Why does God not help us from temptations and sin?

[Thorns]

Or at least it doesnt seem like He does. I am tempted every day at work, which has become more than an occasion of sin (more like a breeding ground for it) and I only feel my will being weakened more and more. I ask if not beg God, to give me strength and peace and endurance to reject that which goes against His own teachings, and He will not do it. Like I said, Im only getting weaker. I feel under different circumstances, Id be strong and these temptations would not phase me and would not be given a second thought, but I have been put in an uncomfortable situation that makes these temptations more appealing.

If He wont grant me the graces, it would be great if He could pull me out of this situation. But He wont do that either. Why would God play this dangerous game with me, that if I fall (and keep falling) I can be lost altogether? Does He not wish all souls be saved? Is He not the one that said knock and the door shall be opened?

 

[littlestsouls2]

St. Rose of Lima once expressed a similar doubt to Our Lord. She complained to Him that He permitted her be exposed to a great danger of falling into sin. Listen to what He said to her: *‘Would you have conquered if I had not been in your heart? I am always with you and My grace forsakes you not, therefore weep no more.’ *

We must have great confidence in God, without Whom we can do nothing. You can trust in Him!He permits temptation for our greater good. He desires that we grow in humility, abandonment, prayerfulness etc. “God permits temptations with a view to detach us more thoroughly from this life; and to kindle in us the desire to go and behold Him in Heaven.” (St. Alphonsus)

I highly recommend that you read ‘Holy Abandonment’ by Dom Vitalis Lehodey. This excellent book contains a wealth of advice for overcoming such doubts as those you mention. It is a very consoling book. Definitely in my top 5!

Take care and God bless.

 

[babylonfalling]

Or at least it doesnt seem like He does. I am tempted every day at work, which has become more than an occasion of sin (more like a breeding ground for it) and I only feel my will being weakened more and more. I ask if not beg God, to give me strength and peace and endurance to reject that which goes against His own teachings, and He will not do it. Like I said, Im only getting weaker. I feel under different circumstances, Id be strong and these temptations would not phase me and would not be given a second thought, but I have been put in an uncomfortable situation that makes these temptations more appealing.

If He wont grant me the graces, it would be great if He could pull me out of this situation. But He wont do that either. Why would God play this dangerous game with me, that if I fall (and keep falling) I can be lost altogether? Does He not wish all souls be saved? Is He not the one that said knock and the door shall be opened?

Just because we don’t see the help given by God doesn’t mean it’s not there.

 

[SaintFrancis333]

God gives the hardest battles to the strongest soldiers. Persevere my friend. Offer all suffering up to the feet of our crucified Lord.

 

[NekoNecro]

The question of evil is one that has long been asked, and the most commonly accepted conclusion that I have noted being drawn is that without evil and suffering, we cannot see or appreciate good and being comforted.

I’ve often heard it said that God also doesn’t give us more than we can handle, and while I don’t necessarily believe that you’d be amazed at what people can endure if they want something and are utterly determined to get it. If you set upon something and are determined not to let it go, you’ll get somewhere with it. If you’re determined not to fall, you wont simply because you wont let it happen.

Of course, I’m not a practicing Catholic so by all means don’t take my words as spiritual counseling or anything, they’re not meant to be. Just gotta buck up and drag ourselves through the day as best we can.

 

[Thorns]

St. Rose of Lima once expressed a similar doubt to Our Lord. She complained to Him that He permitted her be exposed to a great danger of falling into sin. Listen to what He said to her: *‘Would you have conquered if I had not been in your heart? I am always with you and My grace forsakes you not, therefore weep no more.’ *

We must have great confidence in God, without Whom we can do nothing. You can trust in Him!He permits temptation for our greater good. He desires that we grow in humility, abandonment, prayerfulness etc. “God permits temptations with a view to detach us more thoroughly from this life; and to kindle in us the desire to go and behold Him in Heaven.” (St. Alphonsus)

I highly recommend that you read ‘Holy Abandonment’ by Dom Vitalis Lehodey. This excellent book contains a wealth of advice for overcoming such doubts as those you mention. It is a very consoling book. Definitely in my top 5!

Take care and God bless.

