A life God rewards? (Possible debate...please be nice)

[Stepharoonie!]

I'm wondering what other people may think about this, but I really hope this doesn't get out of hand because I know religion can be a very "taboo" subject.

Lately, I've been really down because of the way my life is going. It got me wondering if in *my* life, God will help me along the way. I just feel so trapped with hardly any money, a horrible divorce, my appearance, etc. etc. etc. I know it sounds stupid, but I'm so angry that God seems to let others have it "easy".

I'm pretty down because some friends of mine have really good paying jobs, brand new top of the line cars, own a gorgeous home with brand new appliances, take fairly expensive vacations every other month (just got back from Vegas 2 weeks ago and are going on an Alaskian cruise next month) and just announced that they're having a baby. They are not married, however...they do not believe in marriage. I just don't understand why God would allow the to have so much when they're really doing Him wrong.

I'm not perfect, but I work damn hard to pay my bills, keep food on the table, and have things for my daughter. It just seems like whenever I'm starting to get comfortable again, another bill or something stupid that my ex does just slaps me in my face, and then I wonder what in the world I did to deserve it.

Does God want some of us to be "held back" just to make us work harder? Is He just waiting for the "better stuff" to reach us later down the road? I just feel that I'm pretty deserving of a better life, and I just haven't reached it yet.

I welcome all thoughts, but let's keep it nice, please...

 

[Pop Daddy]

I dont know the answers to your questions, but you hang in there, things will get better.

 

[DawnCt1]

Steph, Job asked the same questions, so yours is not unusual. I don't have an answer for you other than, please don't give up on God or yourself.

 

[Otto's Doll]

Steph, God loves you. Even when you can't feel it. Sometimes we have to go through stuff to appreciate what we do have (ie: your beautiful daughter, your job, your health). God will also use the crummy stuff to draw you closer to Him. Not everyone gets all they want, and it is so hard to see others get things, or have things that seem so great, and yet to see that they are not living in God's will for them. God promises us that if we love Him, He will take care of us.
I know this is not answering your question, and I am sorry about that. I just wanted to remind you that He does love you, and cares more about you than anyone on this earth. Oh, yeah... He made you just the way you are... created in His image, so try not to get too down on yourself.
PM me if you need to talk more, I can give you some Scripture verses to read.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Some pretty heavy thoughts there, Steph. I will try to think of some thoughts, none at the moment. But I do know you will definitely get some wonderful input here, some real good people with good insight into things like this. I have seen it often. For the moment, from me, only a and an ear to listen. I sure wish I was there to give you a real one.

Dan

PS: You have me close to tears here, Steph

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Life can definitely seem unfair. I believe the phrase that everyone has their crosses to bear. I have been where you are many times....when Garrett was born with Down Syndrome, when I found out he would need open heart surgery, most recently when I lost my daughter. (and numerous other times in between).

But, eventually from all those things, something good has come. There are reasons for all that God puts us through even if we can't see them right away.

Two of the songs that my husband and I love so much are "The Dance" and "Unanswered Prayers" by garth Brooks because they sum up a lot of what we feel about the struggles we have had in our lives.

Hang in there. You will pull through this and become a stronger person than you were before, trust me.

 

[Otto's Doll]

Hey Dan, here is a for you, and Steph, here is another one for you. It hurts to see a friend in pain.

 

[meeshi]

God loves you Stephanie, don't forget that. I don't know why it seems like some people have things easy and others struggle, but remember that God is with you even through those struggles.

Here's a good verse to hold on to, it's Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

 

[Sammie]

First of all God does not bless us with "things". Good jobs, cars, vacations, etc.

Nor does he give us the bad things either. He is there to help us deal with what "life" deals us.

Alot of what we have or do not have in life is about choices. I know, I have made some bad ones too. I also have friends that in constrast made good choices and therefore were more successful.

If you are truely serious about wanting to know how God can be a part of your life, I suggest you find a minister you are comfortable talking to.

