Some questions about our faith

[Julie_de_Sales]

I’m struggling to understand the fact that God is good and He wants the best for us. I’m young and I have all these dreams but I see there is no guarentee that I will get there. For example, I could pray for a husband but never get married, I could try my best to get that job but I may be rejected. I know there can be a number of reasons for this cases and I cannot blame it on God, but if my life doesn’t satisfy me even if I try my best, how can I trust that God has a plan for me?

Another question is about purgatory. From reading some private revelations, I understand that we can stay there for a long, long time. If I’m not mistaken, during one of the apparitions at Fatima, Jacinta asked Our Lady about the state of the soul of a young girl who recently died and She answered that she will be in purgatory until the end of times. Given the fact that the pains endured in this place are similar to those in hell (according to some theologians) it makes me very depressed to imagine myself at the end of my life looking forward to centuries in purgatory…

Another thing is that God seems to favour some people. For example, some get the chance to be born in the Catholic Church, while others never hear about God. Some receive a grace of conversion, while others die unrepented (or at least that’s what it looks like from the outside). Some babies are baptised, but those that were lost by miscarriage aren’t. And there was a common teaching that they cannot enter heaven like the baptised christians; and even now there is no clear teaching that they will indeed enter heaven. So, why is that God allows these things that we cannot control?

The funny thing is that God has blessed me a lot and trusting Him should be easy; but I look at some things that other people go through and it seems like all my trust is vanished. How can I trust more?

 

[Karen107]

Do not fear said the Lord Our God…

I would say keep learning about your faith, not everything you hear is spot on but keep going towards the prize and more and more of the truth shall reveal itself to you…Read the Catechism or join in faith building or bible study classes at your Church and keep your relationship going and growing with God. If you are going towards the truth you shouldn’t worry so much about purgatory and things that concern you but you will develop hope that comes In Christ alone. Trust in Jesus! Persevere towards the prize and you will not be sorry for goodness, truth and beauty is found in God and we all could use more of that in our lives!..

 

[Della]

I’m struggling to understand the fact that God is good and He wants the best for us. I’m young and I have all these dreams but I see there is no guarentee that I will get there. For example, I could pray for a husband but never get married, I could try my best to get that job but I may be rejected. I know there can be a number of reasons for this cases and I cannot blame it on God, but if my life doesn’t satisfy me even if I try my best, how can I trust that God has a plan for me?

Do not fear, first of all. The fears we have for the future are only that–fears, not reality. There are many reasons why we may not receive all we wish. Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations or don’t put enough effort into what we want (like getting a job by getting the proper education) or we have limits that mean we will never be a ballerina or a pro football player, etc. A bit of common sense goes a long way in helping us decide what we should be doing and with whom we should be associating. God guides us and helps us, of course, but we have to do our part, as well.

Another question is about purgatory. From reading some private revelations, I understand that we can stay there for a long, long time. If I’m not mistaken, during one of the apparitions at Fatima, Jacinta asked Our Lady about the state of the soul of a young girl who recently died and She answered that she will be in purgatory until the end of times. Given the fact that the pains endured in this place are similar to those in hell (according to some theologians) it makes me very depressed to imagine myself at the end of my life looking forward to centuries in purgatory…

The things said about purgatory by saints and seers do not necessarily tell us what we need to know about it. The best source on purgatory (or any other Church teaching) is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Use the search engine to look up the topic you wish to read about.

Another thing is that God seems to favour some people. For example, some get the chance to be born in the Catholic Church, while others never hear about God. Some receive a grace of conversion, while others die unrepented (or at least that’s what it looks like from the outside). Some babies are baptised, but those that were lost by miscarriage aren’t. And there was a common teaching that they cannot enter heaven like the baptised christians; and even now there is no clear teaching that they will indeed enter heaven. So, why is that God allows these things that we cannot control?

Again, the CCC is the best source to answer your questions. Here is information about the possibility of salvation for non-Catholics: scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm#846.

The funny thing is that God has blessed me a lot and trusting Him should be easy; but I look at some things that other people go through and it seems like all my trust is vanished. How can I trust more?

Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow him–not to take up everyone else’s cross. Each of us has our own difficulties and our own blessings. God asks us to be faithful in both circumstances. If we do that we will be fine. We can reach out to others, as God directs us to do. For some of us that means full time ministry and for others it means living out our Christian faith right where we are. We are simply to leave ourselves open to whatever and wherever God wishes us to serve him and others. Don’t worry about it. Plan on the career/vocation you believe you are to have, walk in faith, and all will be well. You have my prayers. Please say one for me.

 

[MT1926]

I’m struggling to understand the fact that God is good and He wants the best for us. I’m young and I have all these dreams but I see there is no guarentee that I will get there. For example, I could pray for a husband but never get married, I could try my best to get that job but I may be rejected. I know there can be a number of reasons for this cases and I cannot blame it on God, but if my life doesn’t satisfy me even if I try my best, how can I trust that God has a plan for me?

Your quote here sums it all up. I have noticed that we often make the mistake of judging God’s goodness with our happiness. If I’m not happy and satisfied how can God be good? The explanation that makes the most sense and works best for me goes like this. The closest we can comparing God the Father to us here on earth is similar to comparing the intellect of a father to that of their 3 year old son. Now from the viewpoint of the 3 year old, when they don’t get their way it is because they must have strict mean parents or parents that just don’t understand. From the view point of the father he is doing what is best for the child to keep them safe and help them grow into a better person. My life is a living nightmare right now. About the only thing that gives me any peace is knowing that God is using my suffering to help me become better or to teach me something that I could not understand without this suffering. It might be 10 years before I realize why the past 2 years have been so hard, but I know the answer is out there for me.