Well He permits temptation but I am sure He is not pleased when I fall and continue to fall. Should I die in such a state, my soul would be lost. I am not growing in abandonment, I am becoming overtaken by temptations altogether slowly but surely and I am being led down a horrible path. I am not growing, but becoming weaker. Surely.God does.not like this and neither do I, but I dont have the strength to pull myself up and He is not helping me up either.

 

[Thorns]

The question of evil is one that has long been asked, and the most commonly accepted conclusion that I have noted being drawn is that without evil and suffering, we cannot see or appreciate good and being comforted.

I’ve often heard it said that God also doesn’t give us more than we can handle, and while I don’t necessarily believe that you’d be amazed at what people can endure if they want something and are utterly determined to get it. If you set upon something and are determined not to let it go, you’ll get somewhere with it. If you’re determined not to fall, you wont simply because you wont let it happen.

Of course, I’m not a practicing Catholic so by all means don’t take my words as spiritual counseling or anything, they’re not meant to be. Just gotta buck up and drag ourselves through the day as best we can.

Thanks, I realize this is what we must do but Im finding it incredibly difficult to follow through, especially when Im not the one looking for trouble, but I’m surrounded by it and it keeps coming to look for me. Every day. Such persistence is gradually wearing me down and weakening my will. I’ll eventually get to a point where I wont want to even get up and I’ll grow attached to sin instead. I dont want that and Id like to think Im determined, but I dont trust myself either. All it takes is one spark to start a fire.

I try to stay away from occasions of sin, but the workplace has become just that and I cant control that.

 

[Thorns]

Just because we don’t see the help given by God doesn’t mean it’s not there.

I am very weak when it comes to certain things, so I stay clear from places and situations that will pose an opportunity for me to commit sin.

However, sin comes looking for me. And sometimes I fall to it. I ask God to get me out or to give me strength, but I continue to fall harder and harder instead. I feel further and further from God. I fail to see where He’s helping me.

 

[NekoNecro]

Thanks, I realize this is what we must do but Im finding it incredibly difficult to follow through, especially when Im not the one looking for trouble, but I’m surrounded by it and it keeps coming to look for me. Every day. Such persistence is gradually wearing me down and weakening my will. I’ll eventually get to a point where I wont want to even get up and I’ll grow attached to sin instead. I dont want that and Id like to think Im determined, but I dont trust myself either. All it takes is one spark to start a fire.

I try to stay away from occasions of sin, but the workplace has become just that and I cant control that.

I feel for you Thorns, I hope you don’t think me rude by asking, but what is it you do that brings you so close to sin daily?

You sound fairly sincere to me and that you mean well. If you mean well and are sincere that’s a good indicator you’ve got a good heart. So long as you’ve got that, and your still striving to be good, holy indeed that’s what really matters.

God isn’t some malicious miserly lawyer looking to damn everyone arbitrarily on the slightest technicality just for giggles (if he is we’re all stuffed anyway ) You’re still trying, and as long as you keep trying your best even if you think your failing…well, who could possibly ask more than that? :console:

 

[Thorns]

I feel for you Thorns, I hope you don’t think me rude by asking, but what is it you do that brings you so close to sin daily?

You sound fairly sincere to me and that you mean well. If you mean well and are sincere that’s a good indicator you’ve got a good heart. So long as you’ve got that, and your still striving to be good, holy indeed that’s what really matters.

God isn’t some malicious miserly lawyer looking to damn everyone arbitrarily on the slightest technicality just for giggles (if he is we’re all stuffed anyway ) You’re still trying, and as long as you keep trying your best even if you think your failing…well, who could possibly ask more than that? :console:

Thanks, although I think Im getting to a point where my striving is slowing down and eventually I’ll not care. God knows that and I know that. His teachings are hard enough as it is, then with this to deal with? This is endangering me and I ask God to pull me out of it before I get any deeper.

I work an office job btw.

 

[GangGreen]

I’ve been reading St. Faustina’s Diary and one of the things she tends to mention somewhat often is that God will never put you through trials that you cannot handle.