This link might be more helpful, as I am not an expert in religion.

http://www.expository.org/ps67a.htm

Good luck.

 

[ead79]

Steph, I am so sorry you are feeling so down. I don't think there is anyone who hasn't had thoughts about the easy lives people they know seem to have. It's definitely easy to compare ourselves to others and come up on the short end. For example, we are newlyweds, and two of our closest friends are as well. One of those couples owns a home, is thinking of buying an Audi, and just went to Costa Rica on vacation. It's easy to be jealous of them. But then I think about the things I have (as cheesy as that sounds). I have good health, a wonderful husband, a loving and supportive family and friend group, and a host of material blessings as well. I feel so blessed to get to go to WDW every year, and I know there are many people who would give anything just to go once. I also know where you're coming from with being down on your physical appearance, because I need to lose about 50 pounds myself. The only thing I know for sure is that we may not see some of the rewards for our choices on this side of heaven. We don't necessarily get the material things we want, but we are building up treasures in heaven (and not of the material kind that fades away). God truly loves you and has your best interest in mind. Sometimes it's so hard to understand His will, but that's where I just try to rely on my own fallible faith. Hang in there and PM me if you need a friend to talk to. This song that I heard once has really helped me through some tough times. Here are the lyrics:

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you can't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart

 

[Breezy_Carol]

There is a book by a Rabbi, whose name I can't remember. I think it is Kushner. Why Bad Things Happen to Good People. It was a good book and spoke to Christians as well as those of the Jewish faith. Maybe that would be of some comfort to you.

Steph. Just take one day at a time. Sometimes the people with all the "things" are not necessarily happy.

 

[Pongo69]

Steph it's not unusual to feel like this Just remember God will take us thru something in order to get us ready for the blessings he has instore for us.
It might not make sense now, but one day you'll look back and understand why certain things happend in your life.

Also, remember God loves you very much. He knows how you feel and what your going thru. He might not come when you want him to, but he is always on time.

God Bless and Keep The Faith

edited: to add everything that looks good ain't good if you know what I mean.

 

[Lisa F]

I'm a reform jew so maybe what I have to say will help, maybe it won't. Personally, I don't believe that G-d gives you "things." By that I mean, G-d doesn't give you new appliances. G-d doesn't give you a high paying job. G-d doesn't give you a happy marriage.

What G-d gives you is a good heart. He gives you the mind that you have. He gives you free will to go out and make a worthwhile life for yourself in this beautiful world that He has given to us. G-d is like a good parent... not the kind of parent who gives everyone everything that they want, but the kind of parent who gives you the tools to be the best person you can be and then leaves you free to live your own life (for better or worse). He's there for you when you absolutely NEED it but he realizes the best way for you to reach your full potential is to let you live your life. I don't believe that G-d role is to "reward" you (just as the parent of an adult child would not interact with them in this way) but to give you the tools to create your own rewards.

Life is about contrast and without any bad, there would be no good. Without any challenge there would be no reward. I also believe that there is balance and that how much you have is often a matter of perspective. One can choose to focus on the bad, or they can choose to focus on the good, but at the end of your life you will look back and realize there was more good than bad.

You're a beautiful person both inside and out and you have a beautiful daughter. You're going through a rough time right now but chances are you will never take that little girl for granted because of it. You have been given the opportunity to understand love in a way that only someone who comes close to losing it can understand it. Things WILL get better and when they do, you will appreciate them that much more. Maybe you won't end up rich but with the right attitude you CAN end up happy and be responsible for that happiness.

 

[Lanshark]

This is one of the most sincere posts I've ever seen. These are questions we all ask ourselves in times of difficulty. Why me? I've done it many times.

