On-Again/Off-Again in my relationship with God, why is this happening?

[Called4Christ]

I don't understand what causes me to withdraw from God periodically.
When I say withdraw, I don't just mean that I begin to doubt his existence. I mean that I stop praying, stop feeling conviction for sin, cease contact with christian connections, and cease reading the bible. The strange part is, is that I've never during these periods doubted God's existence or soverignty. So when I do begin to feel a sense of conviction again, I pray, I come back to God and I feel terrible for what I've done, for essentially abusing God's grace.

You know, I know God is our father and he loves us more than we can comprehend, but I also know that God won't be mocked. He is sovereign.I'm almost resigned to the fear that I will someday die while in one of these "off" times of my life. I don't want to keep doing this, and I ask God to please give me the grace to stay faithful.

Yet it happens...

I know that it is sin that separates us from God, but I can't understand what sin it is that's causing this sense of separation. I am not saying that I expect to never sin. I'm not saying that at all. I know the blood of Christ continually washes us from sin, and that he is faithful. So it's not like this post is about me lying, feeling some guilt, and then apologizing. But there's a difference between unintentional sin and continued, outright disobedience, right--- am I making any sense here? (Someone save me from rambling!)

I know God will never forsake us, but I also know that we can, by our own will, separate ourselves from God by sinning and rejecting Christ. However, I don't desire separation from God. I love Him, (even though I'm terrible at showing it)-- I don't want to upset Him, and hell scares the crap out of me, but I don't want to be separated from God forever when I die.
I also believe that part of what allows us to remain faithful is the grace of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it's only by God's grace that I'm able to desire to come to Him at all. How then can I fall so far away when I don't desire to and God does not forsake us?

I'm not trying to insinuate that God is a liar, of course, I'm just not sure what to do...

 

[djness]

Just a guess but those could be times of faith testing. Obedience in doing what God says without constant guidance in expectation of maturity.
I am just offering a suggestion because I have based a lot of my relationship on feeling and expectation of feeling when a lot of times we just need to do what is right regardless if we feel Him nearby.

[h=1]Jeremiah 23:23New International Version (NIV)[/h]23 “Am I only a God nearby,”
declares the Lord,
“and not a God far away?

 

[MarcR]

Whether or not we are willing to admit it; I think that has happened to most of us to some degree. That certainly does NOT excuse us when it happens; but it may comfort you to know that you don't face it alone. In fact several hymns have been written about it.

The third stanza of 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing' reads:

O to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be!

Let thy goodness like a fetter Bind my wand'ring heart to thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love:

Here's my heart, o take and seal it Seal it for thy courts above.


(Capitalization copied as found).

From Covenant Hymnal, Covenant Press, Chicago (p. 53)

 

[passing_through]

I suppose these articles would be beneficial here.

DESPAIR OF NOT DISCERNING THE WORK OF GRACE UPON ONE’S HEART

By Charles H. Spurgeon

​

Last Sabbath morning we addressed you upon the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit in the believer, and upon the glorious fad of his dwelling in the hearts of the regenerate. Now, it frequently happens that when we discourse upon the work of the Holy Spirit, there are certain weak and uninstructed brethren who straightway fall into questionings and despondencies, because they in some point or other are unable to discern the work of grace within themselves. That work may be prospering within them, but through the turmoil of their spirits and the dimness of their mental vision, they do not at once perceive it, and therefore they are distracted and alarmed. There is a consoling doctrine which is intended to yield comfort to souls thus afflicted; it is the great truth, that "Whosoever believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ, hath everlasting life." If they would remember this gospel-declaration, they might also with advantage consider the other spiritual fact, and by weighing the two truths in their minds, they might receive much permanent blessing; while at the present, by having an eye to one only, they throw themselves off their balance, and make to themselves many sorrows.

[Excerpt from “Alive or Dead – Which?”, sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon]

​

Some Christians Are Growing,But They Don't Know It.
By David Wilkerson​

Some believers can tell you all about their spiritual growth. And you can clearly see the changes in their lives. They testify to you about how the Holy Ghost has vanquished the enemy for them, and you rejoice with them in their victory.


Yet these kinds of Christians are the exception. Most believers are totally unaware of any spiritual progress in their lives. They're diligent to walk in holiness and in the fear of God. They pray, read the Bible and seek the Lord with all their hearts. And they've forsaken all besetting lusts and habits. There's no obstruction to spiritual growth in them. In short, the life of Christ is thriving in these saints.


