Posted by Leitmotiv on June 07, 1999 at 01:49:15:
In Reply to: Please pray with me... posted by Discontented on June 01, 1999 at 13:06:33:
: I would like to ask for prayers and/or comments and insight to the following:
: I made a commitment towards the end of last year to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I have since felt the miracle of His grace, as I have witnessed the desires of my heart changing to be more in line with His will. Those who have known me a long time have been impressed at the strength I have possessed to enable me to walk a different path. Obviously, I am human and have stumbled, and continue to struggle with sin. But I feel confident with God at my side, which allows me to continue to be guided by the Spirit.
: I have, however, encountered those that I consider close to me, who doubt the strength of my commitment. They know of the way I lived my life in the past, and feel that my trust in God is not enough to keep me from slipping back. It is as though they are already convinced that I will fail, and are just waiting...
: I would like to pray for those who feel as though they must begrudge us our previous sins, instead of admiring our faith in the Lord to guide our hearts. I would like to pray for those who do not act as though the blood of Jesus Christ is a good enough reason for forgiveness. And I would like to pray for those who feel as though they have the right to judge others based on their perception of where our hearts should be. I pray for these people so that God will work in their hearts and relieve them of these worries, and may they be filled with love and compassion towards their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Dear Discontented,
I was moved by your confidence. You write as one experienced and knowledgeable. By your post it seems you are frustrated yet you already have the answers. If someday could have your conviction and eloquence. Your friends who don't believe in you: have they heard you speak this way?
My situation has been so very similar. It has been difficult to know where i stand (or where i should stand) with my friends. Some try their best to be supportive, others seem to not know what this all means. More than anything, most of my friends behave as if they don't know what to do with me. Will my friends be divided over my choice?
But this is all too common for me now. I do not know about you, but i have had the worst time with what i should still have in common with my past life and self. For the most part i was extremely comfortable with most aspects of my past. I was quite secure with who i was, what i was, what i had, what i knew. I constantly wonder now what i can keep and what i should release. Must i eventually reinvent myself? Will it happen anyway?
You asked for prayers, comments and insight but your message has been an inspiration to me.
Thank you