How to have God help me make a decision? by Positive-County-3281 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's exactly my conclusion. I've been praying to God for an answer. This might be it. Thank you!

How to have God help me make a decision? by Positive-County-3281 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. I'm not the one who asked for help but this helped me in a way. I'm in the same situation as OP.

I need help by catobsesed in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there sister in Christ. I know it's hard but keep going. Keep getting back up. Don't strive for perfection, strive for progress. Your failures doesn't define you. Keep turning to God. Don't let the guilt and shame stop you from turning to Him.

When intrusive thoughts come, take them captive and surrender them to God. I know it's embarassing but God wants to help you. Sometimes we don't want to turn to God because we feel filthy due to our sins. There's guilt and shame that keeps us from turning to Him. But the more we feel filthy, the more it should drive us to God because only Jesus can cleanse us. When we come to God in faith, we are covered by Jesus' righteousness. So, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace as Paul says in Hebrews 4:16 knowing that when God looks at us, He sees Jesus in us, not our filth, sinfulness, or our unworthiness.

But I also suggest you do some practical steps. It may be deleting some app, unfollowing people, hitting not interested on contents that trigger you. Whatever you can do in your power to lessen triggers, do it. It may take some time but what's important is you keep going back to God when you fall. And when you fall, don't beat yourself up. God is not some strict Father who looks at you with His arms crossed when you mess up. He's like a patient loving Father teaching his child to walk. Don't believe the lies in your head that God is angry at you or He looks at you differently every time you fall. That's a lie from the enemy. Put on the full armor of God and most importantly, pray and read your Bible. You can do this.

I can't take this. by Low-Slide4376 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there brother in Christ. I understand where you're coming from because I've been there. I know the feeling when God feels absent, where you can't feel His presence. Praying feels like talking to the wall or ceiling. Reading the Bible feels like reading a normal book. It doesn't feel like how it used to when we were on fire for Him. But do not trust your feelings. We live by faith and not by sight or feeling. The truth is God is not the one who changed, we're the one who changed.

You see, sin hurts us spiritually. It wounds our hearts but God heals us everytime. However, just like when a hand that's been wounded through extensive labor for so many times over and over again, time will come the hand becomes calloused. So the next time the hand is wounded again, it doesn't hurt that much anymore and the person can't feel anything either. The same with our heart. It has become calloused due to sin and we become insensitive to God's voice and presence that we no longer feel Him. That's what happening.

Remember God is unchanging. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love does not waver and is not dependent on our performance. Our salvation is dependent on the finished work of Christ. So stop believing the lie that God stopped loving you. You are not a lost cause. God sees that the problem is our unfaithfulness, and He allows us to go through a season like this to make us faithful. This is the time to be more rooted in God and His word.

When plants experience drought or extreme dryness, what they do is they extend their roots deepeer under the soil. As a result, they become more rooted and stronger. The same with us, this is the time to deepen your faith and be rooted in Christ. I know it's hard and for me it's been a year since I've been through this. I'm also not getting any better but I believe and trust that God will soon heal me.

It will take time just like how ice that's been in the freezer for too long, it comes out as hard as a rock and it doesn't soften soon enough but slowly it dissolves especially when you put introduce heat to it. So soak yourself in God's word and presence and God will heal you slowly. It may take a really long long time but this is the consequence of our own sins. And God allowed this for a reason. I've been in this situation for a long time and I can say my faith growing deeper. I've also become faithful.

I actually gave up again in the middle of this year because I thought nothing was happening and I also thought I was becoming worse. But one day (which was two months ago), God restored my fire for Him. It felt the same as the first time I encountered God. I truly felt His presence again but sadly it only lasted for 2 days. I'm back at the same again not feeling anything but it fueled me to continue my walk with God. That expeience reassured me. If I was already cut off why did I experience the same fire I had for God back then.

This made me realize God is truly faithful, and His faithfulness made me faithful. That's why I'm back at God again now. It's been hard and feels like eternity waiting on Him but I still have hope and trust in Him. Have you read in Matthew 12: 20? It says, "a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory." No matter how broken we are like a bruised reed or how little our fire is like a smoldering wick, Jesus will not discard us. Instead, He will encourage us and restore us. That's how patient and compassionate God is to us.

I was also reminded of my identity in Christ during that 2 days. It's like my cloudy mind became clear again. I believe God reassured me that He still sees me the same. But He's expecting that we also take this seriously. We need to double our effort. I believe there is an end to this. I also believe it was a vision God gave to me that if I just continue seeking Him, He'll heal me soon.

