Is this offer to God valid?

[ThornGenX]

I unwisely bought a Gameboy a couple weeks ago that I have been playing WAY too much (I mean literally for hours on end). Most people I tell this to do not take this seriously, but I am addicted to video games. I ignore many important things and barely drag myself to work due to playing video games so much. I made a lot of spiritual and other kinds of progress when my household was video and computer game free, but now a game is back and I am starting to backslide in many areas including spiritual.

Yesterday, after another session of playing games for over 4 hours, I thought to myself “Lord, I will give up these games (the Game Boy and all the games I have for it and not get another video game system) when my first issue of “Magnificat” arrives”. (I may have even mumbled it too the thought was that strong). I then went out to get my mail and the issue of the Magnificat waited for me.

I know trying to bargain with God is not a good idea, but the “coincidence” just seems too strong and I have a feeling the Lord is trying to confirm the message that I need to ditch the games. What do you think?

 

[MaryB23]

ThornGenX:

I know trying to bargain with God is not a good idea, but the “coincidence” just seems too strong and I have a feeling the Lord is trying to confirm the message that I need to ditch the games. What do you think?

Personally, I think you’re right. It seems to me that God is trying to give you that little push to give up your game system - but I don’t know for sure. I haven’t actually confirmed that with Him.

I think I remember reading on another thread somewhere about someone thinking about smashing their game boy to get rid of it. Was that you? If so, maybe you could donate it and the games to a children’s hospital or similar place. That way you’d be doing good for more than just you! It might make it a little easier, anyway.

 

[coralewisjr]

ThornGenX, I’m praying for you! I hope that you are successful in giving up the Gameboy and video games, and I hope that God uses this time to strengthen you and lead you closer to Him.

my Mother my Confidence,
Corinne

 

[jrabs]

Rosadel,

You may be on to something in the gentle nudgings of the Holy Spirit. He may very well be trying to address the issue with you in His loving way. Before He’s gotta take a stronger stand with you.

Like Fr Corapi quotes his old Uncle Tony when addressing the topic of how God gets his messages across, “sometimes He’s gotta hit you between the eyes with a 2x4”."
As you mentioned in a different thread, addictions do come in many forms - and each has it’s way of detracting us from a balanced prayerful life. No, you’re not gonna get pulled over by the police for excessive gameboy use - however looks as if maybe God pulled you over…

Go with your gut - because your gut is often really your Sweet Angel and the Holy Spirit working within.

You are a blessing to us here on the forum, Rosa! I will offer you up in prayer as I so often do - but with this particular intention in mind Many hugs today, sister.
Jen

 

[Lance]

If you feel that you are spending too much time with video games then you are spending too much time with video games. Donate them to a resale shop or give them to some needy kid. If anything is interfering with your life get rid of it. Do not allow anything to come between you and God. Eternity is a long time.

 

[ThornGenX]

MaryB23:

Personally, I think you’re right. It seems to me that God is trying to give you that little push to give up your game system - but I don’t know for sure. I haven’t actually confirmed that with Him.

I think I remember reading on another thread somewhere about someone thinking about smashing their game boy to get rid of it. Was that you? If so, maybe you could donate it and the games to a children’s hospital or similar place. That way you’d be doing good for more than just you! It might make it a little easier, anyway.

That was me and I did smash my other Gameboy. This time I will donate it AND all my games. Last time, I kept the games I had for the Gameboy which gave me part of the excuse to buy the game system again…“oh, but I still have all these games for it and this time will be different and I will control the amount of time I spend on it.”

I am not controlling the amount of time I spend on games at all, so this time I am getting rid of the game and all the games I have for it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[ThornGenX]

jrabs:

Rosadel,

You may be on to something in the gentle nudgings of the Holy Spirit. He may very well be trying to address the issue with you in His loving way. Before He’s gotta take a stronger stand with you.

Like Fr Corapi quotes his old Uncle Tony when addressing the topic of how God gets his messages across, “sometimes He’s gotta hit you between the eyes with a 2x4”."
As you mentioned in a different thread, addictions do come in many forms - and each has it’s way of detracting us from a balanced prayerful life. No, you’re not gonna get pulled over by the police for excessive gameboy use - however looks as if maybe God pulled you over…

Go with your gut - because your gut is often really your Sweet Angel and the Holy Spirit working within.

You are a blessing to us here on the forum, Rosa! I will offer you up in prayer as I so often do - but with this particular intention in mind Many hugs today, sister.
Jen

Thanks for the prayers and response. The Gameboy gotta go. My parish is having a rummage sale soon. I know this since I am also going to give away some other things I do not need so I can clear out a storage space that wastes money.

 

[Sgt_Sweaters]

ThornGenX:

I am not controlling the amount of time I spend on games at all, so this time I am getting rid of the game and all the games I have for it. Thanks for the reply.

Congratulations!

 

[Almeria]

I admire you–you’re a lot stronger than I am. I get fixated on things, and will be totally engrossed in something for hours on end. That’ll continue for a month or so, and then I’ll move onto something else. It’s not as bad when it’s just getting hooked on reading books (I can seriously read an entire Tom Clancy novel in one day), or spending time on these forums, but I always feel guilty when my fixation is on reading internet fan fiction or playing games. If I don’t have a fixation, I go stir crazy–I’ve tried giving things up, and my brain just goes nuts. So I greatly respect you for being able to give up your games!