|
Crisis Situations:
All of the following life crisis situations have been addressed below: Abortion, Abuse, Aids, Alcholism, Life Crisis, Death, Depression, Drug Addiction, Fear, Grief, Sexual Addiction, Suffering, Suicide and Worry. There is an answer in the Bible for every problem ever faced in this life.
Abortion:
Q: I'm single and pregnant and don't know what to do. What should I do, Pray I'll do the right thing.
A: Dear Hurting and single,
Two wrongs won't make a right, and I will pray with you that you won't compound your problems by making another wrong decision about your future.
Yes, it was wrong for you to get pregnant—but it also would be wrong for you to end the life of the baby that is growing inside you. I know it's common today to think of abortion as a simple answer to an inconvenient problem—but it is actually a far more serious issue. Your child isn't simply a mass of tissue; he or she is a human being in God's eyes. God told Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5).
What should you do? First, you need wise counsel from someone older than you—someone who can talk with you about the right options (including placing your child for adoption). Ask God to lead you to the right person or agency (your pastor may be able to help you).
Then I urge you to turn to God—not just to put this problem into His hands, but to give your whole life to Him. God loves you, and no matter what you've done He wants to forgive your past and guide your future. Make your commitment to Christ, and then ask Him to help you do what is right.
Q: I have had an abortion and feel so guilty. Can God forgive me?
A: Absolutely! God wants to bring peace, forgiveness, and joy to your life—and He will if you will allow Him. The matter that is distressing you—the taking of life through abortion and anything else that separates you from God—needs to be confessed to the Lord, pleading the blood of Jesus as the scriptures say in (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:25, 1 John 1:7) with its power to remove sin and guilt from anyone who asks. There is no question about God's forgiving grace, but sometimes we are not willing to commit our sin to Him for forgiveness.
As we commit the actions of the past to God, we receive peace, comfort, and assurance through Christ. We believe that God, through His Word and the power of His Spirit, can minister peace to you in the midst of your emotional distress; God's Word offers us the peace that passes all understanding. As you fully commit this problem to the Lord, you will begin a new relationship of hope and comfort in Christ which will assure you that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
David was deeply distraught about overwhelming conditions in his own life which blurred the sense of God's presence, but in Psalm 51 he expresses assurance that the joy and fellowship of the Lord have become real to him. In other words, he experienced the unfailing love and compassion of God in times when he was plagued with self-condemnation. After turning a problem over to the Lord, we often pick the problem up once more and agonize over it again and again. Instead, we must decisively choose to leave the matter with Him and put it out of our minds, refusing to think about it or dwell upon it in any way. When thoughts of guilt come to your mind, say to yourself and God, "Thank you, Lord, for your great forgiveness and mercy. I praise you that you told me to cast this care upon you (1 Peter 5:7), and I have done so. Forgive me for my worry about this matter; with your help, I will praise you instead."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Abuse:
Q: How can I overcome the effects of the abuse I suffered as a child?
A: Abuse is one of the most traumatic and frightening experiences that can happen to a child. Yet God can provide a healing of memories and the power to overcome and live victoriously in His grace.
If you have received Christ as your Savior, you can put this heavy burden on the Lord Jesus' shoulders (1 Peter 5:7). If you have never taken this all-important step, we urge you to make your commitment to God by confessing your sins, repenting, and inviting Jesus to come into your life and be your Savior. When you do this, you become a member of God's own family (see John 1:12).
When we commit our hearts and lives to the Lord, He promises to bring good out of evil. Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." We who know the Lord are still learning that God can take everything that comes into our lives, no matter how tragic, and turn it to His glory and to our good. When we totally commit our lives to Him, He does just that.
It is not unusual for victims of abuse to carry the emotional scars and memories with them for a very long time. Often victims will turn their anger and frustration inward toward themselves. These misplaced emotions then result in unwarranted feelings of guilt, fear, and low self-esteem. Counseling can be very helpful in overcoming these feelings. Counseling referral services for child abuse victims, past or present, and those who are involved in the situation, can be obtained by contacting the National Child Abuse Hotline, in care of Childhelp USA, 15757 North 78th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, toll-free telephone: (800) 4A-CHILD. For further help, we would also suggest the books "Pain and Pretending" by Rich Buhler, and "Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse" by Vought and Heitritter, available at most Christian bookstores.
