Christians dealing with SA(Christians only)

[illlaymedown]

How does your SA affect your relationship with God? I believe a lot of the thought life and fears are demonic forces AKA Satan fighting to keep us from our full potential cus he can't risk us being powerful for Christ's cause. What do you guys think? Also, I created a group called Christians against SA so please join if you'd like

[blc1]

Good question. The Bible makes it clear in Timothy:"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind". Sometimes we assume evil is expressed solely in cruelty and violence, but the spirit of fear and the power of fear over our lives has the same origin. The crippling effects of SA is definitely not of God.

[epril]

Originally Posted by illlaymedown

How does your SA affect your relationship with God? I believe a lot of the thought life and fears are demonic forces AKA Satan fighting to keep us from our full potential cus he can't risk us being powerful for Christ's cause. What do you guys think? Also, I created a group called Christians against SA so please join if you'd like

I don't like to think of my SA as demonic, because I just don't like to think of that evil stuff, but I do believe it. When I was very depressed I remember praying a lot for God to help me. I think the devil can get to you, or try to, but as we know God is always stronger! I love having God in my life. I pray before any social situation I think I'll be anxious in, and honestly it works in some way every time. Again, I don't want to debate or post a lot about the devil at this point in my life, I don't want to give him any attention, I guess. God is almighty and good!

[hmf22]

I believe God gave many of us SA because he knew we could handle it, and because we'll eventually be stronger people because we had it. I know its easier for Satan to tempt us when we're at our low points, but as long as we turn to Christ when times get tough, we'll make it through and be greatly blessed because of it. I know He's always there for me, and I'm very greatful!

[illlaymedown]

I agree...but we can't just pretend like Satan doesn't exist. We have to stand strong and face him, but that doesn't mean we should give him a standing point over us. I don't believe God gives us diseases or anything bad, I do, however, believe He lets things that are bad come into our lives to "work all things to the good of those who love him". I'm just saying, Satan attacks us in many ways including thought and the bible does talk about fear and how we shouldn't fear yet SA causes us to fear. It's just a thought but I'm pretty sure we need to face it even if it's little by little. One of my friends who knew how hard of a life I'd had once said, "You suffer more cus Satan can sense greatness in a person and he can't have that so he'll do whatever he can to tear you down", that was comforting to me. If you read the book of Job you'll see that Satan had to ask God for permission for what he did to Job meaning ultimaty God is in control. But are we failing the test and letting our fear do what it wants with us or are we facing it and making the best. Although God works it out, He doesn't affect our choices to do so.

[epril]

Originally Posted by hmf22

I believe God gave many of us SA because he knew we could handle it, and because we'll eventually be stronger people because we had it. I know its easier for Satan to tempt us when we're at our low points, but as long as we turn to Christ when times get tough, we'll make it through and be greatly blessed because of it. I know He's always there for me, and I'm very greatful!

I dont' think God gives us anxiety. I think living in this messed up scary disconnected world does, and it's genetic, imo.

[LostInReverie]

I also do not believe that God hands out diseases and disorders where he sees fit. They are the consequences of a world gone evil that believers and nonbelievers alike need to deal with. In my opinion, there is no heavenly reason behind who suffers what.

[Darren07]

Originally Posted by illlaymedown

I agree...but we can't just pretend like Satan doesn't exist. We have to stand strong and face him, but that doesn't mean we should give him a standing point over us. I don't believe God gives us diseases or anything bad, I do, however, believe He lets things that are bad come into our lives to "work all things to the good of those who love him". I'm just saying, Satan attacks us in many ways including thought and the bible does talk about fear and how we shouldn't fear yet SA causes us to fear. It's just a thought but I'm pretty sure we need to face it even if it's little by little. One of my friends who knew how hard of a life I'd had once said, "You suffer more cus Satan can sense greatness in a person and he can't have that so he'll do whatever he can to tear you down", that was comforting to me. If you read the book of Job you'll see that Satan had to ask God for permission for what he did to Job meaning ultimaty God is in control. But are we failing the test and letting our fear do what it wants with us or are we facing it and making the best. Although God works it out, He doesn't affect our choices to do so.

I dont know how to quote one part of your response so I had to quote the whole thing.

But Amen! I love the quote your friend told you, "You suffer more cus Satan can sense greatness in a person and he can't have that so he'll do whatever he can to tear you down" Real powerful. I'm never gonna forget that!

[rachelynn]

Depression has made me feel lost, confused, disconnnected from God, among other things.
Anxiety has stopped me from being able to pray much, again among other things.