Another question is about purgatory. From reading some private revelations, I understand that we can stay there for a long, long time. If I’m not mistaken, during one of the apparitions at Fatima, Jacinta asked Our Lady about the state of the soul of a young girl who recently died and She answered that she will be in purgatory until the end of times. Given the fact that the pains endured in this place are similar to those in hell (according to some theologians) it makes me very depressed to imagine myself at the end of my life looking forward to centuries in purgatory…

Some people imagine that the Catholic Church has an elaborate doctrine of purgatory worked out, but there are only three essential components of the doctrine: (1) that a purification after death exists, (2) that it involves some kind of pain, and (3) that the purification can be assisted by the prayers and offerings by the living to God. Other ideas, such that purgatory is a particular “place” in the afterlife or that it takes time to accomplish, are speculations rather than doctrines. The church actually doesn’t teach about spending any “earthly” measure of time in purgatory. The fact is all we know is there is no such thing as time in eternity. Passing through purgatory might be instantaneous or might feel like it takes for ever. Since we do know that only those destined for heaven go through purgatory I tend to think of it like Christmas day when we are kids. The closer we get to Christmas day the more painful the wait gets. I honestly believe this is the type of pain we will suffer in purgatory.

Another thing is that God seems to favour some people. For example, some get the chance to be born in the Catholic Church, while others never hear about God. Some receive a grace of conversion, while others die unrepented (or at least that’s what it looks like from the outside). Some babies are baptised, but those that were lost by miscarriage aren’t. And there was a common teaching that they cannot enter heaven like the baptised christians; and even now there is no clear teaching that they will indeed enter heaven. So, why is that God allows these things that we cannot control?

Yeah this was always a rough one for me. I have a long time joke that goes, if it wasn’t for bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck at all. About the only thing that has ever come easy for me was my ability to work nonstop and my ability to withstand some serious amounts of pain. Looking back on my life I have discovered that both of those were the gifts given to me from God. Sure I too felt it unfair that things always came easy to others ( I was never the “winner”) in high school. But now in hind sight I see how many amazing things I have accomplished, through the gifts God has given me, and best of all he gave me the highly favored gift of working for everything I have and being able to call it my own.

The funny thing is that God has blessed me a lot and trusting Him should be easy; but I look at some things that other people go through and it seems like all my trust is vanished. How can I trust more?

I’m not sure how to answer this one. I think this is where faith comes in. My dad just had his 4th intestinal surgery yesterday. Some days it gets so hard to watch him suffering. He is so light right now I could lift him up in my arms. I can understand where you are at. There are days that I have to remind myself of my faith and trust in Christ. We are put on this earth to love others not just ourselves, which is why I wonder if he is suffering for me and my brothers. His pain has definitely strengthened us and brought us closer. God knows the outcome of his plans for us, when we try to second guess him that is when things really get tough. Just keep strong and pray for strength and understanding.

 

[GratefulFred]

When I was 17 (now 72) I had no idea what I would do for a living and if I was capable of leading a family if one came my way (now married 52 years).

So, I told God that I was willing to work at whatever, but I did not want to make so much money that my work commitments would take me away from my family so much we’d end up estranged. I also told Him that if I ever get too busy, one thing is for sure - I want to do His Will, not mine. Whatever comes my way is His Will and I am willing to work it as best I can, always asking for His help.

As our love and marraige grew and our daughters became old enough, we had a family prayer - “Lord, open and close the doors to get us to where You want us, doing what you want done.”

We both knew that we are here to do God’s Will - to serve each other - and others - for the love of God, constantly asking for His Help and His forgiveness when we get off track.

We are well aware of relatives and friends who have been called to suffer yet remain faithful to God attending Mass every Sunday and raising their children as best they can. We are aware of those who seem to be their own worse enemy and suffer. And we see those who are more successful. I have no explanation for why the difference. All I know is each of us are called to focus on God’s Will and Trust Him as we make best efforts.

As for Purgatory, that is completely God’s business. While we are forgiven in a sincere Confession, we must also make restitution for our sins either here on Earth or in Purgatory because we must be perfect to enter into the Presence of God. God is the perfect blend of Justice and Mercy. I trust in that. I knew He loves me and I am here to do His Will.

 

[GratefulFred]

** how can I trust that God has a plan for me?**

At age 7 I was taught that “God made us to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him, and to be happy with Him in Heaven forever.” That’s The Plan.

God gives each of us various talents to varying degrees for unknown periods of time. Still, the 3 step plan on Earth leads to the eternal 4th step in Heaven.

Our specific plan is made known to us in stages. We are called to constantly prepare ourselves for the current and next stage/s.

At age 17 I had no idea that at age 18 1/2 I would be flying 14 hour airborne radar surveillance missions over the Atlantic or that I would earn an Accounting degree with honors at age 44 having spent 9 years overseas and visiting some 20 countries in between. Or at age 63 we would have a special pilgrimage to the Vatican.

My New England wife had no idea she would take her degree at the University of Oklahoma which allowed her to arrange international adoptions in the Far East before she led the Chapel Choir in Germany or be a legal secretary in the California State Attorney General’s Office.

So, **The Plan **has a large element of triple A - AAA - Attitude, Approach, Adventure.

We are called to TRUST GOD and truly be open to doing His Will. He will show our way to us when the time is appropriate. we just keep doing what appears to be the right thing and constantly ask for His guidance.

 

[Julie_de_Sales]

Thank you all for your replies, it helped me put everything into perspective