I think it's a good sign that it gets tougher when we face it and "stand firm". It must mean we're getting opposition. The enemy and our own mind that's been habitually doing the negative response don't want us to stand firm; they want us to cave and respond to things like we always do; believing lies, etc.
I do believe it's a bit easier to stand firm and feel the intense heat (especially when we don't believe the truth in those moments)than it is to go with the anxiety and believe the lies, which leads to more fear and that pile of discouragement and disappointment.
Stand firm! Ephesians 6: 10-17
God never gives us more then we can handle
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Guest
Hi, this is just my opinion and personal experience. I think it just depends, and the more we are attuned with God's voice and His love, the more we can understand what's really going on when we experience fear. I'm not talking about our performance with God, but I'm talking about learning to rest in His presence and love that He freely and sacrificially gives to all of his children. "Perfect love casts out fear" means that His perfect love for us is what guides us. There are times to listen to our "alarm bells", and there are times when we have to work through fear to figure out what's really going on. All emotions are God given-they are neither good nor bad. We are to feel our emotions and handle them appropriately without sinning. Jesus felt all human emotions, yet refrained from sin. However, there are some who believe that any time you experience fear that it is a sin, or that it is always the Devil attacking you, etc. I'm not one of those people. As someone I was speaking to by private message said, "It's the All or Nothing thinking" coming into play. Here's an example. If I'm walking down a dark alley and someone comes at me with a knife, I appreciate my God given fear that pumps adrenaline through my body and gives me the strength to fight or flee. God wants me to be afraid of the danger and threat to my life in that instance.
There are certainly times when God is leading us in a direction, and we are attacked by fear though. The Devil can use our God given emotion of fear and distort it to hurt us if we don't know the truth. So, I'm not disagreeing that that is a possibility, but I am saying it's just not always that way. For me personally, I have found that focusing on God instead of my fear and asking Him to show me the truth is the best weapon. That would go along with KDLady's "standing firm" scripture. It just depends on the situation, and so that's why we really need to cling to God to give us direction in our healing.
Unfortunately, I can think of many instances where my fear, panic attacks, were my body's way of telling me the truth that I was ignoring. I don't think that God wanted me to be in a chronically anxious state, but I hadn't yet learned to trust myself regarding my understanding of His leading and voice, especially when it seemed to go against the opinions of some around me who portrayed themselves as having it all together with God. I have very extreme examples. My son has severe autism. Autism is not detected at birth. After my son's birth, I became consumed with anxiety over my son's well being for basically 2 1/2 years until he was diagnosed. My in-law's were constantly attacking me, and calling me crazy for my behavior. My father in law is a baptist preacher. It turns out that he and my mother in law have a lot of problems spiritually, and they knew that autism ran in their family but didn't tell me. I thought that since they were in the ministry that they were closer to God and their opinion mattered more than mine as my son's God given mother. When it became obvious that something was wrong, which had been their fear that they didn't disclose, it was their defense to say that it was just me acting crazy. So, that's a time in my life where I can clearly see that if I would have known the truth sooner, listened to my fear at its early stages before it got out of control, then the point of the fear was to get my son help, just as if someone were coming at him with a knife. I didn't know any better, and my fear escalated until it was finally confirmed that something was wrong.
When I went through this program, learned better assertiveness skills, learned to have boundaries in my relationships with others and my self, learned to listen to my body before stress got out of control, became less of a people pleaser and accepted that I was already approved in God's eyes even at my worst, learned to trust that God did speak to me and guide me because He does all Christians etc., I still have occasional anxiety, but when I do, I take it to God to ask Him what it really means. So, far it's working:).
I hope this makes sense. I don't think God wants anyone to live a life consumed and controlled by the emotion of fear because He knows it's painful, and that's not what I am saying at all. I'm saying that it's not automatically bad to feel some fear that could just be a message, just like the pain we feel when we touch a hot stove and get burned. Pain is good in that instance because it teaches us not to go around touching hot objects to protect ourselves. The longer we leave our hand on the hot stove, the longer it will cause pain, and it's the same with anxiety. If it's a God given signal, we should figure out what's going on quickly before it gets out of control.
