Suffering for Christ..need advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter natedagw824
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
N

natedagw824

Guest
Hello everyone,

Well, I have a disease called Fibromyalgia and it makes my life miserable. I got this disease when I was 19 years old; up till that point I was completely healthy and I was always in good spirits. When I was around 18 years of age, I got into weight lifting and the rest is history.

I was born and raised in a Catholic family and I have always been steadfast in my faith. Ya see, back in 1975 my dad was actually in Rome studying to become a priest; He had some amazing things that happend to him while he was there. He personally knew a man who had the stigmata, he witnessed a baby who was possessed(the parents were practicing witchcraft, and so on). My dad never became a priest obviously because I’m here 😉
Well the experiences that my dad had in Rome have really influenced my faith in a big way. However, with that said, I struggle very much with my suffering and in doubting Jesus…I ask myself a lot of questions ranging from how much God loves me to questions about God cursing me. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never make it in the world at all.
Currently, I go to the University of Michigan-Dearborn and so far, I’ve done really well. My GPA is a 3.8; however, I really struggle in school. I miss class a lot because of my condition.

Anyway, sorry if I got off topic, how do you all make it through a day? Who do you have a closer relationship to: Jesus or the Blessed Mother? Do u pray ur rosary often?

I guess the big thing that Im struggling with is the fact that God loves me and that He has a plan for me. I would really appreciate some feedback on this thought. Also, if you could recommend some good books for me to read, I would really appreciate it very much****

In conclusion, I just want to say thank you for reading my little post. I’m just a lost, suffering person who is looking for some spiritual guidance.

God bless you all,

Nathan 😉
 
Hello Nathan,

I just wanted to let you know that I will pray for you.

Are there any Catholic centers at your school, like a Newman center? I think you could find a priest that would really like to help you.

Regarding books, I just picked up a book, The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis. I’ve just started it, so I can’t say I recommend it just yet. It does start off with a quote:

“The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.” George MacDonald - Unspoken Sermons, First Series

Peace
 
you have plenty of companions and fellow-sufferers here, one of the hardest things about fibromyalgia is convincing others, particularly those you live with, that the disorder is real, even though you can’t always see visible symptoms.

I have never heard any better advice than I learned in my Catholic grade school, “offer it up” that is, unite the sufferings of daily life on this planet, which are the ordinary lot of human beings, with the sufferings of Christ he endured for our sake. We do this consciously with prayer, beginning with our morning offering, and throughout the day as problems arise.
 
You can also turn your down-time around, I have a friend with fibro who knitted on down time and made small blankets or infant hats for neo-natal units. They even have things called “krafty knitters” making knitting really easy.
I’m not sure if you are capable of doing that, but giving within your own limits can often help both you and the reciever.
You sound like you have an incredible attitude, and I think that you’ll find a reason that you are incompacitated, weither it be as a lesson or otherwise. Perhaps even something with online or web-work could be in your future.

Many people with serious diseases or handicapps have done an immense amount of good in the world because of it. Although now, as you are in agony, trying to understand why you, and why this pain when you used to be so physically strong, it dosn’t seem so.

I’m not one to bible quote, but I’ve had my fair share of suffering and a Campus minister once told me about Job. It wasn’t to say my sufferings were minor, becuase they aren’t, but becuase Job kept asking God, “why, why, why” and God didn’t answer at all, but asked Job questions of His own. Job’s questions were never answered, but God repaired Job’s life in His own way. See, its not that their aren’t answers, but they simply may not be able to be known.

Anyway, I’ll pray for you. Keep your chin up.
 
We can say “Suffering with Christ”. With our suffering, we can offer it to God and with Him we are suffering for the conversion of sinners [including ourselves]

There are many Saints that had physically suffered. Some of them that I read about:
The person that we should get closer in relationship is Jesus. At the same time, the Person who can surely help you get closer to Jesus is Virgin Mary; therefore, praying with the Rosary is very powerful.
 
