Is it acceptable to "lay out a fleece" before God

[Falla39]

When Jesus had finished the work his Father had sent him to do, he sat down, on the right hand of God, expecting, until.....!

I remember the teacher assigning homework, using a book which we read and she taught some more. Then the day came for the test. She/He would sit down, and no one was allowed to talk. You couldn't "copy" from someone else. You should have listened, studied, and learned. Now that it was time for the test, you could not ask the teacher anything. Neither could you ask anyone else anything. No time to ask for answers now. If you had not learned the answers from the lessons given earlier, all you could do was wait. If you didn not pass the test, you were given more assignments, another chance, another test.

When you apply for a driver's license, you will be given a test. There is a handbook that has been prepared for those desiring to get a drivers license. If you read, study and prepare, it is very possible you will pass the test. If you don't pass the test, you can have another chance at passing. Some do not believe or know that there is a second chance if you failed. But another chance, a second chance never sounds so good, as to the one who needs it. I believe in the God of mercy, love and grace.

As children, we do not always do things right. But as we grow and mature, we see the importance of striving to do right and take things more seriously. We've all been young and immature and sometimes foolish, but our loving Father lovingly forgives us and perhaps says,"Let's try it again! You'll do better this time"! Just pay more attention this time and the test will be easy.
Bella's post brought back memories of school days. While this is not necessarily directed at her, there are principles involved that we could all learn from. There are times in life that we are given instructions, maybe in Bible study, or even in things not related to church. But when we learn to listen, study, obey and when the time of testing, we are confident of the answers and we pass the test easily... this time.

Falla39

[Bella1]

Originally Posted by Falla39

When Jesus had finished the work his Father had sent him to do, he sat down, on the right hand of God, expecting, until.....!

I remember the teacher assigning homework, using a book which we read and she taught some more. Then the day came for the test. She/He would sit down, and no one was allowed to talk. You couldn't "copy" from someone else. You should have listened, studied, and learned. Now that it was time for the test, you could not ask the teacher anything. Neither could you ask anyone else anything. No time to ask for answers now. If you had not learned the answers from the lessons given earlier, all you could do was wait. If you didn not pass the test, you were given more assignments, another chance, another test.

When you apply for a driver's license, you will be given a test. There is a handbook that has been prepared for those desiring to get a drivers license. If you read, study and prepare, it is very possible you will pass the test. If you don't pass the test, you can have another chance at passing. Some do not believe or know that there is a second chance if you failed. But another chance, a second chance never sounds so good, as to the one who needs it. I believe in the God of mercy, love and grace.

As children, we do not always do things right. But as we grow and mature, we see the importance of striving to do right and take things more seriously. We've all been young and immature and sometimes foolish, but our loving Father lovingly forgives us and perhaps says,"Let's try it again! You'll do better this time"! Just pay more attention this time and the test will be easy.
Bella's post brought back memories of school days. While this is not necessarily directed at her, there are principles involved that we could all learn from. There are times in life that we are given instructions, maybe in Bible study, or even in things not related to church. But when we learn to listen, study, obey and when the time of testing, we are confident of the answers and we pass the test easily... this time.

Falla39

Thank you Falla. I will take that to heart. And I do understand the lesson I must learn, Although I also have been admonished to stop being SO quite. I have basically shut down and have not spoken (literally) to anyone about anything in a couple of months. I have been trying to sit and listen. But I am still not getting an answer.

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Bella1

Thank you Falla. I will take that to heart. And I do understand the lesson I must learn, Although I also have been admonished to stop being SO quite. I have basically shut down and have not spoken (literally) to anyone about anything in a couple of months. I have been trying to sit and listen. But I am still not getting an answer.

Dear Bella,
May our Loving Lord God help you through this time, in Jesus Name.

Falla

[houston]

Maybe the Lord wants to meet your need through His people. Maybe the real test is restoring confidence in His people.

[Bella1]

Originally Posted by houston

Maybe the Lord wants to meet your need through His people. Maybe the real test is restoring confidence in His people.

Just knowing that I am talking to you all on line has gotten my physically sick. I have no trust in NO ONE right now. I have totally closed off even my closest friends, due to all the hurt I have endured. I KNOW God will heal me, just in His time. That is one of the things I am trusting in HIM for. But I have had such horrible hurt from church people that I cannot open my soul to anyone. I trust my pastor (he has helped me with my son) but I can't tell him personal things.

[acerrak]

Originally Posted by Bella1

Just knowing that I am talking to you all on line has gotten my physically sick. I have no trust in NO ONE right now. I have totally closed off even my closest friends, due to all the hurt I have endured. I KNOW God will heal me, just in His time. That is one of the things I am trusting in HIM for. But I have had such horrible hurt from church people that I cannot open my soul to anyone. I trust my pastor (he has helped me with my son) but I can't tell him personal things.

your a wounded worshiper, one of the most hurtfull things is when it comes from your own. the bad part is when we bottle up and let know one in.