As far as God's plan for you, I believe that Jeremiah applies to all of God's children, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to destroy you, to give you a future and a hope." I agree with you that God has a wonderful plan for you. However, please keep in mind that it may or may not be what we always expect. Sometimes when we are attacked by anxiety we think that God wants us to go on a million mission trips, become famous, etc. That could very well be true, but at the same time, don't underestimate the power of being there for just one person throughout your day in some way that you may initially think is just mundane. Sometimes when we are consumed with anxiety or agoraphobia, we think that we have to get 100% better before God can use us, but I'm hear to say that "God uses the weak and foolish things of this world to confound the wise". Please don't ever think that you will ever be in a condition that God can't or won't use you. You don't ever have to worry about that. Yes, God wants us all to be well and healthy, but that doesn't mean that He can't and won't use us right where we are, even at our very worst. It's because of God and the gifts He's provided that makes that possible. My son is eleven, still in diapers, can't talk because of his autism, and God uses him all of the time just to speak to all of us about unconditional love. I used to be a perfectionist in college, thinking that every good grade I made proved my worth, etc., but of course, there was always someone smarter, more put together, etc. It was a depressing time, but after my experiences with my son, I can honestly tell you that we are all just miraculous! I will never ever take for granted skills and abilities that most of us have that we simply dismiss as being "normal". They aren't normal, they are miraculous!:) All of us are smart, and all of us have value in God's eyes, and all of us are just God made miracles!!!:) So, that's how God has used my son, and I wouldn't trade that lesson for anything. So, God could very well desire that you travel the world, but He may be very pleased that you made it to the grocery store and held the door open with a smile for someone who was having a bad day who just needed someone to care for them in some way. My advice is not to underestimate the many ways that God uses ALL of His children in any condition:)! For me, personally, when I saw that He could use me in my weak condition of anxiety, the pressure was off for me. I became freer and I began to make progress. I don't know that that will help everyone. Maybe it's more motivating for some to think that God has something He wants us to do that we can't do with our anxiety, but for me it's the opposite. It's too much pressure that leads to a lot of guilt if I disappoint Him. I needed to understand that I had value not based on my performance and that He used me even at my worst. So, I hope my opinion doesn't offend because it is just based on my personal experience. Also, after my son was diagnosed, I kept thinking that God wanted me to help all of these other children, be famous, etc. However, my ministry really is to mainly take care of my son and be a good wife and mother. The longer I do it, the more I realize how valuable that is, how miraculous that calling that I dismissed in the beginning really and truly is:).
Take care,
luvpiggy
There are certainly times when God is leading us in a direction, and we are attacked by fear though. The Devil can use our God given emotion of fear and distort it to hurt us if we don't know the truth. So, I'm not disagreeing that that is a possibility, but I am saying it's just not always that way. For me personally, I have found that focusing on God instead of my fear and asking Him to show me the truth is the best weapon. That would go along with KDLady's "standing firm" scripture. It just depends on the situation, and so that's why we really need to cling to God to give us direction in our healing.
Unfortunately, I can think of many instances where my fear, panic attacks, were my body's way of telling me the truth that I was ignoring. I don't think that God wanted me to be in a chronically anxious state, but I hadn't yet learned to trust myself regarding my understanding of His leading and voice, especially when it seemed to go against the opinions of some around me who portrayed themselves as having it all together with God. I have very extreme examples. My son has severe autism. Autism is not detected at birth. After my son's birth, I became consumed with anxiety over my son's well being for basically 2 1/2 years until he was diagnosed. My in-law's were constantly attacking me, and calling me crazy for my behavior. My father in law is a baptist preacher. It turns out that he and my mother in law have a lot of problems spiritually, and they knew that autism ran in their family but didn't tell me. I thought that since they were in the ministry that they were closer to God and their opinion mattered more than mine as my son's God given mother. When it became obvious that something was wrong, which had been their fear that they didn't disclose, it was their defense to say that it was just me acting crazy. So, that's a time in my life where I can clearly see that if I would have known the truth sooner, listened to my fear at its early stages before it got out of control, then the point of the fear was to get my son help, just as if someone were coming at him with a knife. I didn't know any better, and my fear escalated until it was finally confirmed that something was wrong.