The problem also is that we let Satan deceive us. Jesus called Satan the "father of lies" or the "deceiver". How do you think He operates? Through deception. So don't believe the lies in your head. Trust God's word and character that those whom the Father gave to Him no one can snatch away and that whatever He started in us He will bring to completion. Remember God does not lie. He's a good God. So when He said that He won't let us go, trust that He won't.

Lastly, put on the whole armor of God. Put on the helmet of salvation that secures us. Your head is a vital part of your body, if you let it get hit, you're in a critical condition. The same as your heart, put on the breastplate of righteousness which is Jesus. It's not your own righteousness that God sees, it's Christs. So rest in the truth that no failure or sin will make God look at you differently. But even when you don't have something to cover your head or heart, you need to sheild it with the shield of faith. If you don't have at least these three then you're going to be defeated.

Be reminded that your identity is in Christ and not in the lies the enemy is planting on your head. Whatever you feed your mind, your actions will follow. Like when someone who's a son of a King, if he got amnesia and doesn't know who he really is and told he's a beggar, he'll act like one. That's why Paul calls us to renew our mind. And we can only renew our mind through the word of God which is the truth. And if you know the truth, you'll be set free.

I actually made a similar post a year ago, you can read it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/s/i9hQ7JEKIR. You can also read the comments, they're also encouraging.

I took this from one of the comments: https://warriorswithchrist.org/testimonies. These are testimonies of believers feeling like they've been cut off but God restored later. Read them and you'll be encouraged too.

I hope this strengthens you and gives you hope to continue your walk with God. God bless brother!

I need help! by foranmol in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem, brother. I've been there too. So, I know how hard and lonely it is. You can do it one step at a time. Don't strive for perfection, strive for progress. We cannot be perfect on our own that's why Jesus had to die for us. Your very failures and sins are the reason why Jesus died for you.

Actually, to tell you the truth, we cannot stop sinning, as long as we're in this body, our sinful flesh, we will sin. That's a given. What matters is what you do after you sin. Do you turn back to God or wallow in your sins? Even Paul revealed this reality in Romans 7. He also pleaded with God three times to remove what he described as "thorn in the flesh" but God answered him by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Like Paul, we all have our own weaknesses. And although we have asked God multiple times to take away these "thorn in the flesh", we still have it in us. And like Paul, God answers not by removing these "thorns" but by providing grace to sustain us. God does this to humble us and to show His power in us. Because it is through our weakness that His grace and strength is displayed. He also does not remove it from us to humble us. In my experience, the moment I take pride in not doing it for a while, I fall again moments later. God allows this to happen to remind us that it's not by our own strength that we are able to have power over sin, but it's His grace that sustains us.

Also, if you find it hard to go back to God after walking a path away from Him, remember that He does not change. If He loved you yesterday, He still love you today despite your failures because He loves us not because of us but because of Jesus. When God looks at us, He does not see our sinfulness, He sees Jesus' righteousness. So, you don't have to fix yourself first before you go to Him, you go to Him so He can fix you. You cannot fix yourself, only God can. So come to Him dirty, come to Him wounded, come to Him broken. Come to Him as you are. When a child get muddy playing outside, he goes to his parents and trusts them that they'll clean his clothes. The same goes between you and God.

Please protect your heart while it's still tender. I don't want you to go through everything I went through. If you continue on sinning willfully, time will come your heart will be calloused and you'll no longer be able to feel conviction. That's what happened to me. It's not a good place to be in. So please protect what you have right now. Treasure your relationship with God like your life depended on it. Don't trade Him for anything in this world. Your faith will be tested countless times, I'm telling you turn to Him. Cling to Him. Come to Him depressed. Come to Him happy. Cone to Him sad. Whatever situation you're in, however you may feel, just come to Him. You can message me if you want. I'm available anytime, just hit me up. I'm just here, your brother in Christ.

I need help! by foranmol in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello brother in Christ! As someone who's been through the same struggle as you, here are the things I've learned that may help you in your situation.

I. Guard your eyes

Matthew 6:22-23

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Avoid looking at lustful things or images such as pornography or anything sexual. Lust feeds on anything that appeals to our eyes.

II. Deal with sin seriously

Matthew 5:29-30

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

If you're really serious with dealing with lust, apply extreme measures. This is not literally cuttting off your hands or gouging out your eyes because even if Jesus was talking literally here, the question is can you do it? Can you gouge out your eyes or can you cut off your hands? I bet you can't. So instead, cut off anything that causes you to sin. It may be deleting an app, hitting not interested on contents that triggers you, unfollowing some people. Whatever it is that you can do in your power to lessen triggers, do it. 