Nathan,
We all are given sufferings. Some, like yourself, are given physical suffering which makes daily life more difficult. But others are given mental or emotional sufferings. Different, but both difficult. I have my own set of sufferings which are more emotional (lost several loved ones) while you struggle through daily life with your disease. I like to look at or meditate about Christ on the cross and realize how excruciating it must have been to have nails (the size of railroad ties) driven through his wrists and feet. And when I am having a down day I like to think about what Heaven will be like, and I think of some of the saints who suffered, even unto death. I offer up my sufferings (be it a great sadness or some sort of physical pain due to being cold, etc) for my sins, and also for our friends in purgatory. Don’t for one second think God loves you any less because of the suffering you have been given. God is using your pain to strengthen your faith by uniting yourself with His son. Lots of saints prayed fervently for pains.
I’m not a bible slinger, but recently I gave a presentation on living a Catholic life, and I bookmarked, but did not use the following verse:

1 Peter 3:13-17
*
Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good?But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.*

Pray the Rosary, go to Mass, pray in front of the Tabernacle, and offer your day to God, giving him your sufferings. Then at the end of the day, look back and see how you can improve, then commend yourself to God’s care. And don’t forget to ask your Angel for help–he’s been a big help to me.
I’ll be praying for you. God will reveal his plan to you in His own good time.
-Peter
 
Thank you all for the very kind replies!!! I really appreciate it; thanks again. All of ur words have uplifted me a lot.

God bless you all,

Nathan 😉
 
natedagw824 said:
Hello everyone,
Well, I have a disease called Fibromyalgia and it makes my life miserable.
Click to expand...
I’m very sorry to hear that … but Be Strong Nate, Be Strong!
I was born and raised in a Catholic family and I have always been steadfast in my faith.
Click to expand...
Because of the steadfastness of your faith, I’m thinking that maybe God is going to show you how incredibly strong you can become with His help while wrestling with this disease.

Now I’m not saying that God caused your Fibromyalgia, just that He will assist you in spiritually conquering it so that others may be amazed by your display of faith and joy!
I struggle very much with my suffering and in doubting Jesus…
Click to expand...
As did the saints before you nate. Joan of Arc, Terese of Lisieux. They all had times of doubt.

It’s your first step towards sainthood!
I ask myself a lot of questions ranging from how much God loves me …
Click to expand...
This is how much God loves you Nate:



And so, you having obviously opened your heart to Him …

There is no curse.

Only His Love. During the good times, and the bad times.
Sometimes I feel like I’ll never make it in the world at all.
Click to expand...
Heh, I’m 47 years old, have a good job as a professional firefighter, and sometimes** I STILL** feel that way!

Join the rat race my friend!
I really struggle in school. I miss class a lot because of my condition.
Click to expand...
I remember a story that was told by the super awesome priest, Fr. John Corapi. When he was in seminary studying to be a priest, he was very ill and was afraid that he wasn’t going to ever complete his classes and be ordained.

When he told this to his superior, the priest said to him (I’m taking this from memory, but it’s pretty much right on): “Jesus had suffered greatly during His life and ministry, and in you loving Him and following Him … then so shall you”.

Fr. Corapi not only completed his classes, but he went on to become one of the best priests in the whole world, and he also earned several doctorates in other studies even after he was ordained.

God is great! Glorify Him!
how do you all make it through a day?
Click to expand...
I had recently been through a very tough 10 years. And when things became overwhelming, I think God showed me the answer to your question:

Take life one day at a time Nate. One day at a time.

^^^Luke 12:22-26
And he said unto his disciples,
"Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment.
Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them:
of how much more value are ye than the birds!
And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto the measure of his life?
Who do you have a closer relationship to: Jesus or the Blessed Mother?
Click to expand...
Having a closer relationship to the Blessed Mother automatically brings you closer to Jesus! (and vice versa)

It is a Spiritual Law of sorts!
Do u pray ur rosary often?
Click to expand...
I tried to pray the Rosary when I first came back to the faith, but I wasn’t “getting it.” That’s when I discovered the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (thank you St. Faustina!).

