Growthtrac Community

[believer]

My prayer today over this issue was for God to quiet my heart and mind so that I could hear Him. I know that I need to be still about it and to stop going over things in my mind so that I can truly hear God speak to me.

Have you ever been in a place in your life when you needed ministering to and had little to give in the way of ministering to others? Have you ever felt depleted in that way? I think that is were I am at. I wanted to feel welcome in a new church and I didn't. I am disappointed.

I do forgive my husband. I don't want to continue to cause strife between us. He knows he made a mistake and I know I should stop rubbing his nose in it. He is under a lot of stress with taking a class at our community college and work. I don't want to continue to make it harder on him.

I am still healing from the damage done at our previous church. There was deception at the highest level and some very dear friends of ours were hurt. We quit going there because of that. We decided, as a couple, that we just couldn't continue there. It was harder on me since we have left people that I have been going to church with for 10 years or more. I have no family and these people were like family to me. To lose that connection with them is a measurable loss in my life.
I'm gun shy I guess. Not anxious to get involved again but at the same time wanted someone to ask me to.

I'm sorry for my hostility to you all. I do believe that you are doing your best to offer helpful and Godly advice. I am strong willed and not very good at calming down once I get upset. I have been upset about this for months. You gave a venue to express it. Thank you for being my whipping post. Again, I apologize for my harshness.

[SAM]

Thank you - I know we all have hard times to get through. I pray that those here on the boards can continue to lend support and we can become your interim family.

The situation with your past church must have been devastating to you. I am so sorry that this happened to you and your friends. Unfortunately, we are all fallen creatures and our churches can sometimes do tremendous damage. It is so very sad when this happens.

My husband and I are part of a group planting a new church launch on October 19th. It's pretty exciting and scary all at the same time. We are somewhat outsiders, in that many of the people came together from another church. I am growing outside of my box - when I am not greeted by someone, I make a point of going up and introducing myself to someone I do not know. Not easy, but I have found that the following week, they come back to me to say hello. God is stretching me.

[km]

"Have you ever been in a place in your life when you needed ministering to and had little to give in the way of ministering to others? "

My practice failed, my partners of many years went behind my back and pushed me out of business (managing to keep afloat without me in downsized form). I was unemployed for a few years and ended up working for near minimum wage (with a large mortage and the first kid entering college). I lost my retirement money in the downturn at that time, and drained the life's savings surviving the long, bad stretch. I was inches from bankruptcy, my marriage was floundering and the kids were in trouble. I was depressed and suicidal. I started volunteering a couple of places. It was a big help - I got as much boost out of it as anyone I was helping.

[FaithHopeJoy]

believer

I read through all your posts today. What struck me is that only two weeks ago you were writing:

Our marriage is working well. Praise God. It has taken some time to adjust for all of us but we are doing well. Feel free to ask me any questions about the divorce, single parenting and remarriage. If I can answer them I will.

I also read the generous and sympathetic advice you have offered other Forum members going through difficult phases. We don't know the detail of your circumstances but it seems as though the current situation is a blip in a richly blessed relationship, where both you and your husband have each other's interests at heart - most of the time!

For the moment, may it be enough for you to know that fellow Growthtrac members are upholding you in prayer.

[believer]

FaithHopeJoy

Yes I guess you could call it a blip. I was definitely more emotionally invested in the former church situation than my husband. This really is the only issue that we have at this point in our relationship. I can see that my anger is a cover up for how terribly hurt and disappointing this has all been for me. I have to let God use for good what Satan has meant for evil. I have certainly given Satan enough. I have to separate the new church situation from the old one, look for what ever opportunity God places before me and move forward.

I can be rather nice at times though.

charity1,

I'm sorry for what you have had to endure.....Of all the places you expect to be hurt at, church should not be one of them. Thank you for sharing you story with me.

[charity1]

believer,
Thanks. You are right, that was the last place I expected to get hurt, but I guess we should expect Satan to work his hardest in the Church because that's where his biggest enemies are!