'm not sure there is any place that can make us 100% happy or view the scriptures in the way we see them. Anyway, don't think I haven't looked around and wondered if there was something better. I have had those times! Yes, I have indeed! lol

BUT, God has never opened another door and that is what I was looking for. So, here I am, and I won't ever leave until He tells me to. Bottom line - even if I don't agree with everything - I need a door!

And that's why you might not be able to relate to some that have been given that door.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

And that's why you might not be able to relate to some that have been given that door.

I never said a thing about someone who has found another door opened for them, Renda.

All I am saying is - If someone feels confused, etc., they need to make sure that they have a door - a door that God has opened. I don't have to have your experience to understand that concept.

Some people that complain and look at the negative always give me the impression that they found their own door. That's what I am against and I'm not directing that at anyone here. It's just an observation and opinion that I have.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I never said a thing about someone who has found another door opened for them, Renda.

All I am saying is - If someone feels confused, etc., they need to make sure that they have a door - a door that God has opened. I don't have to have your experience to understand that concept.

Some people that complain and look at the negative always give me the impression that they found their own door. That's what I am against and I'm not directing that at anyone here. It's just an observation and opinion that I have.

I guess I misunderstood you - I thought you meant that God had never opened another door for you. That's what I meant that it might be hard for you to relate to those that had another door opened, but still feel that "fear" from how they've been indoctrinated. Understanding the concept and the feeling would be two different things.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I guess I misunderstood you - I thought you meant that God had never opened another door for you. That's what I meant that it might be hard for you to relate to those that had another door opened, but still feel that "fear" from how they've been indoctrinated. Understanding the concept and the feeling would be two different things.

Your post made me feel as though you thought I had no experience in "doors" being opened, in that, He has not opened a "door" for me to leave the doctrine I am in.

It is true, He has not opened a door for that. I have experienced many closed and opened doors, but not that one.

Have there been times when I wanted a door? Have there been times when I looked and prayed for a door? You betcha!! LOL! I'm not any different than anyone else.

I am weighing in on this discussion because there are some of us that God has told us to stay where we are, that He is building a church. In the midst of some things I don't agree with, some things that I have questioned, some things that I have been extremely disappointed in - He has never opened another door.

So for those that have experienced what they have gone through - fear after leaving a doctrine - I just want to say that there are some of us that God desires for us to stay.

We aren't wrong for staying. Just sayin'.

[*AQuietPlace*]

We're not always even talking about doors. Sometimes it is just our beliefs. Fear can really affect even our thinking process.

When our beliefs change drastically enough, then it may be time to look for a door. But we can really battle a lot of confusion and fear before we ever get to the 'door' stage.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

We aren't wrong for staying. Just sayin'.

No one's saying you are. Really, this thread is not even about that at all. This thread is not for those whom God has told to stay. It's for those who feel a troubling in their spirit, God is speaking change to them, but fear is a constant companion that tries to cripple them.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

We're not always even talking about doors. Sometimes it is just our beliefs. Fear can really affect even our thinking process.

When our beliefs change drastically enough, then it may be time to look for a door. But we can really battle a lot of confusion and fear before we ever get to the 'door' stage.

Well, that is where we disagree. We are bought with a price and if we are following after the Him, He simply protects us, guides us, leads us..... He is building a church and since we are a part, that means that we are being perfected in the process.

I've been through situations where everyone was saying - "You need to GET OUT of there!!!", "Why do you stay around?" and "Find another church!!!".

And God's still voice - "Stay where you are. I'm building a church."

Who am I am going to listen to? Yes, you are right. I'm going to listen to God. He has answered the most simple and earnest prayers for me. So many things in such detail, there is no way, I will make those decisions without a sure word from Him.

That doesn't mean, AQP, that I think some are not following God because they are in a confusing place. I am just saying that we can make big mistakes in that kind of place. Ask me, because I know!

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Your post made me feel as though you thought I had no experience in "doors" being opened, in that, He has not opened a "door" for me to leave the doctrine I am in.

It is true, He has not opened a door for that. I have experienced many closed and opened doors, but not that one.

Have there been times when I wanted a door? Have there been times when I looked and prayed for a door? You betcha!! LOL! I'm not any different than anyone else.

I am weighing in on this discussion because there are some of us that God has told us to stay where we are, that He is building a church. In the midst of some things I don't agree with, some things that I have questioned, some things that I have been extremely disappointed in - He has never opened another door.

So for those that have experienced what they have gone through - fear after leaving a doctrine - I just want to say that there are some of us that God desires for us to stay.

We aren't wrong for staying. Just sayin'.

I understand what you are saying - just not real sure why you feel you have to state that he's not telling you to do anything differently. I believe there are many that are there and there's nothing wrong with that at all.

No one is saying you are wrong for staying.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I understand what you are saying - just not real sure why you feel you have to state that he's not telling you to do anything differently. I believe there are many that are there and there's nothing wrong with that at all.

No one is saying you are wrong for staying.

That's the underlying impression I am getting. Lots of negative posts here. Some good thoughts, but lots of negative.

Maybe this is just one of those threads that I need to avoid. LOL!

[rgcraig]

See, I don't see ONE negative post here because I've BEEN THERE.

No one has tried to sway anyone else either and I hate that some always feel that way.

Just because God hasn't released you in some areas, doesn't mean he isn't for others....so, all I've been trying to say is because he hasn't released you yet - - you are not going to understand what they really feel.

Does that make sense? In a way, you are making those that have felt God release them feel they are wrong - - just like the original purpose of this thread.