You see, this is the big thing. For us we are thrown into these temptations of committing these sins over and over again. We keep failing, but not because we lack grace, but because of our own weakness that we refuse to address. These things are supposed to help us grow in faith and in love for God.

If you read the battles and spiritual torments that St. Faustina endured, to the point where she would get to the point of absolute despair… yet she endured and God intervened when necessary. This should be an example to us in our seemingly petty battles in comparison.

 

[NekoNecro]

Thanks, although I think Im getting to a point where my striving is slowing down and eventually I’ll not care. God knows that and I know that. His teachings are hard enough as it is, then with this to deal with?

Well, since your on here you still seem to care now, enough to be posting looking for answers And that seems like a good sign.

If we’re talking about teachings I’m going to be straight up, there’s several the CC promotes that I just can’t hold with so I may not be the best commentator…But…That said, when were the easy things in life satisfying to achieve?

We’ve all probably taken a turn at Space Invaders at some point, and I bet most of us could get past the first level. That might not be very impressive but for the guy who keeps ploughing on until he reaches level 50? Now that’s dedication a gamer could admire.

An odd choice of analogy perhaps, but It’s late and I’m stuck for ideas! What I’m trying to say that if they’re hard to follow, that must eventually must make it all the more satisfying when you achieve it.

I work an office job btw for a state funded program for sick kids.

Ah…I can imagine that must be incredibly trying and emotionally draining sometimes, even with any association with sin involved. But even in there, you must be doing a lot of good, improving their lot in life to some degree and that has to be a good thing. I can only hope you find some strength to carry on.

 

[irishpatrick]

Well He permits temptation but I am sure He is not pleased when I fall and continue to fall. Should I die in such a state, my soul would be lost. I am not growing in abandonment, I am becoming overtaken by temptations altogether slowly but surely and I am being led down a horrible path. I am not growing, but becoming weaker. Surely.God does.not like this and neither do I, but I dont have the strength to pull myself up and He is not helping me up either.

I believe it is important for you to honestly examine your prayer life. How often do you go to Mass, and Confession? How often do you pray, and I mean real disciplined regular daily prayer.

Examine your life honestly, and try to find things that you can improve through prayer and action. The Lord might be calling you to draw closer to Him through prayer, and often that happens when people find themselves constantly tested. I believe in every trial, daily or otherwise, the Lord is trying to teach us something.

Go to a Catholic Church, every day if possible, and pray before the blessed sacrament, and seek/ask for the Lord’s help. Pray to whatever Patron Saint who is closest to helping with the problems you are experiencing. Pray to our Mother Mary. Avail yourself of the sacraments on a frequent basis…it could be that God is calling you to sainthood, and first He must place you through a trial that often is endured through prayer and through drawing ever closer to the Lord.

*

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-4; 12 (RSV)​

*

 

[Dorothy]

Or at least it doesnt seem like He does. I am tempted every day at work, which has become more than an occasion of sin (more like a breeding ground for it) and I only feel my will being weakened more and more. I ask if not beg God, to give me strength and peace and endurance to reject that which goes against His own teachings, and He will not do it. Like I said, Im only getting weaker. I feel under different circumstances, Id be strong and these temptations would not phase me and would not be given a second thought, but I have been put in an uncomfortable situation that makes these temptations more appealing.

If He wont grant me the graces, it would be great if He could pull me out of this situation. But He wont do that either. Why would God play this dangerous game with me, that if I fall (and keep falling) I can be lost altogether? Does He not wish all souls be saved? Is He not the one that said knock and the door shall be opened?

Yes, He said that and He is not a liar. It helps to meditate a lot of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Much prayer is necessary. Please remember that the devil and the demons are on a leash. When we walk the straight and narrow they cannot harm us. To resist temptation makes us stronger. To have the strength to resist temptation we need much prayer, sacrifice, and Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Without much prayer even the Eucharist cannot do much for us as we become inattentive to Who we are receiving. Meditating on the mysteries in the Rosary is a great help, along with other devotions.

 

[JerryZ]

Don’t we all need to be helped to become better?

My personal experience is that constant or at least persistent prayer, frequent confession and asking for the help of our mother in Heaven helped me in overcoming an abitual sin I used to have.
This does not mean that the opportunity to sin does not present itself every now and then, but that with the help and by the grace of God it seems that this particular sin has lost it’s grip on me. For which I thank God soo much and our heavenly mother too.

