Today’s Reading, is anything really possible with faith

[MarthaSo]

Hi everyone. I’m really in need of some guidance and your wisdom please. Today’s reading really touched me. The Lord knows there is a desire in my heart to be a stay at home mom with this child I’m expecting. I’ve always worked full time for over 20 years. It is a very strong desire. But it’s irrelevant to my question actually because this applies to anyone.

If I do as Jesus says in today’s reading, and have full faith that He’ll make that happen because my faith was that sure and His promise must be true and He made it possible for me to stay home than here is the problem.

Let’s say I worked really hard at trusting God and it came so natural that there was no doubt He’ll fulfill His Word in today’s reading and there opens a way for me to stay home— my mind will still nag me. My mind will nag me and say “you’re silly, that was a coincidence. why would He answer you and not save the moms child who just died with lots of suffering. She was sure God would heal him or at least lessen his pain ”. The two scenarios may seem unrelated but I’m hoping someone can get what i’m saying because I’m not great at explaining. To me, they do relate in a way.

It even happened just now when I was praying, I asked Jesus this same question and I said how can I reconcile or understand this? Sure enough, a thought to ask CAF popped in my head.

Thank you so much for any help in how to reframe this mindset. I know whatever happens is His will which must be accepted but this is more about todays reading regarding Jesus saying anything is possible with faith and how, if applied , and granted, how that can be reconciled with tragedies (for example) that occur anyway regardless of faithful prayers for a different outcome. I really hope I explained this well because this is really bugging me and my faith.
God bless. Thanks all.

 

[Genesis315]

Even when we have good intentions, God knows better than us and what we are asking for might not actually be for the best in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes we won’t even be able to see this until all is revealed at the Last Judgment. We walk by faith in God’s omnipotence and promises–He will do what is ultimately best for us, no matter what that is.

As Jesus says, prayer is answered “that your joy may be full” (John 16:24)–full joy is salvation. Perhaps not granting us what we ask is better for our or another’s salvation in a particular case, even if it means suffering now (See Jesus’ own prayer in Matt. 26:39).

The Roman Catechism sums this up:

For God will either grant what is asked, and thus they will obtain their wishes; or He will not grant it, and that will be a most certain proof that what is denied the good by Him is not conducive either to their interest or their salvation, since He is more desirous of their eternal welfare than they themselves.

 

[MarthaSo]

Thank you. That Catechism quote was very helpful as well. As an aside, I would think staying home to raise a child is for the best. But I will reread this when I’m less tired. Thank you so much.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

This reading is not an easy one—at first glance, your takeaway could easily be that God is a cosmic vending machine.

But we also see with our own eyes, and even the Bible itself indicates, that we will have suffering and conflict in the world.

We have to trust that He will not lead us down the wrong path (one that leads to damnation)—but strength for the journey.

 

[MarthaSo]

Thank you. I’m not sure why I held on to that verse so much, I felt like Jesus really meant it. I don’t mean for that to sound as bad as it does, but I kind of wondered why did He say it if there are so many ways it won’t be so because of trials, if it aligns with His will etc… the verse seemed so black and white. Thanks again for answering. God bless

 

[Eric_Hyom]

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed; your will be done, not mine. I think what Jesus gained from his prayer was the wisdom, strength and the peace to endure his journey to the cross.
Jesus said, my burden is light, this had to apply to himself too. Jesus had to become very weak and vulnerable, because he could not face the journey to the cross in his own strength, he depended on his Father in heaven.
Maybe the prayer that might help you find peace is, Lord help me with the wisdom, strength and the peace to do your will, however I have to bring up my child.

 

[Francis]

@MarthaSo

The Lord knows there is a desire in my heart to be a stay at home mom with this child I’m expecting. I’ve always worked full time for over 20 years. It is a very strong desire.

All good desires come from God,but we have to discern the will of God in our state of life.2 Maccabees 7:27 27 But, leaning close to him, she spoke in their native language as follows, deriding the cruel tyrant: “My son, have pity on me. I carried you nine months in my womb, and nursed you for three years, and have reared you and brought you up to this point in your life, and have taken care of you. we also need to take responsibility of taking care of children as the will of God if you dont have any financial liabilities and elderly to take off. The duties of parents

[2221] The fecundity of conjugal love cannot be reduced solely to the procreation of children, but must extend to their moral education and their spiritual formation. "The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute."29 The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable.30

[2222] Parents must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons . Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their children to fulfill God’s law.