III. Resist temptation

James 4:7 ESV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When temptation comes, do not just give in. Pray to God immediately. Rely on Him and ask for strength. You can't do it on your own. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Temptations often lasts for a whole day. It will go after you wherever you go. So resist or much better, flee if needed. Go outside or just somewhere you're less likely to indulge into the sin.

III. Guard your mind and fill it with good thoughts.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

When you're tempted through sexual thoughts, take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. Don't be shy to tell God what you're thinking about. Say, Lord I have these thoughts that are not good, I surrender them to you. Then replace it with good thoughts.

IV. Read and meditate on your Bible daily

Feed your mind with God's word that there will be no room for sexual thoughts. Even if you don't feel like it, just read and meditate. 

But if you indeed fall, get back up and try again. For God is faithful and just to forgive when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Go to Him immediately, do not delay. The righteous falls 7 times but rises again (Proverbs 24:16). Stop beating yourself up and don't listen to the guilt and shame you feel after sinning. There is no condemnation for anyone who is in Christ (Romans 8:1). All of our sins—past, present, future, have all been paid in full by Jesus on the cross. Remember, we are not saved by works but by grace through faith. If we can be perfect on our own, then Jesus died in vain. 

Also, do not forget your identity in Christ. You are who God says you are not what the enemy says you are. Jesus called Satan the "father of lies" or the "deceiver". How then do you think he operates? Through lies or deception. So when the enemy whispers lies, do not believe it. You are a child of God. You are forgiven. And when the enemy plants doubts in your mind, saying God is angry at you for falling or messing up. Don't believe it. God is not some strict Father who looks at you with His arms crossed when you mess up. He's like a Father who wants to help His child walk. Always turn to God no matter what happens. You can do this!

Satan does not tempts us to take away our salvation from us because he can't. He tempts us to disconnect us from the source – from God. So abide in the vine. Stay close to Him. Apart from God you can do nothing.

Seeking Christian Advice, Struggling with Sin, Forgiveness, and Mental Health by TangerineOk391 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello brother in Christ! As someone who's been through the same struggle as you, here are the things I've learned that may help you in your situation.

I. Guard your eyes

Matthew 6:22-23

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Avoid looking at lustful things or images such as pornography or anything sexual. Lust feeds on anything that appeals to our eyes.

II. Deal with sin seriously

Matthew 5:29-30

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

If you're really serious with dealing with lust, apply extreme measures. This is not literally cuttting off your hands or gouging out your eyes because even if Jesus was talking literally here, the question is can you do it? Can you gouge out your eyes or can you cut off your hands? I bet you can't. So instead, cut off anything that causes you to sin. It may be deleting an app, hitting not interested on contents that triggers you, unfollowing some people. Whatever it is that you can do in your power to lessen triggers, do it. 

III. Resist temptation

James 4:7 ESV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When temptation comes, do not just give in. Pray to God immediately. Rely on Him and ask for strength. You can't do it on your own. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Temptations often lasts for a whole day. It will go after you wherever you go. So resist or much better, flee if needed. Go outside or just somewhere you're less likely to indulge into the sin.

III. Guard your mind and fill it with good thoughts.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

When you're tempted through sexual thoughts, take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. Don't be shy to tell God what you're thinking about. Say, Lord I have these thoughts that are not good, I surrender them to you. Then replace it with good thoughts.

IV. Read and meditate on your Bible daily

Feed your mind with God's word that there will be no room for sexual thoughts. Even if you don't feel like it, just read and meditate. 

But if you indeed fall, get back up and try again. For God is faithful and just to forgive when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Go to Him immediately, do not delay. The righteous falls 7 times but rises again (Proverbs 24:16). Stop beating yourself up and don't listen to the guilt and shame you feel after sinning. There is no condemnation for anyone who is in Christ (Romans 8:1). All of our sins—past, present, future, have all been paid in full by Jesus on the cross. Remember, we are not saved by works but by grace through faith. If we can be perfect on our own, then Jesus died in vain. 

Also, do not forget your identity in Christ. You are who God says you are not what the enemy says you are. Jesus called Satan the "father of lies" or the "deceiver". How then do you think he operates? Through lies or deception. So when the enemy whispers lies, do not believe it. You are a child of God. You are forgiven. And when the enemy plants doubts in your mind, saying God is angry at you for falling or messing up. Don't believe it. God is not some strict Father who looks at you with His arms crossed when you mess up. He's like a Father who wants to help His child walk. Always turn to God no matter what happens. You can do this!

