Need some advice...

[HNA444]

There is this man that I know of who I’ve talked to couple times, and he is a Catholic but has told me he is drifting away from God and his faith, because he is so unhappy with his life : no job, no money, no love (he’s 43), etc. And, he’s just lost hope, so he feels like God is not helping him. I told him that it is not God’s fault, and that he should never give up on him. He says that people who lie, cheat, steal, …people who do bad things seem to be successful and great life , or anyone who is rich and has money. I really want some advice on ways I could help him or bring him closer to God. I asked if he will just let me help and give him faith in God, and he seems like he is willing. I just need some advice on ways I could influence his decision to start praying, becoming closer to God. And, do you think this is OK for me to do? Thanks!

 

[Michael2799]

There is this man that I know of who I’ve talked to couple times, and he is a Catholic but has told me he is drifting away from God and his faith, because he is so unhappy with his life : no job, no money, no love (he’s 43), etc. And, he’s just lost hope, so he feels like God is not helping him. I told him that it is not God’s fault, and that he should never give up on him. He says that people who lie, cheat, steal, …people who do bad things seem to be successful and great life , or anyone who is rich and has money. I really want some advice on ways I could help him or bring him closer to God. I asked if he will just let me help and give him faith in God, and he seems like he is willing. I just need some advice on ways I could influence his decision to start praying, becoming closer to God. And, do you think this is OK for me to do? Thanks!

I am no expert by any means but maybe you should confront him about any feelings he may be having about hurting himself. If there are any experts reading this post, maybe you can add something beneficial. Your friend is a prime candidate for depression if he doesn’t already have it. You really should be monitoring his attitudes toward living.

Bad things exist in this world because of sin.The Bible does speak about evil people prospering in this life. The world is under God’s curse and will remain so until the end of the earth’s existence. Some people seem to revel in a sort of “learned helplessness”. Be on the lookout for that too. People can get soft and lazy in this tech age. Sometimes a little pep-talk about bootstraps is all that’s called for. He really should consider talking to a councelor. I’ve never been a big fan of psyco-drugs… Big pharm tends to encourage doctors push them at everyone who walks in the door.

The single best thing you can do for your friend is to show him the saving love the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated for us on the cross and that was to take our death sentence so we could be with him forever in eternity. All he asks in return is for us to have faith in Him. If your faith is genuine you will allow God’s love to conform your life to be more Christ-like with each and every passing day.

Most importantly is keep regular contact with him. Do whatever you can to keep him from isolating. At 43, he’s got a lot of life ahead of him and a LOT to live for and a lot of love to give. Since he is not working at the present, encourage him to volunteer at least one day per week at the local hospital until he can find meaningful work. Helping others is a great way to feel better about oneself and serve God at the same time!