[2223] Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues . This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery - the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the "material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones."31 Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them:

He who loves his son will not spare the rod. . . . He who disciplines his son will profit by him.32

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.33

 

[Francis]

@MarthaSo

Continuation

Let’s say I worked really hard at trusting God and it came so natural that there was no doubt He’ll fulfill His Word in today’s reading and there opens a way for me to stay home—

That’s nice you trust in God and rely on him and so friend like ,if you don’t have any obligation to take of any elderly, who depends on you.pray and take the decision ,and end all your prayers in Luke 1:38

my mind will still nag me. My mind will nag me and say “you’re silly, that was a coincidence. why would He answer you and not save the moms child who just died with lots of suffering. She was sure God would heal him or at least lessen his pain ”. The two scenarios may seem unrelated but I’m hoping someone can get what i’m saying because I’m not great at explaining. To me, they do relate in a way.

Jesus rebuked St Peter for his human thoughts right! , as said in Wisdom 1:3 For perverse thoughts separate people from God,and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; dont give heed to such thoughts , James 4:5 Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?

Thank you so much for any help in how to reframe this mindset. I know whatever happens is His will which must be accepted but this is more about todays reading regarding Jesus saying anything is possible with faith and how, if applied , and granted, how that can be reconciled with tragedies (for example) that occur anyway regardless of faithful prayers for a different outcome. I really hope I explained this well because this is really bugging me and my faith.

That’s nice you came here ,Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.God wants to save souls and even if ,some has to suffer it is for the good of that soul and family ,the child’s sufferings is like a purification and atonement for the parents and for the world at large ,sufferings are also great Grace and a blessing which has redemptive value,so nothing in life is co incidence for us Christians as in

 

[Francis]

@MarthaSo

[2224] The home is the natural environment for initiating a human being into solidarity and communal responsibilities. Parents should teach children to avoid the compromising and degrading influences which threaten human societies.

[2225] Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children . Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the “first heralds” for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church.34 A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one’s life.

[2226] Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.35 The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.

[2227] Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents.36 Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it.37

2228 Parents’ respect and affection are expressed by the care and attention they devote to bringing up their young children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs . As the children grow up, the same respect and devotion lead parents to educate them in the right use of their reason and freedom.

2229 As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators.38 Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.

[2230] When they become adults, children have the right and duty to choose their profession and state of life . They should assume their new responsibilities within a trusting relationship with their parents, willingly asking and receiving their advice and counsel. Parents should be careful not to exert pressure on their children either in the choice of a profession or in that of a spouse. This necessary restraint does not prevent them - quite the contrary from giving their children judicious advice, particularly when they are planning to start a family.

 

[MarthaSo]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful response. I appreciate it, I do. Forgive me I don’t want to be rude but I don’t see the answer. I just wondered why can’t I take Jesus’ words at face value. Can I believe anything and it will be done if I have faith? And then the second issue with the nagging thought. I suppose there is no direct answer? I thought it was just me. Have a wonderful day everybody.

 

[Dan_Defender]

If you are truly righteous then be confident:
‘Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.’ James 5:16-17

 

[MarthaSo]

Thank you. That makes sense. Jesus didn’t say that part though. I guess I’ll revisit this another time. Thanks so much for your response. God bless.

 

[Kei]

It is good to be a bit skeptical in whether or not a thing is of God. But don’t be too skeptical to such a point as torture…after all, whether or not God told you to do a certain thing, so long as it is good it will be fine. Pray and do not worry, to paraphrase St Pio

 

[Francis]

@MarthaSo

I just wondered why can’t I take Jesus’ words at face value.

Word of God is truth John 17:17 ,that you have to answer your self it depends on what you believe.

Can I believe anything and it will be done if I have faith?

Yes, but it should be the will of God and good for your soul, and at the appointed time if it’s not good for you, why will God grant you such wishes, if you loose your faith or life for it and cause harm to other too . 1 Corinthians 15:19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

And then the second issue with the nagging thought. I suppose there is no direct answer? I thought it was just me.

Remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against evil spirits each day battles,spiritual warefare Psalm 74:23 Do not forget the clamor of your foes(satan and evil spirits),the uproar of your adversaries that goes up continually.just like the nagging thoughts.

so we too can pray in spirit constantly in our hearts while we still work Psalm 105:4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.

 

[MarthaSo]

This was very helpful, thank you. And God bless.