And since it seems that this recipe, is quite common to many types of sins and it works, maybe you, will give it a try.

–

 

[Thorns]

Don’t we all need to be helped to become better?

My personal experience is that constant or at least persistent prayer, frequent confession and asking for the help of our mother in Heaven helped me in overcoming an abitual sin I used to have.
This does not mean that the opportunity to sin does not present itself every now and then, but that with the help and by the grace of God it seems that this particular sin has lost it’s grip on me. For which I thank God soo much and our heavenly mother too.

And since it seems that this recipe, is quite common to many types of sins and it works, maybe you, will give it a try.

–

For a brief moment I felt as if I was released from certain things. I was happy, thankful, and accepted my lot in life. Then things quickly changed, I fell, and now I feel set back and like I’ll never change.

I’ll give it a try, if its not too silly a question to ask, and I know everyone is different, about how long did it take for you to be released from your habitual sin?

 

[Thorns]

I’ve been reading St. Faustina’s Diary and one of the things she tends to mention somewhat often is that God will never put you through trials that you cannot handle.

You see, this is the big thing. For us we are thrown into these temptations of committing these sins over and over again. We keep failing, but not because we lack grace, but because of our own weakness that we refuse to address. These things are supposed to help us grow in faith and in love for God.

If you read the battles and spiritual torments that St. Faustina endured, to the point where she would get to the point of absolute despair… yet she endured and God intervened when necessary. This should be an example to us in our seemingly petty battles in comparison.

How do we address our own weakness?

 

[Thorns]

For a brief moment I felt as if I was released from certain things. I was happy, thankful, and accepted my lot in life. Then things quickly changed, I fell, and now I feel set back and like I’ll never change.

I’ll give it a try, if its not too silly a question to ask, and I know everyone is different, about how long did it take for you to be released from your habitual sin?

Might I add Im not just stuck in habitual sin, but constant opportunity to sin approaches me each day too. A lot harder to control exterior factors, namely, other people.

 

[JerryZ]

For a brief moment I felt as if I was released from certain things. I was happy, thankful, and accepted my lot in life. Then things quickly changed, I fell, and now I feel set back and like I’ll never change.

I’ll give it a try, if its not too silly a question to ask, and I know everyone is different, about how long did it take for you to be released from your habitual sin?

A couple of years and it was not easy, also you need to make a conscious decision to not allow sin to control your life, but ask for the grace to keep you.
I will pray for you.

---

 

[littlestsouls2]

Well He permits temptation but I am sure He is not pleased when I fall and continue to fall. Should I die in such a state, my soul would be lost. I am not growing in abandonment, I am becoming overtaken by temptations altogether slowly but surely and I am being led down a horrible path. I am not growing, but becoming weaker. Surely.God does.not like this and neither do I, but I dont have the strength to pull myself up and He is not helping me up either.

Where does your desire to avoid sin and be saved come from?

“Reflect on this. Every desire that a soul has ever had to possess Me is inspired by Me…" - Jesus to St. Mechtilde

“You seek Me, indeed, but know that, however ardently you seek Me, I seek you more ardently still. And it is your fears that prevent your progress in Divine love.” - Our Lord to St. Margaret of Cortona

“He gives to man daily remedies; and unless we put confidence in them and depend upon them, we shall never be able to overcome human errors.” - Pope Innocent I

“Let whosoever desires to conquer set to work courageously. If he falls, let him trust in My mercy, not in his own strength. For if any man mistrusts My goodness and says to himself: ‘If I begin to mortify my flesh and fast and watch, I shall never be able to keep it up, I shall never succeed in avoiding sin’ – that man has good reason to fall. Therefore, let everyone who wishes to maintain the spiritual fight trust in Me, and let him hope to succeed by the help of My grace. Also he must firmly resolve to do good, to avoid evil, and to rise again as often as he falls.” - Jesus to St. Bridget of Sweden

Read these:
catholictradition.org/Classics/prayer-5a.htm
catholictradition.org/Classics/prayer-5b.htm