Only 10 min to recite. Perfect for my short attention span.

And after a few years of praying that, I now recite the Rosary every day.

So once again Nate … God is great! Glorify Him!
 
Thank you all for the kind replies!

I have something else to share with you since one of you brought it up: mental suffering.
Just to let you know, I had a psycotic break in 2005 and that has really had an impact on my life. When my breakdown happened, I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. It was very scary; to say the least.
I’m sorry if I sound like I’m begging for sympathy, I just want to share my experiences with my fellow Catholic community; I also am asking for ur feedback on these things. Someone mentioned a book for me to read called “The problem of pain” by CS lewis.
Do any of you know any good books on suffering or books on Jesus’ Mercy?? Tanbooks.com has a great selection; just lettin ya know.

Anyway, I really appreciate ur feedback and it’s good to know that there are people like me who share the same view on life; unfortunately, this world is so full of athiests its not funny.

God bless you all,

Thanks again,

Nathan:)
 
natedagw824 said:
Thank you all for the kind replies!

I have something else to share with you since one of you brought it up: mental suffering.
Just to let you know, I had a psycotic break in 2005 and that has really had an impact on my life. When my breakdown happened, I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. It was very scary; to say the least.
I’m sorry if I sound like I’m begging for sympathy, I just want to share my experiences with my fellow Catholic community; I also am asking for ur feedback on these things. Someone mentioned a book for me to read called “The problem of pain” by CS lewis.
Do any of you know any good books on suffering or books on Jesus’ Mercy?? Tanbooks.com has a great selection; just lettin ya know.

Anyway, I really appreciate ur feedback and it’s good to know that there are people like me who share the same view on life; unfortunately, this world is so full of athiests its not funny.

God bless you all,

Thanks again,

Nathan:)
Click to expand...
St. Faustina’s diary is a good book about the mercy of Christ. I think she also suffered from TB. Its out of print but can be found on amazon. Its red with her picture on the front. Tim

amazon.com/Diary-St-Maria-Faustina-Kowalska/dp/1596141573/sr=1-1/qid=1170177949/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-3719597-9557208?ie=UTF8&s=books
 
You know I don’t think that there could be much worse than to have an illness and not know what to do about it. I had an accident at 11yrs of age and although I am sound in many ways I have a situation where I can’t for some reason relate to situations the way others do. I even studied for and gained two degrees and cannot get a job in the study I did. It hurts that I have the study but am unacceptable.

But I think that it is my human ness hurting because I love Jesus and put this deficit ( if it is) towards what He went through for me and it all seem so small compared. I dearly would wish to suffer in some way the way Jesus did but that is not for me it seems. Only this so very small suffering that no one knows about, or can understand, that is all I am. But if this is what pleases Jesus then that is all I can offer Him.

Right through Doctors gave me up ( what a way to live) knowing that the world around me hailed Dr’s and here I am one who they say should not be alive and it took me years to understand that I am not as is writen in their books and let go of the psychological trauma and put it to the cross of Jesus and find the strength to carry on.
I even put on my guitar case “I’m all right because Jesus don’t make rubbish”. That was the state I was in, but once again I put it next to Jesus and I saw how little I was suffering. I love to write, but through the accident my mind wanders at times and I can spell the same word in about three different ways not because they are right but because my mind tells me to.

I hate this and find it so very hard going back over what I have written and seeing what I one minute ago wrote and find it unreadable (oh the computer). But I love Jesus and putting it towards the cross I can go through anything for Jesus who gave up all for me. May all Praise and glory go to Jesus for ever!
God bless you my friend be strong Jesus loves you, and gave you no more than you can take, He has gone before you to prepare the way, and He is there if you should wish to speak to Him, for in there, in your heart of hearts is that strong spirit God has given you.