After much prayer and analysis I've come to the following conclusion. Every hardship and difficulty is not a curse but a gift from God. It is in these tough times that we learn the most about ourselves and others. We develop faith strength, knowledge and ultimately compassion for others that are in our shoes. I've been through many things and I've taken something good away from each and every situation. At the time I may not have realized it but later when I've seen others in a similar situation I knew I was given the insight I had for a reason.

I don't believe God faults us for asking questions. He knows there will be times our faith will be weak.

I pray you find God's Peace.

2 Corinthians 12

9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


Romans 5

Peace and Joy

we[2] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[3] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 

[FroggyinArk]

Stephie, Remember, God loves us all, He Works on his time table, and we just have to ride along. Look at what dw and I are facing still, yet He provided a way for us to have what we need while i Recoop. I am haveing to change Drs now, and still arent sure we will ever get a working set of lids, but i am following his lead in all the stuff we do, am taking faith that he will bring us through what he brings us to, As for why others seem to have it made , with out his in put, Keep in mind that while they might appear to be on top, this might be the build up before thier fall , to make them that much more aaware when He thinks thier time has com. I still pray daily that Things come through for you and ms maddie To show ya a lil bit of higher touch that we have seen in ytour life lately... You work at the best place in the world,, you work for mickey mouse,, you get to live the disney experience daily.. The car had to have been a lil higher influence to put pop and that car together for u at that time when you really needed one..( maybe a reward for holding out so long in the last one?) And When you get to feeling down,, you lways have us around here on the dis too provide support and a shoulder,, maybe even a hug or three.. so you hang in there. Gods going to reward you even more for keeping the faith, and mark my words, the ones that seem to get it with ouit him,, never really Get IT. I would much rather drive a second hand car, live in a smaller place with ppl i loved and that loved me than to have a lot of extra spasce to echo in when i was down God bless ya,

 

[TammiMcMan]

I personally like the phrase, "that which doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger". We don't usually know what His plans are, but I really have no doubt that your daughter is going to become one incredible young woman just because of who her mom is. I don't really know you, but I've followed some of your posts and you are amazing to keep everything together. No one's life is perfect and you'll drive yourself crazy comparing what others have to what you have. What you may lack in possessions, you make up for in friends and love.

And 6_Time_Momma, you have great taste in music. Those are two of my favorites also.

 

[Pin Wizard]

For me personally, this is where the "faith" jumps in. I have those thoughts on and off myself. I try not to think about it at this point. I wonder why He would leave me alone with a son to raise by myself...11 years now! I have to say that I've been angry with Him about it for a while now. I can't even go to church without tears...again. So for now, I can't set foot there and I just trust that He knows what he's doing. And I'm not happy at all about it!! I'm not happy with where my life is, and I'm not happy being angry with Him about it either.

HANG IN THERE!!!

 

[FroggyinArk]

PS....


We ain't going to go to the physical appearances,, ya want i should actually post ya a real life taken today pic,, huh .. huh.. I'll show ya,, you are a beautiful lady, And have a wonderful younger version,, a few extra pounds are not abad thing,, i think of it as a extra hug padding( has gained 56 lbs since my accident that i need to get r ealeased so i can lose it )

 

[OceanAnnie]

A lot of times other people's lives can look pretty good. Especially from the outside. But you never really know if it is as good as it appears. That saying about the grass is always greener really holds true.

I know a lot of times people that "have it all" are in debt up to their eyeballs (even when they are making big money) and just smile through it. And they keep piling on the debt.

Just keep doing the best that you can do. Things have a way of working out.

 

[KristaTX]

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time right now, Stepharoonie. Sometimes life just stinks even when we are doing our best to do what we know is right. In many cases it has to do with the freedom God has given to all humans (including the other people in our lives). Other people's choices and mistakes can lead to lots of pain for us, and past choices we have made can have continuing consequences.

I saw your picture back when it was in your signature, and you are a beautiful young woman .

I think of you often, and I will be praying for you. Hang in there - I'm certain that things will get better. It may take time, though. Just continue to pray to and trust in God.

Krista