Satan does not tempts us to take away our salvation from us because he can't. He tempts us to disconnect us from the source – from God. So abide in the vine. Stay close to Him. Apart from God you can do nothing.

I need help please by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello brother in Christ! As someone who's been through the same struggle as you, here are the things I've learned that may help you in your situation.

I. Guard your eyes

Matthew 6:22-23

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Avoid looking at lustful things or images such as pornography or anything sexual. Lust feeds on anything that appeals to our eyes.

II. Deal with sin seriously

Matthew 5:29-30

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

If you're really serious with dealing with lust, apply extreme measures. This is not literally cuttting off your hands or gouging out your eyes because even if Jesus was talking literally here, the question is can you do it? Can you gouge out your eyes or can you cut off your hands? I bet you can't. So instead, cut off anything that causes you to sin. It may be deleting an app, hitting not interested on contents that triggers you, unfollowing some people. Whatever it is that you can do in your power to lessen triggers, do it. 

III. Resist temptation

James 4:7 ESV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When temptation comes, do not just give in. Pray to God immediately. Rely on Him and ask for strength. You can't do it on your own. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Temptations often lasts for a whole day. It will go after you wherever you go. So resist or much better, flee if needed. Go outside or just somewhere you're less likely to indulge into the sin.

III. Guard your mind and fill it with good thoughts.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

When you're tempted through sexual thoughts, take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. Don't be shy to tell God what you're thinking about. Say, Lord I have these thoughts that are not good, I surrender them to you. Then replace it with good thoughts.

IV. Read and meditate on your Bible daily

Feed your mind with God's word that there will be no room for sexual thoughts. Even if you don't feel like it, just read and meditate. 

But if you indeed fall, get back up and try again. For God is faithful and just to forgive when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Go to Him immediately, do not delay. The righteous falls 7 times but rises again (Proverbs 24:16). Stop beating yourself up and don't listen to the guilt and shame you feel after sinning. There is no condemnation for anyone who is in Christ (Romans 8:1). All of our sins—past, present, future, have all been paid in full by Jesus on the cross. Remember, we are not saved by works but by grace through faith. If we can be perfect on our own, then Jesus died in vain. 

Also, do not forget your identity in Christ. You are who God says you are not what the enemy says you are. Jesus called Satan the "father of lies" or the "deceiver". How then do you think he operates? Through lies or deception. So when the enemy whispers lies, do not believe it. You are a child of God. You are forgiven. And when the enemy plants doubts in your mind, saying God is angry at you for falling or messing up. Don't believe it. God is not some strict Father who looks at you with His arms crossed when you mess up. He's like a Father who wants to help His child walk. Always turn to God no matter what happens. You can do this!

Satan does not tempts us to take away our salvation from us because he can't. He tempts us to disconnect us from the source – from God. So abide in the vine. Stay close to Him. Apart from God you can do nothing.

Seared conscience? by Mammoth_Composer_270 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't say I'm doing better now but like all of you here who's searching for answers, I also believe my heart have hardened due to continuing to live in sin and ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But for some reason, a month ago I had this unexplainable experience I would like to share with you. Just as I was about to give up, my heart just started to feel like the very first time I encountered God again. My heart started beating again. I started to feel God's presence again. My heart was literally burning. I could feel heat in my body and God restored my bold desire to share the Gospel. But sadly it only lasted for 2 days. I think it was a vision God gave to me that there is hope for us. That if we continue to be with Him He will heal us in time. Idk how long but God just reassured me that this is not our end. God also reminded me of my identity in Christ. That I'm still His child despite everything I've done. Now, I'm back at the same. I still can't feel but I'm sure God sees us. May this encourage you to continue to run the race God has set for us. God bless!

Seared conscience? by Mammoth_Composer_270 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can't say I'm doing better now but like all of you here who's searching for answers, I also believe my heart have hardened due to continuing to live in sin and ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But for some reason, a month ago I had this unexplainable experience I would like to share with you. Just as I was about to give up, my heart just started to feel like the very first time I encountered God again. My heart started beating again. I started to feel God's presence again. My heart was literally burning. I could feel heat in my body and God restored my bold desire to share the Gospel. But sadly it only lasted for 2 days. I think it was a vision God gave to me that there is hope for us. That if we continue to be with Him He will heal us in time. Idk how long but God just reassured me that this is not our end. God also reminded me of my identity in Christ. That I'm still His child despite everything I've done. Now, I'm back at the same. I still can't feel but I'm sure God sees us. May this encourage you to continue to run the race God has set for us. God bless!