God bless
littleone
 
littleone said:
You know I don’t think that there could be much worse than to have an illness and not know what to do about it. I had an accident at 11yrs of age and although I am sound in many ways I have a situation where I can’t for some reason relate to situations the way others do. I even studied for and gained two degrees and cannot get a job in the study I did. It hurts that I have the study but am unacceptable.

But I think that it is my human ness hurting because I love Jesus and put this deficit ( if it is) towards what He went through for me and it all seem so small compared. I dearly would wish to suffer in some way the way Jesus did but that is not for me it seems. Only this so very small suffering that no one knows about, or can understand, that is all I am. But if this is what pleases Jesus then that is all I can offer Him.

Right through Doctors gave me up ( what a way to live) knowing that the world around me hailed Dr’s and here I am one who they say should not be alive and it took me years to understand that I am not as is writen in their books and let go of the psychological trauma and put it to the cross of Jesus and find the strength to carry on.
I even put on my guitar case “I’m all right because Jesus don’t make rubbish”. That was the state I was in, but once again I put it next to Jesus and I saw how little I was suffering. I love to write, but through the accident my mind wanders at times and I can spell the same word in about three different ways not because they are right but because my mind tells me to.

I hate this and find it so very hard going back over what I have written and seeing what I one minute ago wrote and find it unreadable (oh the computer). But I love Jesus and putting it towards the cross I can go through anything for Jesus who gave up all for me. May all Praise and glory go to Jesus for ever!
God bless you my friend be strong Jesus loves you, and gave you no more than you can take, He has gone before you to prepare the way, and He is there if you should wish to speak to Him, for in there, in your heart of hearts is that strong spirit God has given you.

God bless
littleone
Click to expand...
Hello littleone,

I have a question for you and for everyone on this board:
I was talking with a protestant friend of mine and we were talking about suffering for Christ and I mentioned something to the effect of “suffering WITH christ” and my friend got really upset with me; she said “You Catholics are all the same, you always talk about suffering WITH christ, but you must understand one thing. Jesus already SUFFERED(past tense) on the cross for you and me. There is no reason to OFFER UP ur suffering to Jesus because Jesus already went through His suffering.”

To be quite honest, I didn’t know how to respond, so please give me some feedback on this. Does it say anything in the Bible about offering up ur suffering to Jesus? I am currently reading the New Testament.

Anyway, littleone, I can relate to what you are going through; It’s very difficult, but you must remain strong. That’s what God wants of everyone. I like this saying: “Let us run, with great endurance, the race that is before us and never give up.”
That saying has helped me out a lot.

Anyway, take care,

Nathan
 
What your friend has in mind is that she thinks we, Catholic, believe that Jesus has to die on the Cross every single time He suffers. No! He died once for us. However, this doesn’t mean that He is not upset everytime one commits a sin.

The bottom line is that with Jesus there is no time limit, the Past, the Present, and the Future are all right in front of Him. He was suffering then, He is suffering now, He will be suffering everytime a sin committed.

Ask your friend if Jesus is smiling right now seeing people killing each other.
 
water said:
What your friend has in mind is that she thinks we, Catholic, believe that Jesus has to die on the Cross every single time He suffers. No! He died once for us. However, this doesn’t mean that He is not upset everytime one commits a sin.

The bottom line is that with Jesus there is no time limit, the Past, the Present, and the Future are all right in front of Him. He was suffering then, He is suffering now, He will be suffering everytime a sin committed.

Ask your friend if Jesus is smiling right now seeing people killing each other.
Click to expand...
VERY good point.

Thanks,

Nathan
 
natedagw824 said:
Hello littleone,

I have a question for you and for everyone on this board:
I was talking with a protestant friend of mine and we were talking about suffering for Christ and I mentioned something to the effect of “suffering WITH christ” and my friend got really upset with me; she said “You Catholics are all the same, you always talk about suffering WITH christ, but you must understand one thing. Jesus already SUFFERED(past tense) on the cross for you and me. There is no reason to OFFER UP ur suffering to Jesus because Jesus already went through His suffering.”