When I went through this program, learned better assertiveness skills, learned to have boundaries in my relationships with others and my self, learned to listen to my body before stress got out of control, became less of a people pleaser and accepted that I was already approved in God's eyes even at my worst, learned to trust that God did speak to me and guide me because He does all Christians etc., I still have occasional anxiety, but when I do, I take it to God to ask Him what it really means. So, far it's working:).
I hope this makes sense. I don't think God wants anyone to live a life consumed and controlled by the emotion of fear because He knows it's painful, and that's not what I am saying at all. I'm saying that it's not automatically bad to feel some fear that could just be a message, just like the pain we feel when we touch a hot stove and get burned. Pain is good in that instance because it teaches us not to go around touching hot objects to protect ourselves. The longer we leave our hand on the hot stove, the longer it will cause pain, and it's the same with anxiety. If it's a God given signal, we should figure out what's going on quickly before it gets out of control.
As far as God's plan for you, I believe that Jeremiah applies to all of God's children, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to destroy you, to give you a future and a hope." I agree with you that God has a wonderful plan for you. However, please keep in mind that it may or may not be what we always expect. Sometimes when we are attacked by anxiety we think that God wants us to go on a million mission trips, become famous, etc. That could very well be true, but at the same time, don't underestimate the power of being there for just one person throughout your day in some way that you may initially think is just mundane. Sometimes when we are consumed with anxiety or agoraphobia, we think that we have to get 100% better before God can use us, but I'm hear to say that "God uses the weak and foolish things of this world to confound the wise". Please don't ever think that you will ever be in a condition that God can't or won't use you. You don't ever have to worry about that. Yes, God wants us all to be well and healthy, but that doesn't mean that He can't and won't use us right where we are, even at our very worst. It's because of God and the gifts He's provided that makes that possible. My son is eleven, still in diapers, can't talk because of his autism, and God uses him all of the time just to speak to all of us about unconditional love. I used to be a perfectionist in college, thinking that every good grade I made proved my worth, etc., but of course, there was always someone smarter, more put together, etc. It was a depressing time, but after my experiences with my son, I can honestly tell you that we are all just miraculous! I will never ever take for granted skills and abilities that most of us have that we simply dismiss as being "normal". They aren't normal, they are miraculous!:) All of us are smart, and all of us have value in God's eyes, and all of us are just God made miracles!!!:) So, that's how God has used my son, and I wouldn't trade that lesson for anything. So, God could very well desire that you travel the world, but He may be very pleased that you made it to the grocery store and held the door open with a smile for someone who was having a bad day who just needed someone to care for them in some way. My advice is not to underestimate the many ways that God uses ALL of His children in any condition:)! For me, personally, when I saw that He could use me in my weak condition of anxiety, the pressure was off for me. I became freer and I began to make progress. I don't know that that will help everyone. Maybe it's more motivating for some to think that God has something He wants us to do that we can't do with our anxiety, but for me it's the opposite. It's too much pressure that leads to a lot of guilt if I disappoint Him. I needed to understand that I had value not based on my performance and that He used me even at my worst. So, I hope my opinion doesn't offend because it is just based on my personal experience. Also, after my son was diagnosed, I kept thinking that God wanted me to help all of these other children, be famous, etc. However, my ministry really is to mainly take care of my son and be a good wife and mother. The longer I do it, the more I realize how valuable that is, how miraculous that calling that I dismissed in the beginning really and truly is:).