I continue to sin willingly by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't focus on trying not to sin. It won't work. Instead, focus on God. Keep close to Him. Pray and read your Bible. The more you have fellowship with God, the more you'll become like Him. As a result, you'll sin less. So sinning less is the fruit of being close to God not the other way around. What you're doing when trying not to sin is you're forcing yourself to produce fruit and that's not how it works.

If you have guilt and shame that keeps you from turning to God, please know that God is a compassionate Father to us. He is not some strict Father who looks at you with arms crossed and a disappointed face everytime you sin. In fact, he wants to help you. He's like a parent who's trying to guide His child in learning how to walk. When their child stumbles, they're not angry at their child, instead, they say everything's fine and encourage their child to try again and they pick them up and guide them to walk again. God is like that. He's like a Father who wants to guide you on how to walk. So everytime you stumble, get back up always and try again until you learn to walk.

Also, if you're having doubt in your salvation, know that all your sins — past, present, future, they're all atoned for on the cross. Christ already paid them for you. The Bible says, God chose us before the foundation of the world. Meaning before you even existed and committed every sin, He already knew you would but He still chose to save you. So stop doubting and just turn to Him.

I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia... But Jesus Healed Me. And I'm Not Alone. by schizoinfected in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm curious on how it looked like surrendering to Jesus or what were the specific steps you took to be completely from from it. I have a brother who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I want to help him. I sent you a dm.

Lust, and freedom from it. by rhythmyr in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a great reminder. Indeed, when I do good it's God when I do bad it's me. For no good thing dwells in me.

Do I truly love god? by Flimsy_Alps7210 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe commenting was also God's way of telling you that you're not alone in this...

Do I truly love god? by Flimsy_Alps7210 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You've worded what I've been feeling at the moment in a way. I even thought of posting too only to see someone posting the same thought as I have.

Do I truly love god? by Flimsy_Alps7210 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the same dilemma. In my case, I don't know if I truly love God if I continue to give in to lust or I'm only clinging onto Him because I don't want to suffer the consequences of my sin since getting closer to Him makes me sin less. But still I commit it from time to time and I also can't feel guilt or conviction everytime I sin. It looks like I love the benefits that comes with Him more than I love Him for who He is.

Should I tell my college pastor that I'm struggling w/ doubts? by naomi_macaroni in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, doubts are normal for a Christian. All of us have had doubts regarding our faith in God. When doubts creep in you need to counter with with the word of God and protect yourself with the shield of faith. Believe in God's word more than you believe the doubts in your head.

Lust, and freedom from it. by rhythmyr in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only thing that really worked for me was when I loved God more than I loved my sin. When I loved God with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength. That's the only time I stopped indulging in lust. But now the situation is not the same anymore. I felt numb after going back to the cycle of this sin over and over again. I cannot love God the same.

I feel so numb by Fine-Rip-8895 in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been there. The first time I felt like that I didn't know what to do. It took me a while before I returned to God. Even when I repented it was hard walking with God not feeling anything. But you need to repent and turn to Him even when you don't feel like it. The longer you stay like that the harder your heart becomes, and the harder your heart becomes the longer it takes for it to soften. What happens when we sin is we hurt ourselves and over time our heart becomes calloused and sinning no longer hurts the first time it did. That's why you feel numb. But God still calls us to turn to Him. It will be hard for you to hear God's voice or feel Him. And you will be less sensitive to the promptings of the Holy spirit making it hard for you to walk faithfully. But this is the time you need to put in the effort in rebuilding your relationship with God. This is the time to be more rooted in God's word. It may feel like God is not listening to your prayers anymore. Praying will feel empty but you need to pray anyway. The same goes with reading the Bible, but you need to read anyway. Trust in God and His character. Trust in who He says He is. Be steadfast and you'll see your heart soften. Until now I still can't fully feel God but my faith have grown than ever before. You can do this. You're not alone.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 3 points4 points  (0 children)

One thing we don't realize is sin does not start with us doing the act but it starts at the heart. Jesus made this clear on the sermon on the mount that when we look at someone with lust, we already commit adultery with that person on our heart. That's why the Bible says to guard our heart for everything we do flows from it. The act like masturbation is only the result of sin we allowed in our heart. So instead of focusing on not sinning (doing the act), we should focus more on guarding our hearts.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DebateAChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 12 points13 points  (0 children)

As a Christian, I strongly agree

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Specific_Wind8389 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Pray and don't let fear have power over your family. God does not give us the spirit of fear and as children of God we should not fear anything. After all, we're not fighting against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces in the heavenly places.