But they can't discern any growth in themselves. They don't sense that anything spiritual is taking place at all. I'm an example of this type of Christian. I know I walk in the righteousness of Christ, yet I never feel holy. I never sense I'm making progress. In fact, I occasionally get down on myself whenever I do or say something un-Christlike. It causes me to wonder, "I've been a Christian for years. Why don't I ever learn?"
We all judge others to be so much purer and holier than ourselves. Yet we aren't aware of the wonderful, exceeding spiritual growth that God is causing in us!
I think the Thessalonian Christians were stunned when they heard Paul's glowing assessment of them. They probably thought, "Me, growing exceedingly? Paul must be kidding. Doesn't he know I'm still far from what I ought to be? On most days, I struggle badly. He may see growth in me, but I certainly don't."


Yet Paul knew that spiritual growth is a secret, hidden thing. Scripture likens it to the unseen growth of flowers and trees: "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon" (Hosea 14:5-6).


God is telling us, "Go to the lilies! Just try to watch them grow. Take your watch, and be prepared to stay all day long. I'm telling you, by day's end you won't be able to see any growth whatsoever. But know this: I water the lily every morning with the dew I send -- and it's going to grow.


"Or, try to measure the growth of the cedar tree. Camp under it for a month, and tell me how far you see it grow. Even after six months, you probably won't notice any growth. Yet that tree is putting down deep roots! You see, I water the tree with my rain. And any tree that's watered properly is going to grow. Yet such growth is not discernible to the human eye. It grows, but in secret!"


The same is true of most spiritual growth. It's imperceptible to the human eye!
Some Christians may object, "I've been a believer for ten years, and I still don't feel like I've grown spiritually." To those people, I point to the book of Isaiah. God promises, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground..." (Isaiah 44:3). He also calls his repentant people "trees of righteousness" (61:3). The Lord himself says we're his trees and flowers, his carefully tended plants. And he sends down his dew and rain upon us daily!
Let me give you an easy test that will reveal whether spiritual growth is taking place in you. Simply ask yourself, "Am I thirsty? Do I want more of Jesus and his holiness?" If the answer is yes, you can know you're growing. Why? He promises to pour out his living water on all who thirst for him: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).


Simply put, God judges your spiritual growth by how much you hunger and thirst for him. So, if you're sincere about your walk with Christ, and you're open to his leading and correction, you mustn't be discouraged by any perceived lack of growth. True spiritual growth is taking place in you, whether you can see it or not!


Yet God promises that all who hunger and thirst after him will be filled by his own hand. He'll water us from heaven. And he'll feed us all the nutrients needed to produce abundant life in us -- whether we see it happening or not!


[Excerpt from “What Every Christian Should Know About Spiritual Growth”, By David Wilkerson]

 

[Jason0047]

I don't understand what causes me to withdraw from God periodically.
When I say withdraw, I don't just mean that I begin to doubt his existence. I mean that I stop praying, stop feeling conviction for sin, cease contact with christian connections, and cease reading the bible. The strange part is, is that I've never during these periods doubted God's existence or soverignty. So when I do begin to feel a sense of conviction again, I pray, I come back to God and I feel terrible for what I've done, for essentially abusing God's grace.

You know, I know God is our father and he loves us more than we can comprehend, but I also know that God won't be mocked. He is sovereign.I'm almost resigned to the fear that I will someday die while in one of these "off" times of my life. I don't want to keep doing this, and I ask God to please give me the grace to stay faithful.

Yet it happens...

I know that it is sin that separates us from God, but I can't understand what sin it is that's causing this sense of separation. I am not saying that I expect to never sin. I'm not saying that at all. I know the blood of Christ continually washes us from sin, and that he is faithful. So it's not like this post is about me lying, feeling some guilt, and then apologizing. But there's a difference between unintentional sin and continued, outright disobedience, right--- am I making any sense here? (Someone save me from rambling!)

I know God will never forsake us, but I also know that we can, by our own will, separate ourselves from God by sinning and rejecting Christ. However, I don't desire separation from God. I love Him, (even though I'm terrible at showing it)-- I don't want to upset Him, and hell scares the crap out of me, but I don't want to be separated from God forever when I die.
I also believe that part of what allows us to remain faithful is the grace of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it's only by God's grace that I'm able to desire to come to Him at all. How then can I fall so far away when I don't desire to and God does not forsake us?

I'm not trying to insinuate that God is a liar, of course, I'm just not sure what to do...