God will give you comfort and peace as you are faithful and obedient to Him (Psalm 37:3-5). Commit the past, the present, and the future to the Lord. Trust Him to fill your life with peace, joy, and faith as you read His Word and pray daily. Also, actively participate in a gospel-teaching church. There you may be helped by the counsel and ministry of the pastor and the fellowship of other Christians.
Q: What can I do about the harsh and hurtful things my husband says to me?
A: We can appreciate the frustration and pain you have experienced as a result of your husband's hurtful words. It is distressing to be on the receiving end of very cutting and abrupt comments which wound one's spirit. Some people, for reasons known only to themselves, often speak to others in this manner. Sometimes a harsh and insensitive attitude shields a person who himself has been wounded by the remarks of others. In any case, we can understand the problems you are having. Remember that God loves you, and you are important in His sight. He loves you so much that He sent Christ to die for your sins. As you focus on the fact that God loves you and considers you precious to Him, there will be a real difference in your life. Your sense of self-worth does not need to depend on the opinion of others.
Be sure you do not act toward your husband in the way he acts toward you. It is easy in a situation like yours to reply in kind. But that does not solve the problem—it only makes it worse. The Bible tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). It also says, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:4). Affirm and support your loved one in your conversations. Your example may help him to learn to do the same for you. Read also Ephesians 4:29-32.
We would encourage you to find a time when you can speak frankly (and yet lovingly) with your husband. Perhaps he is not even aware you are hurt by the things he says, and although he may not be intentionally hurting you, he needs to be aware of your feelings. Communication is important in a good marriage, and you and your husband need to learn to share your concerns (as well as your joys) with each other. Read 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, and Ephesians 5:28-29. Many couples have found the counsel of a Gospel-teaching pastor or Christian marriage counselor to be helpful in strengthening relationships and improving communication skills.
We would urge both you and your husband to examine your relationship with Christ. Have you committed your lives to Christ? Are you seeking to follow Him? If not, make that commitment now, and learn the joy of having Christ at the center of your marriage. When a husband and wife are truly seeking to honor Christ, they will not want to hurt each other—quite the opposite, they will want to encourage each other. As you pray and learn from God's Word together, God will help both of you become the loving partners He wants you to be.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Aids:
Q: I have AIDS. Can God help me?
A: If you have AIDS, we want to assure you of the great love of God for you. God understands your needs whether you are young or old, or your problems are large or small. In Hebrews 4:15-16 we have the wonderful promise that Jesus, who is God incarnate, is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" and that we can "therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Jesus lived on earth and suffered both physical and emotional pain. He understands us.
Jesus himself explained that, "the thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10, TLB). Jesus wants to be your Friend and constant Companion even though others may forsake you. Not only that, He offers eternal life and a place in heaven. We have God's acceptance of us and His commitment to us through our faith in Christ who said, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37b). When everything else in life is stripped away, God reveals His love and care through His Son Jesus Christ.
If you have never done so, open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ. You can do that by a simple prayer of repentance and faith right now. Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). Let Christ fill that empty space in your life, and then make it your goal to follow Him the rest of your life.
Remember that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV). Romans 8:34 tells how Jesus is at the right hand of God praying for us, and verses 35-39 tell how nothing can separate us from God's love.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Alcholism:
Q: How can I help my loved one who is using drugs and alcohol?
A: Jesus Christ, the mighty Lord and Savior, is able to deliver anyone from a drug or alcohol problem. When Jesus Christ comes into the heart of an addicted person, He can break every sinful habit as that person allows Him. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36, NKJV).
Here is a trememdous promise from God's Word: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16, NIV). The most important thing you can do is to pray daily that your loved one will respond to the love of Christ. Pray that God will give you wisdom through His Holy Spirit to understand how you can help. Seek counsel with a gospel-teaching pastor also. You may find it helpful to read the book "Good News for the Chemically Dependent: How a Healthy Family Can Help Free a Loved One From the Bonds of Addiction" by Jeffrey Van Vonderen. This book is available in most Christian bookstores.