Take care,
luvpiggy
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Guest
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Guest
<span class="ev_code_RED">HELLO.......DID ANYONE notice that poor MOONILIGHT was REACHING OUT for a SIMPLE and more than likely SIMPLE ANSWER to her question (FOLLOWING) ??</span>
<span class="ev_code_PURPLE">I myself HAVE NOT been on any Forums for MONTHS and am also feeling EXTREMELY overwhelmed!! (Had I not been here before, these responses would have chased me off AND DISCOURAGED ME even MORESO!!) I hope that is NOT the case with MOONLIGHT!!....... If you noticed, her name has NOT BEEN BACK AT ALL. </span> There IS a time for PREACHING & DEEP discussions, but PLEASE (for the sake of the NEWCOMERS) REALIZE when someone is seeking a SIMPLE ANSWER OF COMFORT !!!! Or maybe a "welcome"...."we understand, and we're here for you"."I am new to this program and feel quite overwhelmed. I have panic attacks that are quite debilitating. I know God never gives us more then we can handle and just wonder how some of you cope and get through."
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Guest
Hi,
I deeply and sincerely apologize. You are so right, and it's my fault for starting this discussion. I stated one sentence about how I knew Moonlight was reaching out for help, and I can only hope that I didn't scare her off. I will send her a private message apologizing as well. Please know that the comment "God never gives you more than you can handle" has caused me pain, and if it was causing moonlight any pain, I just wanted to show another perspective. Still, that got very lost because of me.
Thank you for calling this to our attention.
God bless you,
luvpiggy
I deeply and sincerely apologize. You are so right, and it's my fault for starting this discussion. I stated one sentence about how I knew Moonlight was reaching out for help, and I can only hope that I didn't scare her off. I will send her a private message apologizing as well. Please know that the comment "God never gives you more than you can handle" has caused me pain, and if it was causing moonlight any pain, I just wanted to show another perspective. Still, that got very lost because of me.
Thank you for calling this to our attention.
God bless you,
luvpiggy
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Guest
I do not think any of these responses would have discouraged "Moonlight ranch" from using the stresscenter.com forums. Everyone who replied was being helpful while also expressing their own opinions.
"luvpiggy's" responses were detailed, very clear, and full of truth. I found "luvpiggy's" reply posts to be very empowering and I am sure many others did to.
Read "phingirl13" posts on page 1 that says: "Thank you to all who replied to my start of this forum..." The user "phingirl13" - is this not "Moonlight ranch" signing in to stresscenter.com with a different account?
"luvpiggy's" responses were detailed, very clear, and full of truth. I found "luvpiggy's" reply posts to be very empowering and I am sure many others did to.
Read "phingirl13" posts on page 1 that says: "Thank you to all who replied to my start of this forum..." The user "phingirl13" - is this not "Moonlight ranch" signing in to stresscenter.com with a different account?
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Guest
I apologize for the misunderstanding and discomfort this discussion has brought to anyone. By all means I know that it is hard to fight this anxiety battle and I too feel sometimes like its just TOO MUCH but in hindsight the Lord is always with me. Helping me guiding me and encouraging and even strengthening me, Right when I need it and not a minute too late.I know He will do the same for you.
love and prayers
Jilly
love and prayers
Jilly
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Guest
I do not like the statement God never gives us more than we can handle. If that were true then people would not commit suicide, or give up hope of ever feeling better. I personally believe that there are times in life that you can't handle it. I believe God can put people or things in your life to help you endure. Maybe thats what is meant by sharing your burdens.
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Guest
This is a little off-topic, but I just wanted to mention that Christians really do come up with a lot of interesting and sometimes wacky sounding phrases.
I learned some of these just by watching the Christian comedian Tim Hawkins.
"Hedge of Protection" - People praying a 'hedge of protection' over you. As if Satan can't jump over a bush? Or he doesn't like gardening?
"Bless the hands that made this food" - what, we can't bless the whole person, just the hands? That's a little spooky don't you think.
There are a lot of sayings that get passed around and down through generations...some of them have truth, some are downright ridiculous, but a lot of them are just repeated without thinking.
I don't mean to hijack this thread, and I certainly don't mean to make light of anyone's situation, I just wanted to add to the discussion but also give my 2 shekels about some of these sayings. We don't have to subscribe to any of them if we don't want to.
I learned some of these just by watching the Christian comedian Tim Hawkins.