Suffering is a part of life though. Like someone said, God may not actually give us a certain thing to deal with, but he allows it. It can bring us closer to him or further away. Ultimately, God can use all things for the good.

Also, I think that suffering can bring a person closer to God, because eventually you realize life is short and there's got to be much more to life. (Atleast that is what I think) And if you were completely pain and anxiety free, perhaps you would not seek in some way to be nearer to God...such as crying out for help at times. If everything were great, you probably wouldn't think much of asking God for help or guidance, because you would be wrapped up in your own good life. Isn't it true? Most people seem to turn to God in times of suffering, compared to if it were good all the time. Remember though, it can be overcome, and the things you have learned from when you went through it all, not everyone will know.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

[justpassinby]

It did at first because when I was getting to know God, I projected what I had already learned by being around other people...that I wasn't accepted for being myself (introverted, quiet, withdrawn). Reading the bible, praying has gotten me closer to God and I realize he is accepting of all my limitations and doesn't expect more of me than I can give moment to moment. The more I read the Word, and am around other Christians, the more comfortable I am. I still get the symptoms of anxiety but they are diminished instead of exacerbated as I get more reassurance from God and Godly people. I'm hoping that will reach other areas of my life, i.e. friends and family where I have more anxiety. I have to constantly read the Word, pray, listen, and get guidance from other Christians, that is the key.

[illlaymedown]

Yeah, my friend is a pretty good guy
Anywho, sometimes you can say tons of things just by being silent...I believe it works in prayer too. Just sit there and relax in Him. I do that a lot when preparing to sleep cus I honestly don't always have the words to say and since I know He knows my pain, I let my heart speak...remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us as well and the Bible says in groans, which is not words...just make sure you spend some time with Him each day cus you're developing a relationship, not a religion

[Sarah106]

I am a Christian. There are many things I've wanted to do at church or Christian related things I've wanted to do that I didn't because of SA. But, I don't personally look at that as allowing satan to have hold of me like a lot of other Christians do. I mean, don't get me wrong, I fully believe in satan and demons and evil spirits, the Bible clearly speaks of them. But, I believe SA is like a handicap. Remember the story in the Bible where the man I believe was blind or something like that and they asked Jesus which of his parents had sinned or what the man had done that caused it? He anwered basically that none had caused it. That things happened to people and it's simply part of a fallen world. Ok, I know I botched that up quite a bit, lol, and I'm sorry about that, but that is the jist of it. So, my point is I believe SA is a brain handicap and that it's not my fault I am that way or satan causing it. It just is. With God I can learn to deal with it and do the best I can, but it will be a struggle.

That said, the Bible also says the devil walks about as a lion waiting to devour. So, we need to have our armour on and always looking to God. But, that doesn't mean we won't have SA if we were born with it.

[illlaymedown]

Originally Posted by Sarah106

I don't personally look at that as allowing satan to have hold of me like a lot of other Christians do. I mean, don't get me wrong, I fully believe in satan and demons and evil spirits, the Bible clearly speaks of them. But, I believe SA is like a handicap. Remember the story in the Bible where the man I believe was blind or something like that and they asked Jesus which of his parents had sinned or what the man had done that caused it? He anwered basically that none had caused it. That things happened to people and it's simply part of a fallen world. Ok, I know I botched that up quite a bit, lol, and I'm sorry about that, but that is the jist of it. So, my point is I believe SA is a brain handicap and that it's not my fault I am that way or satan causing it. It just is. With God I can learn to deal with it and do the best I can, but it will be a struggle.

That said, the Bible also says the devil walks about as a lion waiting to devour. So, we need to have our armour on and always looking to God. But, that doesn't mean we won't have SA if we were born with it.

I'm on here thru mobile so I'm gonna respond the best I can&fit n everything I have 2 say so bear with me I agree that a lot of problems are the cause of a "fallen world", but I disagree with SA being something we have no control over.I mean, there are many biblical references where it says God doesn't give us a spirit of timidity&that we are overcomers.I know that it's possible 2 face my SA cus I have before, it's just very uncomfortable.I believe that shyness is a personality, but SA is extreme shyness.My parents were terrible 2 me as a kid.My mom cheated on my dad with a drunk who was verbally, physically,& sexually abusive to us all(mom, sister&brother).Even when she knew she stayed with him for 13yrs.My dad's an alcoholic.I was moved from school to school&picked on badly.That's what I think SA came from.God wants us 2 help others&how can we of SA is stopping us.I don't believe it's innate and unovercomable tho.