Check out Pastor Alan Balou's videos here on how to stop sinning (according to the Bible):

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjaPOdwt4zIxNgHBvWzeIG4uIIchFNQO3

Here is his blog/website:

how to stop sinning | Alan's Blog. A place where iron sharpens iron.

 

[eyesonly]

Don't beat yourself up, it seems like the darkness guy is doing that for you. God understands and loves you, this is why he bestowed grace on you. He gave his word, his son's blood as a promise of his covenant to us for grace. God will never
go back on his promise.
When the day comes that you don't feel guilty or don't ask for forgiveness for these "down" times, is the day i would really start to be worried.
Satan is causing you your down times, very simple, and he is also responsible for you questioning your relationship with God.
The strength of God's relationship with you has never and will never change from his end.

You just need to do your best to resist the devils' influence on your life. He has already been defeated by Christ, but can still play his games and tricks on your mind and thoughts. When your down times begin again, just verbally announce to the devil that he no longer has a hold of you, and that Christ is your protector.

If i may asked, you were very generalized about your down times in the lord. Is it just the lack of praying and reading the word kind of thing, or are you going out and doing "stuff".

God bless

 

[Jason0047]

Most professing Christians believe you can sin and still be saved on some level. They think you will forever be a slave to sin. But Jesus says if you sin, you are a slave to sin. 1 Peter 4:1 says we can cease from sin by suffering in the flesh. Jesus says be ye perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect. The Father is perfect because He is Holy and sinless. The Scriptures say, without holiness no man will see God. So do not listen to those who make light of your sin and make you think it is normal that you will be overcome by struggling with sin the rest of your life. We are overcomers in Christ. Listen to the Scriptures and read thru them. God wants you to always do what is good and not give into doing anything that is bad. So stay the course and keep true to God, my friend.

 

[Jason0047]

Also, they will quote Romans 7 as it being normal for you to struggle with sin. That is not what Romans 7 says. Paul is talking about his experience or struggle before he became a Christian. Paul is speaking from his experience as a Jew trying to be justified by the Law without Jesus.

 

[Hepzibah]

Called for Christ wrote: I don't desire separation from God. I love Him, (even though I'm terrible at showing it)-- I don't want to upset Him, and hell scares the crap out of me

O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me

You are in Romans 7 but please ignore those who say that the chapter is about the unsaved man. It is not, it is a man who has come under conviction by the Holy Spirit that you have a need to be delivered from the law of sin and death because you have been trying to walk by the flesh.

Alan Balou on the videos does not have the answer. He is himself not under the control of the Holy Spirit.

How do I know? - Just look at HIM rather than what he is saying. He is preaching legalism anyway. But take a look and see whether he is eating according to his body needs and is therefore slim and fit? Or is overweight and looking like he should lose some weight? Yes he is a slave to his gut. So he cannot help you.

What you need is to pray that you will be delievered by seeing what Christ did on the cross in killing your old nature and be willing to submit yourself entirely to Him.

 

[dalconn]

...and some believers sin is saying they have no sin

 

[CRUCIFIEDWITHCHRIST]

That's right amen we must walk in the light as he is in the light as it is talked about in 1 john. The result of that is this as well for an example .

1 John 2:10
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him

 

[pwrnJC]

I think that our 'sanctification" is an ongoing process. Some churches tend to let us believe that a new convert to CHRIST gets instant full throttle sanctification that very second. I know we get forgiveness and assurance and a touch of the Holy Spirit within us, etc. But, our 'old past', although we are new in CHRIST, does tend to still haunt. THe BIBLE also tells us "BE ye transformed by the RENEWING of your Mind." AH..the mind..our thinking processor..the thing that satan loves to attack the most. We will never ever know full righteousness until JESUS meets us in the skies. We have to keep on working on it. Please tell me one single individual in the BIBLE who did not have doubts, past baggage and issues that was not swept under the rug....I can totally relate to Thomas, Gideon, and even Martha! I Feel that when I do something out of step with what CHRIST would do (sin, lets face it), that the HOly SPIRIT within me is grieved, and may even step aside for a while until the vessel HE is living in is cleansed, again and again. No, He has NOT abandoned me, but HE cannot coexist in the same dwelling place with our sin. THEre is mention in the bible where a person did not realize that the Spirit of GOD within him had gone. What to do? It's a daily spiritual struggle for sure...we have to keep our noses to the grinding wheel, stay sharp, surround ourselves with holy spirit filled people, be of encouragement to others, etc. We fall down, stand up, dust ourselves off and keep on walking. Our full sanctification is a continuing process...