"Hedge of Protection" - People praying a 'hedge of protection' over you. As if Satan can't jump over a bush? Or he doesn't like gardening?
"Bless the hands that made this food" - what, we can't bless the whole person, just the hands? That's a little spooky don't you think.
There are a lot of sayings that get passed around and down through generations...some of them have truth, some are downright ridiculous, but a lot of them are just repeated without thinking.
I don't mean to hijack this thread, and I certainly don't mean to make light of anyone's situation, I just wanted to add to the discussion but also give my 2 shekels about some of these sayings. We don't have to subscribe to any of them if we don't want to.
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Guest
Dearest (Sissy) Shifrah,
I just read your posting and I thank God for you!!! I feel the need to further clarify on the "hedge" thing...BTW: Love Ya Bunches Sissy!!!
So, here it goes...
Job 1:8 “And the LORD said unto Satan, “Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
Job 1:9 “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, “Doth Job fear God for nought?” (KJV)
In other words Satan accusing that Job loving God for nothing. Satan known as the accuser here in:
Revelation 12:10 “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (KJV)
accuser (Strong’s 2728) to rust down, corrode or canker; (from Strong’s 2596) down or against; and (der. from (Strong’s 2447) rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted by serpents); poison, rust.
Let’s continue in Job:
Job 1:10 “Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” (KJV)
hedge (Strong’s 7753) to entwine, i.e. shut in (for formation, protection or restraint); fence, (make an) hedge (up).
This hedge was there because Job asked God to put it there. Ask dear God to put that cover or hedge over you and your loved ones and He will. Let’s continue:
Job 1:11 “But put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and He will curse Thee to Thy face.”
Job 1:12 “And the LORD said unto Satan, “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” (KJV)
So Satan did touch his family and his belongings here in:
Job 1:18 “While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, “Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:”
Job 1:19 “And behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”
Job 1:20 “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,” (KJV)
So after this happened Job went to dear God and loved and worshipped him.
Now that is faith on his part and the best lesson to do if any destruction or negativity comes upon you. It is Satan and things of this world and not God that does this.
Talk to dear God and cleanse yourself out, through His Son, so that you continue with your life. That way you are making yourself right and asking that He cover those in your family and your loved ones. The Best Place to stay is right by Him not only in desolate times, but in good times!!!
May God Bless Each of You is My Prayer!!!
I just read your posting and I thank God for you!!! I feel the need to further clarify on the "hedge" thing...BTW: Love Ya Bunches Sissy!!!
So, here it goes...
Job 1:8 “And the LORD said unto Satan, “Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
Job 1:9 “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, “Doth Job fear God for nought?” (KJV)
In other words Satan accusing that Job loving God for nothing. Satan known as the accuser here in:
Revelation 12:10 “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (KJV)
accuser (Strong’s 2728) to rust down, corrode or canker; (from Strong’s 2596) down or against; and (der. from (Strong’s 2447) rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted by serpents); poison, rust.
Let’s continue in Job:
Job 1:10 “Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” (KJV)
hedge (Strong’s 7753) to entwine, i.e. shut in (for formation, protection or restraint); fence, (make an) hedge (up).
This hedge was there because Job asked God to put it there. Ask dear God to put that cover or hedge over you and your loved ones and He will. Let’s continue:
Job 1:11 “But put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and He will curse Thee to Thy face.”
Job 1:12 “And the LORD said unto Satan, “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” (KJV)
So Satan did touch his family and his belongings here in:
Job 1:18 “While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, “Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:”
Job 1:19 “And behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”
Job 1:20 “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,” (KJV)
So after this happened Job went to dear God and loved and worshipped him.
Now that is faith on his part and the best lesson to do if any destruction or negativity comes upon you. It is Satan and things of this world and not God that does this.
Talk to dear God and cleanse yourself out, through His Son, so that you continue with your life. That way you are making yourself right and asking that He cover those in your family and your loved ones. The Best Place to stay is right by Him not only in desolate times, but in good times!!!
May God Bless Each of You is My Prayer!!!
Last edited by Guest on Fri Aug 07, 2009 6:27 am, edited 1 time in total.