Teen Challenge National and Overcomers Outreach are organizations which have been very effective in leading people of all ages to Christ and to freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. They have developed proven programs of spiritual therapy, based upon the Bible, which have been instrumental in enabling many to enjoy purposeful, constructive lives. If you will contact them, they may be able to help you. They have branches in many cities. Their headquarters' mailing addresses are: Teen Challenge National, P. O. Box 1015, Springfield, Missouri 65801, telephone: (417) 862-6969; and Overcomers Outreach, 520 North Brookhurst, Suite 121, Anaheim, California 92801, telephone: (714) 491-3000.
Q: How can I get free from addiction?
A: Addiction, in any form, can cause inner tensions and frustration which you may feel powerless to overcome. God longs to set you free through Jesus Christ our Lord; see Romans 6:11-14. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36, NKJV). Make certain that you have made your commitment to Christ now by asking God to forgive and cleanse you of your sins and give you life eternal. After you have done this, believe that God has forgiven you and made you His child; read John 1:12, Romans 10:13, and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
None of us is strong enough to overcome temptation in our own strength, but God will give us the strength; see Philippians 4:13. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (NKJV). Note that it is God who provides the way of escape. Read 1 John 3:8. Talk to the Lord many times a day, asking for His help. Read your Bible and fill your mind with thoughts from His Word. The Word of God will have a purifying effect on your life; see Psalm 119:11.
The old sinful lifestyle must now be replaced with the new life in Christ. This requires the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to replace the old habits with new. Avoid companionship with those that influence you to indulge in sinful activities. Make a list of those activities and habits you want changed. Set some positive goals for your life, and with God's strength go after them. Take the initiative and seek the counsel of a gospel-teaching pastor or other dedicated Christian worker.
Teen Challenge National and Overcomers Outreach are organizations which have been very effective in leading people of all ages to Christ and to recovery from addictive behaviors. They have developed proven programs of spiritual therapy, based upon the Bible, which have been instrumental in enabling many to enjoy purposeful, constructive lives. If you will contact them, they may be able to help you. They have branches in many cities. Their headquarters' mailing addresses are: Teen Challenge National, P. O. Box 1015, Springfield, Missouri 65801, telephone: (417) 862-6969; and Overcomers Outreach, 520 North Brookhurst, Suite 121, Anaheim, California 92801, telephone: (800) 310-3001.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Life Crisis:
Q: I am going through a difficult time with no relief in sight. How can I find peace and contentment?
A: It is natural to go to God for comfort or relief from the difficult situations we face in this life. From strained relationships to life-changing tragedies we do not welcome strife. To know that God offers more than mere endurance is a powerful truth, one we too often overlook. We encourage you to continue to seek His comfort and strength; we also encourage you to not view the present situation as one which should only be endured until relief comes. We find contentment when we believe there is reason and purpose for our circumstances. If you are a child of God, you know that your life belongs to God, and nothing can come into your life unless He allows it. Believe that with all your heart, and look about expectantly for what God is doing in you or through you. Review the stories of Joseph and Daniel. Both stories reveal marvelous works of God occurring in the suffering of His own. Look also at Paul. How many were won to a saving knowledge of Jesus because Paul did not wait for all issues to be resolved before he expected to be used; he was used where he was (Acts 16:22-36). And He was able to rejoice and be content regardless of what life brought (Philippians 4:11-13).
We know that you may be hurting, physically in pain, and tired of the battle. Turn from those things and look at the life of your dear Savior. He was led to the desert, tired, hungry, and scorched by the sun. Look at Him on the way to the cross, once again in pain—through no fault of His own. He understands your suffering, and He will not allow it to be wasted. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).
How might God work through you to bring healing to your situation? Are you willing to give up your "right" to sympathy in order to receive real peace, in order to become more like Christ? If so, we encourage you to lift your eyes to the Lord. How is God providing you with comfort and assurance of His care? He has promised to walk with you and to help you to bear this burden (Matthew 11:28). He promises that He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), and that He has work for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Your present days are part of that plan. Pray for solutions; but until they come, let every moment be used to glorify God and to make you more like Christ. "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:29).