To be quite honest, I didn’t know how to respond, so please give me some feedback on this. Does it say anything in the Bible about offering up ur suffering to Jesus? I am currently reading the New Testament.

Anyway, littleone, I can relate to what you are going through; It’s very difficult, but you must remain strong. That’s what God wants of everyone. I like this saying: “Let us run, with great endurance, the race that is before us and never give up.”
That saying has helped me out a lot.

Anyway, take care,

Nathan
Click to expand...
I agree with you “water” and it is sad how these people do not relate to the bible in the way Jesus tells us to.
How else could we “take up our cross and follow Jesus”? How else could we " do likewise what I (Jesus) has done. I remember one night when late in the night as I slept Jesus let me carry His cross, it was so excruciating and yet in the spirit I kept on telling Jesus I could take this and to give me more. Jesus told me that there was a situation I could not do, so He said that if I took His cross then He would go and work on the situation. Isn’t that working ***with ***Jesus

Jesus once said to me "If I take Jesus as my father Mary as my mother my love for all people would be the same. Isn’t that having a “LIVING” God as our Father?
I would rather have the Catholic way which is not really the catholic way but the way God wishes it to be I believe.

God bless
littleone
 
Many non-Catholic Christians don’t have a good understanding of the concept of eternity being outside time and space, or that all Christians are one in Christ despite being separated in time, and with many of us with Jesus in eternity.

This makes it very difficult to have a fruitful conversation about this stuff!

C.S. Lewis has a good explanation of eternity in one of his books. It might come easier for your friend from a Protestant, if the eternity thing is your friend’s problem.

If that’s not the thing, bring up Paul’s thing about his suffering and Christ’s suffering.
 
Probably the most beutiful gift a person could be given is to be asked , invited, or chosen to suffer in the suffering of Jesus Christ. I can only say never run away from that gift if it is asked of you.
Remember God NEVER gives His children more than they can take, He has gone before them to prepare the way, and He is there if they want to speak to Him.
God bless
littleone
 
natedagw824 said:
Hello everyone,

Well, I have a disease called Fibromyalgia and it makes my life miserable. I got this disease when I was 19 years old; up till that point I was completely healthy and I was always in good spirits. When I was around 18 years of age, I got into weight lifting and the rest is history.

I was born and raised in a Catholic family and I have always been steadfast in my faith. Ya see, back in 1975 my dad was actually in Rome studying to become a priest; He had some amazing things that happend to him while he was there. He personally knew a man who had the stigmata, he witnessed a baby who was possessed(the parents were practicing witchcraft, and so on). My dad never became a priest obviously because I’m here 😉
Well the experiences that my dad had in Rome have really influenced my faith in a big way. However, with that said, I struggle very much with my suffering and in doubting Jesus…I ask myself a lot of questions ranging from how much God loves me to questions about God cursing me. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never make it in the world at all.
Currently, I go to the University of Michigan-Dearborn and so far, I’ve done really well. My GPA is a 3.8; however, I really struggle in school. I miss class a lot because of my condition.

Anyway, sorry if I got off topic, how do you all make it through a day? Who do you have a closer relationship to: Jesus or the Blessed Mother? Do u pray ur rosary often?

I guess the big thing that Im struggling with is the fact that God loves me and that He has a plan for me. I would really appreciate some feedback on this thought. Also, if you could recommend some good books for me to read, I would really appreciate it very much****

In conclusion, I just want to say thank you for reading my little post. I’m just a lost, suffering person who is looking for some spiritual guidance.

God bless you all,

Nathan 😉
Click to expand...
My mother has this, and although I dont know much about it, I know that it is terribly painful and rare in men.

I encourage you to St. Josemaria’s The Way. It is quite good and has a lot about how to encounter struggle and suffering in our everyday lives. You can find it online, just do a google search.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top