That’s the problem. I’ve believed in Him my whole life, but it just seems like as catholics, we’re told that God is always with us and that he cares for us, yet most of the time, when we pray, it feels like God does not answer yes to anything. It’s just us working our tails off to get something we “prayed for” and then giving God credit when we didn’t feel him helping us.Why would you think God does not exist?
I want to think like this and I have for a long time. But going back to what you’re saying, about God making it possible for you to be strong. How do you know God is making it possible for you? How do you know that he’s the source of your strength, and not your perseverance?This is precisely what puzzles me. People usually give credit to God for making one strong and able to cope with difficulties. I thank God for making it possible for me to stand my course. It is a collaboration and not an either/ or kind of thing: it is not like either I am the champion or God is the champion! Because it is God who gives me faculties to become a champion at the first place and make fame to do His will even more.
You show God the gold medal you earned with laborious hard work telling Him, you see it is beyond my own effort. I would not have been able to do this without you. I would have failed if you are not there. You gave me the victory. I am champion because you are. You are the champion of the whole universe! Glory be to God forever!
I’ve also considered this, but even this point of view does not give me faith that God is really there rooting for me. It’s goes back to almost supporting him not being there at all. He was silent rooting for me or he’s silent as in not answering prayers. One is a more positive way to look at it, I guess, but it still doesn’t make me feel like God is really there, or he cares for me.Perhaps the reason you are feeling like YOU are responsible for the progress you made is God wants you to see YOU are capable of good? Maybe it is God’s way of saying ‘I knew you could do it because you are strong’
One would not know but one would believe. Have faith. Why don’t you ask further: who is the source of my perseverance? You could play a game, now play there is no God, now play there is God… It is just a game. If all you are up to is game, then you’ll play your game, no matter what.How do you know that he’s the source of your strength, and not your perseverance?
Walter, you are questioning a person who shared with you a strong faith experience. Perhaps, you would need a faith experience yourself, rather than questioning others. You should be able to receive that experience by conditioning your mind to Jesus Christ. He is the light to elevate your countenance from the mud onto the high and to raise up your being from misery. Why do you think any other way is possible?I’d also love to read on those miracles. What was the tilma like in person? I’d love to hear back from you on your experience seeing it!
I get it. Because I really do want to believe. But it’s hard. I don’t want to blame God for problems, I just wish he was more present, without us having to keep telling ourselves at the back of our mind, “If I believe he’s here, he’s here.” It’s like an internal struggle to even keep him. You would think that if he wanted everyone to be saved, he would be more present in the lives of those who truly need him.God acts in the world through the world. If you don’t wanna see Him you’ll turn a blind eye. Okay. Then you should not blame God for anything either. How could you blame someone whom you don’t believe exists?
I’ve considered this. Yet I did lose something by living according to God. It’s not the most crazy story but I was a freshman in college and met this girl I really liked that checked all the boxes. Catholic, pretty, caring, and similar careers/interests. We started going on dates. I thought she was the one. Well turns out, she got with another guy, because things didn’t “escalate” between us. Me, a devout catholic, never intended to have sex with her until marriage, and only kiss after we’d be going steady. This was the girl of my dreams, that did like me but I lost her because we weren’t intimate enough. So you do have to sacrifice sexual experiences, which don’t seem bad, but I was pretty devastated when this happened. I thought I was doing the right thing, and got really hurt.You should still believe in God, because there is nothing to loose in believing in God.
Please, do not blame God. If you want to feel good only, then choose an idol and be happy. It won’t make you struggle. If you think God is unworthy of struggle then, perhaps, God is not for you. Look for something else that you value and makes you happy.It’s like an internal struggle to even keep him.
I want God in my life but it’s almost like he doesn’t want me. I would think he would reach out more? I also feel like idols won’t, and they don’t, bring any purpose of life. I’m just frustrated that God is so powerful, yet so silent, yet wants a relationship with us? So many contradictions it’s confusinglease, do not blame God. If you want to feel good only, then choose an idol and be happy. It won’t make you struggle. If you think God is unworthy of struggle then, perhaps, God is not for you. Look for something else that you value and makes you happy.
In your mind, yes… You are riding your own contradictions. Forget Jesus. Live happily. My last word.So many contradictions
@Walterross: For decades, I was treated for intractable depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. I took many different anti-depressants, sedatives, and pain medications. None of them worked. I’m not weak. I’m not indifferent. I’m not a coward. I white-knuckled my way through seemingly endless years of horrible depression.I struggle with depression/anxiety and have asked God to take away these ailments. I’ve prayed and prayed and God has not done so. I also have low self esteem, so I don’t give myself credit for any progress I make, usually saying God has helped me.