May the God of comfort and peace be your daily strength according to His promise in Isaiah 41:10, which states: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Q: I've given up on God because He doesn't seem to care about me. I can't even begin to list all the problems I have—money, health, job, family tensions, you name it. I know you say God cares about us but I haven't seen any evidence of it in my life.
A: Dear
Have you ever stopped to list the good things in your life? Sometimes we get so caught up with the bad things that are happening to us that we fail to see the other side. As the old hymn says, "Count your many blessings; name them one by one—and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
Don't misunderstand me, however; your problems are real, and I know that at times it seems like God has forgotten you or hidden His face from you. Even some of the Bible's greatest men and women felt that way on occasion. In the midst of his pain and loss, Job cried out, "Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me?" (Job 10:8).
But in time Job realized that God still loved him, and even if he didn't understand why he was experiencing so much suffering and heartache, God still could be trusted. The turning point came when Job looked beyond his problems and focused instead on God and His greatness and love. Then he could say, "I know that my Redeemer lives" (Job 19:25).
This is why I urge you to turn to Christ and ask Him to come into your life. God loves you—and the proof is that His only Son was willing to endure the pain and death of the cross for you. Open your heart to Him, and then ask Him to give you the wisdom to change what you can, and the courage to endure what you can't.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Death:
Q: How can I be sure I'm going to heaven when I die? My aunt died not long ago, and it got me thinking about life after death. I've always tried to be a good person, but if someone were to ask me if I knew for sure that I am going to heaven, I'd have to say no, I'm not sure
A: We can never be saved because of what we do; we can only be saved because of what Jesus Christ has already done for us. Let me explain.
Our greatest problem can be put in one word: sin. Sin cuts us off from God, and sin also keeps us out of heaven. But how can we get rid of our sins? We can't erase them or cause them to disappear by ourselves; we don't have the power. The only way we can get rid of our sins is for someone to come along and take them away for us.
And that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. We are weighed down by the burden of our sins—but Jesus took that burden upon Himself when He died on the cross for us. To put it another way, He took the punishment we deserve when He went to the cross in our place. The Bible says, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18).
What must you do? Simply believe that Christ has taken away your sins, and then receive Him into your heart and life. The Bible's promise is for you: "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Become God's child today by asking Christ to come into your life.
Q: My husband unexpectedly died in his sleep six months ago, and we didn't even have a chance to say goodbye. I don't think I'll ever get over it. I know we'll meet again in heaven but that doesn't seem to help me right now. Can you help me?
A: One of the hardest experiences any of us will ever face in life is losing someone we dearly love—and I know it's especially hard when death comes unexpectedly and we have no opportunity to say a final goodbye.
Perhaps the most important thing I can say to you is that God loves you and understands what you're going through. When Jesus stood by the tomb of His friend Lazarus, He knew that shortly He would bring Lazarus back to life—but the Bible still says that "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). This is the shortest verse in the Bible, but it reveals a great truth about Christ's compassion for those who grieve. The Bible says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail" (Lamentations 3:22).
You will always remember your husband, and your grief over his death won't go away quickly. But in time, your pain will lessen—and God wants to help you in this process. What can you do? First, take time each day to thank God for the years you had together. Thankfulness is like a healing balm to our souls.
Then ask God to help you reach out to others who are grieving. They need your encouragement—and you need theirs. Most of all, don't carry your burden alone but hand it over to Christ. The Bible says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22).
____________________________________________________________________________________
Depression:
Q: I have thoughts of ending my life. Where can I find help?
A: First of all, let us impress upon you the fact that you are important in the sight of God. He says, "You are precious to me ... and I love you" (Isaiah 43:4, TLB). The very reason Jesus Christ came to earth to offer Himself in sacrifice is so that we might have life in all its fullness, and it is His desire that we be set free from depression, fear, frustration, and hurt so that we might experience this abundant life.
The most important step you can take is to anchor your life solidly to Jesus Christ by committing your life without reserve to Him. God loves you, and He wants you to be part of His family. All you have to do is turn to Christ and ask Him to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Have you made that commitment to Christ? Turn to Him now—and then you will have a new desire to live a life with purpose.
Thoughts of taking one's own life do not come from God but from the evil one, Satan. Jesus said, "The thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10, TLB). We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8-10, "Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord ... He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever" (TLB).
