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Coping.... - 5/16/2008 1:31:51 PM
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Concerto
Posts: 218
Joined: 10/20/2006
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Hi all:
If you read or watch or listen to news, you will learn that a lot of really really bad things are happening each and every day. My question is, how do you cope?
Some will say things have always been bad, which is true, but that response is devoid of any help.
Others will say things are not that bad, which is false, things are very very bad. We like to pretend things are not that bad, we wrap ourselves in our cocoons (job, family, hobbies), nice little knit worlds, attempting to shield us from the evils of the world, until that evil penetrates our world...
Personally, I believe a part of me still wishes to be optimistic that there is still good out there, which is there, but, only through God. I have learned that sin has infected everyone and is present everywhere, even in the church. I try to find safe havens in hobbies etc., but realize only God is the true shield.
I feel helpless a lot. I want to fix the world, but I can't. The world is under a curse, and is "under the sway of the evil one."
I sense sin so profoundly, everywhere...even within me, which disgusts me. And yet, I find myself getting prideful, and judging, which is wrong. I mean, tv, schools, the news, sports, everywhere, sin is there.
It's like the world is a sinking ship (until Christ returns). Things are just going to get worse and worse (contrary to what the politicians say). I think of all the sad stories, children getting sick or hurt..and I feel bummed out.
I know what you will say, go to Him in prayer. Read His Word. You are right. True joy can only be found in him. But, it is discouraging, as I survey the world, everywhere, tainted by sin.
I recently heard a song by FFH, "Ready to Fly". I am ready to fly...from my sin...
Just wondering, how do you cope with such horrific things happening in our world every single day?
Thanks...
C
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RE: Coping.... - 5/16/2008 1:50:07 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1305
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
Status: offline
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How do I cope? By looking for my opportunities to serve and anticipate His next Challenge rather then being content to not allow myself be encouraged.
_____________________________
"[Prayer power] hasn't never been taxed to[His]full capacity. His standing challenge, 'Call on
Me and I will answer with great and mighty things which thou can't imagine." Hudson Tayor
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RE: Coping.... - 5/16/2008 3:24:16 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 1175
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Concerto
It's like the world is a sinking ship (until Christ returns). Things are just going to get worse and worse (contrary to what the politicians say).
Deep questions, Concerto. Here's an answer from Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end
God's government and the peace He gives gets bigger and bigger and nothing on earth can stop that. There are more people becoming Christians every day, and God is working in every part of the globe to make His Church (not any denomination, but the body of believers) show His glory and bring about His ends.
Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Remember the song:
The name of the Lord is like a strong tower,
The righteous shall run unto it.
And they'll go forth in victory,
Triumphing over the enemy
And they'll go forth to kick in the gates of hell,
For they are the army of God.
Be glad this is the internet so I don't sing it to you. 
1 Cor. 15:54 says
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Who can argue with a God like this? Or hope to win against Him? No one can!
1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Our weapons?
2 Corinthians 10:4
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds
God is the one making victory among us, and He works through our faith in Him, not ourselves and not the world rotting around us. Yeah, He lets things happen - consequences of unrighteousness, and there are innocent victims of that. We can do something to help but no one can do it all. So do something. And do it knowing that God is at work on you and on the whole body of believers, bringing about His will and His glory.
Your salvation came about because of the horrible death of an innocent Man - what other tricks does God have up His sleeve? We don't know, but He's God and we are His creatures and He has a plan that can't be corrupted. So thank Him, and get on with your part of the picture, and rejoice in God because He is good (and you'll be rejoicing when you see the whole picture, so why not rejoice now anyway? It IS going to happen. In fact, it is happening now). So get a jump on the ending because you know it is good. You've read the last page of the story, and God wins. So do His people. Rejoice, Christian, and go help someone or share your faith with them. 
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: Coping.... - 5/16/2008 3:27:19 PM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3438
Joined: 1/9/2007
From: Payson, Arizona
Status: offline
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By looking to the Lord. By understanding that He is in control and has a purpose for things He allows to happen, even though I may not understand it. By understanding that this world is not my home, I'm just passing through. That one day, I will be in His kingdom and there will be no more sorrow, or pain, or death, or tears. By looking to Him and drawing close to Him till the things of this world do "grow strangely dim". By helping when and where I can. Some days by crying out, "Help Lord", or "Come Lord Jesus".
Yes, I will tell you to read the Bible, pray, and spend time with Him. He's with you always. And He is the great comforter. satan would love to make us feel helpless and hopeless. Be of no use to the Lord. We can't let him. We have good news to share.
God's word tells us to put on the whole armor of God.
In Ephesians 6:10-18 the armor of God is listed as truth, righteousness, faith, gospel of peace, salvation, and the word of God.
It also says:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Hope this helps. God Bless.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Coping.... - 5/16/2008 3:59:54 PM
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terryjohn
Posts: 379
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline
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I have discovered things are usually worst than I can ever imagine, however, the more I learn the more I see the truth of what God says about it. I also see that there is no other we can find an answer in but Christ. I also see that as the song goes, "I didn't promise you a rose garden." That is, it would be wrong to think it would or could be any other way. You could say life is the furnace in which men are burned up in or refined.
I also see one of our problem, with regard to pain and suffering, is our worshipping life in that it becomes all important to live and enjoy ourselves and avoid anything that takes away from our percieved right to live and enjoy ourselves. Some with this thinking curse God for all their pain and suffering and even the evil they see.
Nevertheless, I would rather be of the attitude that outlined in Romans 5:1-6 and Romans 8. Yes somethings are sad, and yes somethings are meant to make us angery but faith tells me God is good and requires something of us all if things are to get better.
It is floolishness to suppose this world could be any other way and this is the accusation unbelievers use against believers and yet they too say in their own unbelief why is it not that way. Thank God there are consequences to sin so that others may see and learn not to insult the grace and love of God. In the end, what shall seperate us from the love of God? I guess it is true that our present suffering are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us.
And yet let us all respond to our present sufferings with power, passion, understanding and above all the love of Chirst.
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RE: Coping.... - 5/16/2008 4:51:21 PM
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mvic
Posts: 456
Joined: 1/17/2008
Status: offline
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Hi Concerto,
There are a lot of bad things happening in the world - and the chances are it will get worse. Although I believe there is still a lot of good out there too.
Let's consider this argument for a moment: It is said that God loves us - so let's take that for granted. In which case, I don't think it is in His interest to have His own followers pushed and tested so much that they loose Faith in Him. What's the point in that self-defeating objective?
So although things are bad out there He will see us through it. This doesn't meant that we abrogate all our responsibilities and do nothing. Far from it. We are not protected by an invisible God-shield. We must play our part in the midst of what's going on in the world.
How do we do that?
Simple answer but difficult to achieve: We live our lives as a true example to others on how to be Christ-like. We are all role models whether we realise it or not. So let's be genuine Christ-like role models.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
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