 

[CRUCIFIEDWITHCHRIST]

The lord is able to forgive us and cleanse of all unrighteousness the bible says. Sin does not have dominion over us those that have the easy yoke of Jesus. It is a light burden. The lord will for our life is to know the fullness of righteousness now in this life. the fullness of Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-11King James Version (KJV)[SUP]5 [/SUP]Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
[SUP]7 [/SUP]But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

People can be tempted if God permit that we will always fall to sin yet the word says he is able to keep us from falling able to keep us blamless, and having the shield of faith where which all the firey darts of the wicked to be quenched.

This works effectually in those that believe.

People are walking with Christ receiving his word carrying their cross but people have to carry their cross all the way to where Jesus is. To die with Jesus receiving the death of his or her old sinful ways.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

What do we believe about our testimony?? Has the lord taken our sin or do we still have it? Our great father destroys the sin that we have taken it away. It is only too by his mercy and grace for someone to be obeying Jesus.

 

[Bowhunter2394]

You may think He is distant are gone, but He is ALWAYS there, been there many times, where He seemed so distant, cry out to Him, but still no answer, then all of a Sudden.. there He is... HE WAS NEVER FAR TO BEGIN /always there....He will make you grow thru those times....------> 'seeing Him who is Invisible'.... the Just shall live by Faith... sometimes He creates circumstances where it seems like He is just not there, you have to TRUST----> as a child with child like faith would... oh yes.. you'll have the 'DEVIL' come in and tell you , oh you've really dont it now, God hates you now, He will never bless you, God has abandoned you... yep the Serpent, but remember he is a LIAR..... Faith .... is seeing something even though its not there.. its 'knowing 'God is so close... when we cant discern His Presence.. Much like when Jesus was abandoned in the Garden, all forsook Him, but He knew He wasnt alone because the Father was with Him, we go thru the same tests and trials as His followers, these ordained by Him, so that you Grow in Grace... the sin hunters will come at you, telling you its your faults, your mistakes that God has abandoned you.. lol.. you'll have friends like Job had.. lots of Bad Advice.... but God was always there for Him and blessed greatly at the end of his trial... and you'll have those who will want to pull you back into the ways of the 'ol man... cause God has forgotten you.. lolz.. all these will happen ... but you Trust and Lean on His Word... in His Word is Power... 'seeing Him who is Invisble' Moses was able to do that.. as he forsook Egypt and its treasures and pleasures of Sin for a season, he understood the Reproach of Christ was more Valuable, than the Treasures of Egypt.. for he had 'respect' unto the Recompense of Reward.

 

[thecreationtutor]

Hey called for Christ - feeling like your running in circles do you? life not getting traction? Get your mind and affections on Christ - Discipline leads to delight - quite time in the morning, prayer - yes when you don't feel like it - seeking Godly counsel, and friends - forsaking things that Holy Spirit convicts and leads you away from

You are in need of endurance -
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised

What has Jesus promised - Life - in Him is life - and this life is the light of men!

 

[passing_through]

I feel like sometimes that I have never left square one in the board game called The Christian Life.

 

[Jason0047]

...and some believers sin is saying they have no sin

No, true believers recognize real sin by confessing it and by not saying they have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness. For 1 John 1:8 is in context to 1 John 1:6-7 and 1 John 1:9 and 1 John 2:3-6.

In 1 John 1:8: John was warning the brethren about false seducers who believed they had no sin whereby they did need to confess it because sin on a spiritual level does not exist for them (both spiritually and physically). This is kind of what the majority of churches believe today. They believe Jesus takes all away all sin: past, present, and future. They believe no sin debt is placed on their record because they believe a belief alone on Jesus as their Savior is what is only required to save them. Meaning, they are saying they have "no sin" spiritually, which would be in direct contradiction to 1 John 1:8. Yet, they have a sneaky way to get around 1 John 1:8 because they say they sin physically. Yet their is no sin on a spiritual level for them because it has been canceled out because of a mental acknowledgment that Jesus is their Savior. But the true believer confesses sin in order to be forgiven of sin (1 John 1:9) and the true believer walks in the light as he is in the light so that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses them of all sin (1 John 1:7). For he that knows him, obeys his commandments and he that does not know him does not obey his commandments (1 John 2:3-6).