It is important that you determine to give all your problems to Jesus and "cast all your anxiety on him" (1 Peter 5:7). Refuse to listen to the devil, who is the "father of lies" (John 8:44), and make a total surrender of your life to Christ as Savior and Lord. Then center your attention upon His love for you and His wonderful plan for your life, and rest in the assurance that Jesus will "never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b, NKJV).
Also, remember that God often uses other people to help us. Many who struggle with suicidal feelings benefit from talking with someone who can pray with them and help sort things out. We would urge you to counsel with a Gospel-preaching pastor in your area. You may also benefit from the advice of a professional Christian counselor. For referrals to individual Christian counselors near you, you may contact the following: Focus on the Family, telephone: (719) 531-3400, or the Narramore Christian Foundation, telephone: (818) 288-7000, or RAPHA, telephone: 1-800-383-HOPE. Arranging an appointment with a medical doctor would also help to determine whether feelings of depression and discouragement have a physical basis. Above all, keep your hope fixed in the One who says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b).
Q: Sometimes I feel so depressed in the morning that I can hardly get up. What should I do?
A: Even when the days seem dark for you, I want to assure you that God cares about you and wants what is best for you. He loves you (whether you feel it or not), and the Bible's promise is still true: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. ... The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid" (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Whenever we face a problem (no matter what it is), God wants us to turn to Him and commit it to Him. But prayer and professional medical help are not opposed to each other, and often God answers our prayers by guiding us to the medical help we need. The Bible doesn't look down on medical help, nor does it encourage us to turn away from it. Remember that the writer of two of the books in the New Testament was called "our dear friend Luke, the doctor" (Colossians 4:14).
I strongly urge you to see your doctor or another qualified health professional about this problem. Depression may have many different causes, including biochemical imbalances in our bodies that can be corrected with proper medication.
Most of all, I pray that you may discover in a fresh way Christ's love for you, and learn to trust Him even when the way seems dark. The psalmist's words are true: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Drug Addiction:
Q: How can I get free from addiction?
A: Addiction, in any form, can cause inner tensions and frustration which you may feel powerless to overcome. God longs to set you free through Jesus Christ our Lord; see Romans 6:11-14. The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36, NKJV). Make certain that you have made your commitment to Christ now by asking God to forgive and cleanse you of your sins and give you life eternal. After you have done this, believe that God has forgiven you and made you His child; read John 1:12, Romans 10:13, and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
None of us is strong enough to overcome temptation in our own strength, but God will give us the strength; see Philippians 4:13. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (NKJV). Note that it is God who provides the way of escape. Read 1 John 3:8. Talk to the Lord many times a day, asking for His help. Read your Bible and fill your mind with thoughts from His Word. The Word of God will have a purifying effect on your life; see Psalm 119:11.
The old sinful lifestyle must now be replaced with the new life in Christ. This requires the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to replace the old habits with new. Avoid companionship with those that influence you to indulge in sinful activities. Make a list of those activities and habits you want changed. Set some positive goals for your life, and with God's strength go after them. Take the initiative and seek the counsel of a gospel-teaching pastor or other dedicated Christian worker.
Teen Challenge National and Overcomers Outreach are organizations which have been very effective in leading people of all ages to Christ and to recovery from addictive behaviors. They have developed proven programs of spiritual therapy, based upon the Bible, which have been instrumental in enabling many to enjoy purposeful, constructive lives. If you will contact them, they may be able to help you. They have branches in many cities. Their headquarters' mailing addresses are: Teen Challenge National, P. O. Box 1015, Springfield, Missouri 65801, telephone: (417) 862-6969; and Overcomers Outreach, 520 North Brookhurst, Suite 121, Anaheim, California 92801, telephone: (800) 310-3001.
Q: I grew up in a Christian home and even went to a Christian school, but I threw it all overboard when I began experimenting with drugs. Now and I know I've made a mess of my life, but is it too late for me to get back on track?
A: No, it isn't too late for you to get back on track—and the reason is because God still loves you, and doesn't want you to spend the rest of your life on the wrong road.
In fact, I believe He is already working in your life, making you face what you've done and giving you a desire to take another path. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44)—and that's what God is doing to you. Would He call you to Himself if He wasn't willing to forgive you and make you part of His family? Of course not.