[Sarah106]

Some people were born that way, it was passed down to them from other family members. Then some have it because of something specific that happened to them. I think it's easier to overcome the second (not that it's EASY, but hope you kwim) than it is the first. With the first it's just who you are. Not that you should hide behind it and not try to overcome it, but I think it will always be with you. If you are genetically created that way then I don't think you will ever overcome it. Sure, it may get better over time, but it will always be with you. It's our job as Christians to keep running the race no matter what.

[GnR]

For myself, I'm fairly certain that my christian up bringing, and my avoidance of adhering to its teachings, is one of the core roots of my SA. I became a christian at a very early age, but I believe that once I was old enough to understand all the shame that people carry around with them, and the sin that essentially blankets the world I was born into, I lost hope. I have always been hyper sensitive, and the fact of the matter is that the idea that I am flawed and broken at the core of my being was too powerfull for even the idea of Gods unconditional forgiveness to equalize.

[illlaymedown]

Originally Posted by GnR

For myself, I'm fairly certain that my christian up bringing, and my avoidance of adhering to its teachings, is one of the core roots of my SA. I became a christian at a very early age, but I believe that once I was old enough to understand all the shame that people carry around with them, and the sin that essentially blankets the world I was born into, I lost hope. I have always been hyper sensitive, and the fact of the matter is that the idea that I am flawed and broken at the core of my being was too powerfull for even the idea of Gods unconditional forgiveness to equalize.

I can somewhat understand, but in my view as the world is clearly wasting away in its own vanity/sin & tho I struggle daily with doing what's right, I try not to give way to shame or guilt. It's hard to do sometimes cus like I said I get those negative voices trying to tell me my guilt remains even though I have forgiveness. Like with SA, the fear controls us a lot of the time. In the same way, guilt can keep us from being who we should. Again, this is the very joy of Satan imo & it's clearly what the Bible states. He does whatever he can to keep us from our full potential & uses whatever he can. Even if you are just born with SA(which could be the case), you still just have a disposition towards it& need to face it & Satan will use even "birth defects" to keep you down/from trying or going on. I'm not saying you should blame yourself, I'm just saying we should be careful cus we know what the devil is up to & how cunning he is. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible"..if we truly have faith, we have to know that God can surely help us overcome anything. I'm glad you're still running the race Sarah, & initially that's what I wrote this for was to encourage others to face it even if it's one little step at a time.

[Mello]

I read trough the whole post and it really inspired me to pray more i cant even remember the last time a prayed. Sometimes i forget god, and it feels like god has forgotten me. But the way all of you have faith in god and keep staying strong inspires me to do the same. I've been brought up a christian my whole life but it feels like if going to church is a burden, its not that i want it to be that way but i just cant help but feel out of place and bored when im there, so i dont go that often any more unless my parents beg me to. I just want to get to know who god really is first, I want to know about what this relationship with god is like, what everyone seems be to talking about, but it never seems as if i have the will power to begin to seek this relationship. But im going to keep trying and not give up hope.

[illlaymedown]

Originally Posted by Mello

Sometimes i forget god, and it feels like god has forgotten me. But the way all of you have faith in god and keep staying strong inspires me to do the same. I've been brought up a christian my whole life but it feels like if going to church is a burden, its not that i want it to be that way but i just cant help but feel out of place and bored when im there, so i dont go that often any more unless my parents beg me to. I just want to get to know who god really is first, I want to know about what this relationship with god is like, what everyone seems be to talking about, but it never seems as if i have the will power to begin to seek this relationship. But im going to keep trying and not give up hope.

Even I feel like I am unwanted by God sometimes& it happens 2 even the best of us..but with me, I have a hard time looking at God as who He truly is..ur parents r usually who u use 2 get some sort of view of God since He's so big& as humans we just want so hard 2 put everything n categories/labels& my parents made me feel unwanted& unloved so a lot of the time I have a hard time thinking God could want me or love me, but reading the Bible has taught me a lot about who He really is& cleared up some of my clouded misjudgements. I 2 have trouble praying...sometimes, I just don't want 2. Sometimes I hurt 2 bad 2 get words 2 come out, but I believe that even ur pain can be prayer, it doesn't always have 2 b words& there's no special prayer that u have 2 say a specific way each time. U just speak from ur heart. Depression can play a big role in taking away ur will 2 do pretty much anything. With me, I'm just so much n awe of how every little creation n this world works just right(as much as it can with sin n the world)& is put together so well.I love 2 study things about how the human body works& how many things have to b exact 2 make it work.The amount of detail&work is astounding. I love apologetic&theology. If u wanna talk more, I don't mind