When true believers say they do not sin, it doesn't mean they have lived a sinless life (for their entire existence). For surely they did sin when they used to be an unbeliever; And some of them have even struggled with sin in their walk with God to overcome sin (Which we know is possible because of the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee). However, the Scriptures do in fact teach it is possible to cease (stop) from sin. In fact, Jesus tells us to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. The Father is perfect because He is Holy and sinless. 1 Peter 4:1 says we can cease from sin by suffering in the flesh. Jesus says pray so as not to be led into temptation. The Psalms say that we can hide His Word within our heart so that we may not sin against God. The author of Hebrews says without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. Jesus says to the Pharisees in John chapter 8, that they seeked to kill him because His Word did not abide in them. Meaning, they did not obey the Word of God.

 

[Jason0047]

Anyways...

Dear Called4Christ:

You can have the assurance of the Promise of Scripture.

1 John 1:9 says...

If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Meaning, take confidence in that promise. Do not use it as a crutch, but use it as a way to overcome and conquer sin with Christ's help. Call upon the Lord to help you to stop sinning and He will help you. Just do not ever give up. Trust always in the Lord and dedicate your life more and more to Him.

Also, every time temptation comes around.... quote Scripture that is specific to that thing that is tempting you. Jesus did this against the devil in the wilderness in order to conquer the devil. Granted, Jesus is the Son of God (or the Second Person of the Godhead) and He could have disbanded all the molecules in the devil's body in order to defeat him. But Jesus was setting an example for us by being a humble servant. For he was humble and obedient to God the Father until the point of His death. We can do the same thing. We can follow His example and stop the devil in his tracks by quoting that precise Scripture that relates to that sin you are having trouble with.

One of my favorites that is a general strong powerful verse is.....

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me lieth down in green pastures and by the still waters and he restores my soul."

Internalize and memorize power verses like this into your life.

For man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word of God.

 

[Jason0047]

O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me

You are in Romans 7 but please ignore those who say that the chapter is about the unsaved man. It is not, it is a man who has come under conviction by the Holy Spirit that you have a need to be delivered from the law of sin and death because you have been trying to walk by the flesh.

Alan Balou on the videos does not have the answer. He is himself not under the control of the Holy Spirit.

How do I know? - Just look at HIM rather than what he is saying. He is preaching legalism anyway. But take a look and see whether he is eating according to his body needs and is therefore slim and fit? Or is overweight and looking like he should lose some weight? Yes he is a slave to his gut. So he cannot help you.

What you need is to pray that you will be delievered by seeing what Christ did on the cross in killing your old nature and be willing to submit yourself entirely to Him.

We know Romans 7 is about the unsaved man because in Romans 7:14, Paul says he is sold under sin, but in Romans 8:2, Paul says he is free from sin. So unless you want to believe in contradictions, the only solution that makes sense is that Paul was talking from his perspective as a pre-Christian. For why on Earth does he give us the solution as being Jesus Christ at the end of Romans 7 and the beginning of Romans 8?

 

[Bowhunter2394]

The lord is able to forgive us and cleanse of all unrighteousness the bible says. Sin does not have dominion over us those that have the easy yoke of Jesus. It is a light burden. The lord will for our life is to know the fullness of righteousness now in this life. the fullness of Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-11King James Version (KJV)[SUP]5 [/SUP]Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
[SUP]7 [/SUP]But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

People can be tempted if God permit that we will always fall to sin yet the word says he is able to keep us from falling able to keep us blamless, and having the shield of faith where which all the firey darts of the wicked to be quenched.

This works effectually in those that believe.

People are walking with Christ receiving his word carrying their cross but people have to carry their cross all the way to where Jesus is. To die with Jesus receiving the death of his or her old sinful ways.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

What do we believe about our testimony?? Has the lord taken our sin or do we still have it? Our great father destroys the sin that we have taken it away. It is only too by his mercy and grace for someone to be obeying Jesus.

the 'lord'??????--------->... its LORD.... Respect goes along ways... btw .. have you armed yourself as you 'QUOTE' or did you just quote that to make it appear as though you are crucified with Him, I see alot of people say that, but they are FAR FROM CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, in reality when they are discerned and the veil is pulled away.. they are ENEMIES OF THE Cross of Christ, because SALVATION, the emphasis, is on them... and their power, not about God and What He can do...
the believe they were Created and Saved, because God NEEDS THEM.. He cant get it done without their carnal help........ I see alot of that on this Board... 'we're here because God needed us '... No He didnt... and He doesnt You were Created because He is GOOD, not because 'God' needed man to help Him and Hold Him up'... <------ this is spiritual pride.. to highest!