You can't change the past; what you've done with your life can't be erased. But it can be forgiven—and with His help the future can be different! This is why I urge you to repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to come into your life. Why live for the devil any longer? He promises a life of freedom and happiness—but as you have discovered, his promises are lies.
Remember: You can't rely on your parents' faith; you must make your own decision for Christ. But when you do, God promises to welcome you and make you His child forever. The Bible says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Don't let another day go by without making your peace with God by asking Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior.
Q: I had a painful injury several years ago, and now I'm afraid I'm getting addicted to my pain medicine because I'm needing more and more of it. Will God help me get off this medicine?
A: God doesn't want you to become a slave to anything—including your pain medicine. And yes, He wants to help you deal with this problem because He loves you and wants what is best for you.
Does this mean God may suddenly take away all your pain and set you free from your need for medicine? Perhaps He will, and you shouldn't hesitate to ask Him to do so. But let me be honest: This is not His usual way of working. He may instead work by directing you to the help you need to cope with this problem.
This is why I strongly urge you to talk frankly with your doctor about your concerns. He or she knows the medicine you have been taking, and whether or not you may be in danger of becoming addicted to it. If your doctor doesn't seem to take your concerns seriously, seek a second opinion. Don't delay; this is too serious an issue. Your doctor may be able to cut back on your dosage, or find other medicine to treat your pain.
Then ask God to help you and give you His peace, even when the road seems rough. If you have never done so, commit your life to Jesus Christ. Then ask Him to help you focus on Him and His love for you, and not only on your problems. The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3, KJV).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Fear:
Q: With so many terrible things happening these days, I'm afraid that the end of the world may be near. Can you help me?
A: Threatening world events should not be a source of anxiety to true believers who are trusting in Christ as their personal Savior. We who know the Lord are looking forward to His soon return, and we are assured that our future is in His hands.
Perhaps you do not feel this assurance. The key is to realize that God made us so we could have a personal relationship with Him. This relationship gives us peace. The Bible says, "He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord" (Isaiah 26:3, TLB). When we leave God out of our lives, there is an empty space left in our hearts. We try to fill that empty space in all kinds of ways: sex, drugs, alcohol, pleasure, personal relationships, money—the list is endless. But it will never be filled by anything or anyone except God. No matter the troubles in the world, you can have peace with God.
The Scriptures give us many promises to keep us in God's perfect peace when the world is shaking with fear. We are to "watch and pray," but we are not to have an unwholesome fear, which is equivalent to doubting God's Word. Jude 24 describes God as "Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." In Ephesians 6:13 we read, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." It is important that we make our relationship with Christ a priority, that we faithfully serve Him in consistent Christian living, and that we eagerly look forward to His coming again. Some relevant Bible passages to read are Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:36; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:11-15; 1 Peter 4:7; and 2 Peter 3:9-18. May God bless you as you trust in Him.
__________________________________________________
Grief:
Q: Do you think that we ever really get over the death of a loved one? Will I ever get over this?
A: No, I doubt if we ever truly get over the death of someone we loved very deeply—and the longer or more closely we knew them, the harder it will be. The Bible tells of a mother "weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more" (Matthew 2:18).
At the same time, God wants to comfort us in our times of sorrow—and He will, if we will let Him. Jesus' promise is for you and for every person who passes through times of sorrow: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). God's promise is true: "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you" (Isaiah 66:13).
How can you know God's comfort? First, thank Him every day for the years you and your wife had together; they were, after all, a gift from Him. Thank Him also that your wife is now safely in heaven, beyond the reach of the pain and distress of this life. Thank Him also that someday you will join her in heaven if you know Christ.
Then ask God to help you reach out to others who need His comfort. They need your love and concern—and you need theirs also. Don't try to carry your burden alone, but don't make others carry their burden alone, either. All around you are people who need encouragement, and God wants to use you to help them and point them to His love. God bless you.
__________________________________________________
Sexual Addiction:
Q: I hate myself for this, but I just can't stay away from the porn sites on the Internet. God must be very disappointed in me.