Your in the starting phase of depression sister, and i know how bad that can be. Praise works wonders for this, Continue to pray but dont stop to seek.


there is a story about a man. He was Caught in a great storm. the area was beginning to flood. He prayed God rescue me.

Soon one of his family members pulled up said get into the car its started to flood we need to get out of here. The man replied NO, God will rescue me.

Finally the water was is his house, about 4 feet deep. a man came by in a row boat, hurry man getinto the BoaT!! . The man said NO SIR! God will rescue me.

finally the man was forced to crawl onto his roof, and a helicopter came by. Grab the rope, said the voice from the helicopter, but the man said GO AWAY GOD WILL SAVE ME.

eventually the man died, drowned in the current. He stood before God and said Lord why didnt you come and save me? God said i came to you 3 times, the car, the boat, and the helicopter, but you refused my help.


Remember God uses those around you to help you, it may never be like what you had pictured, but non the less God works through His Children.

God Bless

[Bella1]

Originally Posted by acerrak

your a wounded worshiper, one of the most hurtfull things is when it comes from your own. the bad part is when we bottle up and let know one in.


Your in the starting phase of depression sister, and i know how bad that can be. Praise works wonders for this, Continue to pray but dont stop to seek.


there is a story about a man. He was Caught in a great storm. the area was beginning to flood. He prayed God rescue me.

Soon one of his family members pulled up said get into the car its started to flood we need to get out of here. The man replied NO, God will rescue me.

Finally the water was is his house, about 4 feet deep. a man came by in a row boat, hurry man getinto the BoaT!! . The man said NO SIR! God will rescue me.

finally the man was forced to crawl onto his roof, and a helicopter came by. Grab the rope, said the voice from the helicopter, but the man said GO AWAY GOD WILL SAVE ME.

eventually the man died, drowned in the current. He stood before God and said Lord why didnt you come and save me? God said i came to you 3 times, the car, the boat, and the helicopter, but you refused my help.


Remember God uses those around you to help you, it may never be like what you had pictured, but non the less God works through His Children.

God Bless

I don't see myself as being depressed, although others do. My personality has TOTALLY changed from all of this. I used to be a dare devil, laugh in your face, tell you what I thought kind of person. Now, I rarely smile, I don't go any where with anyone, and I no longer have the need to tell you everything about me or my life. I was a front row, praise till you drop type of person and now I sit and watch. I still worship, don't get me wrong.I am just much more reserved. My walk with the Lord is deeper now I think. I don't just take someone at their word. And yes, as you can tell I do have a trust issue.

I have a friend and her husband that helps me when I need it. I just don't like asking for help unless I really need it. I try and do what I can for myself.

And I am learning to be alone. This has taken some getting used to. I was always surrounded by people. Now....no one. AND guess what? It is okay to be alone!

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Bella1

Just knowing that I am talking to you all on line has gotten my physically sick. I have no trust in NO ONE right now. I have totally closed off even my closest friends, due to all the hurt I have endured. I KNOW God will heal me, just in His time. That is one of the things I am trusting in HIM for. But I have had such horrible hurt from church people that I cannot open my soul to anyone. I trust my pastor (he has helped me with my son) but I can't tell him personal things.

I probably understand where you are coming from here more than most. God has taken care of me my whole life, but I only see His hand in extreme hindsight. The ever present "Footsteps" poster is really true although a bit deceiving in that it makes it look like God vanishes and hardships last days and weeks, when in fact they usually last years and decades. I see exactly what God was doing and saving me from during my 20's and early 30's.

Also, He helped me through some very suicidal times during my teen years when I was dealing with a very conservative church and horrible days in school. He never took away my depression..... but just gave me the strength to deal with it on most days. I can even see WHY he did this now (most of the time) because it is part of what makes up my personality. I've used this quote many times when talking on this subject, but as Captain James Kirk once said "I need my pain", when given the opportunity to have it removed.

[Trouvere]

Sister Bella,
It is wonderful that you are waiting on God and not man to supply your need. He can and He will. If you have full confidence in Jesus, He will never let you down. I don't think you lack faith. I think you have faith or you would not be approaching Jesus for help or answers. Hang in there divorce is horrible and unless someone has been through it they do not understand. Praying for you. Jesus can supply your needs as He fed the Prophet Elijah. He can use any one and any circumstance to supply it. Hang in there and keep trusting Jesus. lv you.

[Bella1]

Originally Posted by Trouvere

Sister Bella,
It is wonderful that you are waiting on God and not man to supply your need. He can and He will. If you have full confidence in Jesus, He will never let you down. I don't think you lack faith. I think you have faith or you would not be approaching Jesus for help or answers. Hang in there divorce is horrible and unless someone has been through it they do not understand. Praying for you. Jesus can supply your needs as He fed the Prophet Elijah. He can use any one and any circumstance to supply it. Hang in there and keep trusting Jesus. lv you.

And I feel like I am not trusting God for some reason. I just don't want friends or church members to supply THIS need. I am sure you all understand. I need it to come from out of nowhere from a GOD SOURCE.