A: Like other inventions, the Internet has brought much good to the human race—but it also has brought much evil. The explosion in Internet pornography is vicious and corrupting, and is one reason why I believe parents should monitor very closely what their children are accessing on their computers.
Others may not know what you are doing in the privacy of your room—but God does, and some day you will stand before Him to give an account of the way you allowed your mind to be filled with this evil. The Bible warns, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13). These are sobering words, and you should take them seriously.
But listen: God loves you, and He doesn't want you to be enslaved by your lusts. Instead, He wants to free you—and He will, if you will let Him. Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). I urge you to claim this promise as your own.
Begin by confessing your sins to Christ, and asking Him to forgive you and cleanse you and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Then take practical steps to avoid temptation—by setting up anti-porn filters on your computer, for example, and moving it to a public place.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Suffering:
Q: Why does God allow suffering in the world?
A: There are no easy answers to the question of the purpose of suffering and evil. The tendency is to blame God for these conditions, but He did not create them. They came as a result of man's disobedience to God, beginning back in the Garden of Eden; see Genesis 3:16-19. Often suffering and adversity are brought about by disregard of God's will or by the direct efforts of Satan or by natural disasters in a physical world which is also affected by man's sin and the resulting judgment. God, however, has offered the most effective solution possible by giving His Son to die for all. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price when He suffered and died on the cross, having taken upon Himself the sin of the world and all of its horrible consequences. When Jesus returns in power and glory, there will be a new world completely free from sin with its sorrow and suffering (Revelation, chapters 21 and 22).
We can be sure that God in His divine purpose desires to bring about in us the greatest good and to allow suffering to be a means of discipline through which love, patience, grace, and faith may be cultivated in our lives. God never asks us to understand; we need only trust Him in the same way that we expect our earthly children to trust our love. Peace comes when we realize we are able to see only a few threads in the great tapestry of life and of God's plan. Then we can affirm with great joy and assurance that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
The way we react to suffering will determine whether life's most tragic experiences bring bitterness and despair or become sources of blessing. The greatest joy will come when, in the midst of adversity, we look up into His face and say, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:18). It is then that His promise will be most meaningful, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2).
____________________________________________________________________________________
Suicide:
Q: Last year, a friend of mine committed suicide after a long battle with mental illness. I feel so guilty, because I should have seen the signs of what was happening and tried to help him but I didn't. Can I ever put these feelings behind me?
A: Suicide almost always leaves a host of painful emotions in its wake—and one of those is guilt among those left behind. Don't be surprised you feel this way; almost anyone in your position would wonder what they might have done.
And to be honest, sometimes those guilty feelings are justified. Experts have told me that people who are contemplating suicide often send out "signals" about their intentions—signals that are really cries for help. Sadly, those signals may go unheeded. We get too wrapped up in our own concerns, for example, or we may be afraid of getting involved. This isn't always true, however, and in any case you weren't solely responsible for what your friend did.
Guilt is like a heavy burden—and the solution is to let Christ take it away. God knows your situation but He still loves you, and He wants you to give this burden to Him. Jesus' invitation is for you: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Ask Christ to come into your life today.
Then ask God to help you be more sensitive to those around you. You may never face this exact situation again—but all around you are people who are searching for peace and hope, and God wants to use you to touch their lives for Christ.
__________________________________________________
Worry:
Q: What can I do to find relief from my worries?
A: "Man has always been beset by worry, and the pressures of modern life have aggravated the problem ... Many of you are filled with a thousand anxieties. Bring them to Jesus Christ by faith ... I am learning in my own life, day by day, to keep my mind centered on Christ, and the worries and anxieties and concerns of the world pass away and nothing but 'perfect peace' is left in the human heart."
Stress, worry, and anxiety come when we are not fully trusting the Lord to handle the situation. We are troubled by anxious thoughts of real or anticipated problems when we rely on our own strength and have not learned to cast all our cares upon the Lord. Anxiety chokes out the Word of God in our hearts and keeps us from growing in Christ.
Replace worry with prayer. Thank God in the midst of your problems, and turn them over to Him, as directed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Praising God is a beautiful antidote for anxiety. Memorize and claim these Bible promises when worried or anxious: "So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, I will not be seized with alarm—I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6, Amplified); and, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, TLB).
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
|
