Trying to find my way

Journey322 · #1 Jun 25, '12, 10:46 pm

To be honest, I'm not sure how much this will help, but I suppose it can't hurt. I used to be a devout Southern Baptist (very solid in my beliefs). However, now I am quite lost and confused. I am doubting everything I once thought I believed in, including the existence of God. If God is out there, He needs to help me find my way. I can't content with the struggle forever. I know myself. Eventually, I will give up and move on.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

utunumsint · #2 Jun 25, '12, 10:56 pm

Don't leave him. Stay in his presence.

We catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Find an adoration chapel, and be with him there.

I am praying for you.
God be with you. Ut

IanGE · #3 Jun 26, '12, 1:47 am

It took me 21 years of painful searching before God allowed me to find Him - back to where I started!

But I do not regret any of the horrid steps on my journey: they have strengthed my faith immeasurably. I also realise that those single footsteps in the sand were when Jesus was carrying me. Just as He is carrying you, my friend. A friend of mine says, "you can't turn your back on God cos He's all round you!"

**JRKH** · #4 Jun 26, '12, 4:19 am

Holding you up in prayer.....

Like IanGE above, I was away for some time also...one thing I did learn is that God is near even when you think He is not.
Go ahead and ask questions, study and learn, but also remember to relax, to take a walk, to "be still and know..."
There is more of God in a sunrise, a thunderstorm and a child's giggle than in all the books ever written - and there is more of God in your heart than you can know.

Peace
James

Sjonesd3 · #5 Jun 26, '12, 5:21 am

The struggle makes the journey to God much better. I'm only 20 but I was going through doubts a little while back it helps to immerse in prayer and the Bible

GRATEFULONEjim · #6 Jun 26, '12, 5:34 am

As a Baptist you are a Christian. I think you are just being called to further your journey and that could mean beginning to understand the basis of Catholicism. I am not goading you into leaving your church. I am just saying you may be at a point in your life that you need to expand your horizons. I am going to ask you to step out of your comfort zone and go talk with a priest in the local parish. Tell him what you are feeling and hear what he has to say. At worst you will have a conversation with another Christian. At best, you may find yourself coming home. I will be praying for you that you will find what you are seeking, and end up happy with whatever path you choose.

**Trishie** · #7 Jun 26, '12, 5:57 am

It is distressing when our fervently held beliefs begin to fade.
I'm feel for you that you are going through this confusion and questioning of your beliefs.

Loving God please give guidance to Journey322, towards the understanding and grace that Your desire to give. Please lead Your loved child in the way that You desire.
Sometimes such uncertainty and doubt that Journey322 is a springboard to a deeper faith and understanding.
Please grant that it will be so.

**tbcrawford** · #8 Jun 26, '12, 7:04 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Journey322

To be honest, I'm not sure how much this will help, but I suppose it can't hurt. I used to be a devout Southern Baptist (very solid in my beliefs). However, now I am quite lost and confused. I am doubting everything I once thought I believed in, including the existence of God. If God is out there, He needs to help me find my way. I can't content with the struggle forever. I know myself. Eventually, I will give up and move on.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

Dear Journey I am sorry you are going through this period of questuining and doubt.It is normal for us all to go through periods of doubt.All I can say is, for me personally, I have just been through some of the most difficult times in my life.God has guided me and answered my prayers every step of the way.This is a little prayer that was in our church bulletin on Sunday and I hope it helps you....it spoke volumes to me.
God bless

Lord, I do not know what to ask for.
You alone know what my true needs are.
You love me more than I know how to love myself.

Help me to see my real needs which are too often hidden from me.
I dare not ask either for the cross or for consolation.

Visit and help me, for Your great mercy's sake.
Strike me and heal me; cast me down and raise me up.

I worship in silence Your holy will and Your inscrutable ways.
I offer myself as a sacrifice to You. In You I place all my trust.

I have no other desire than to do Your will.
Teach me to pray, and do You,Your very self pray in me .

Archbishop Anthony Bloom

**ready** · #9 Jun 26, '12, 3:31 pm

Mother Mary, I commend Journey332 to you. Please lead him/her to your Son through your powerful maternal mediation and help him to have faith, the kind that can move mountains. May he/she turn to you for your assistance and receive your unfailing help. Amen.

Journey322 · #10 Jun 26, '12, 8:47 pm

Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement and your prayers. I have read on here where people have posted prayer over much more difficult circumstances. I appreciate you taking the time to attend to my little request as well.

NeedsMercy · #11 Jun 26, '12, 10:26 pm

The Merton Prayer
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

(Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude")

IanGE · #12 Jun 27, '12, 12:43 am

Some years ago the Lord was chatting to me and I asked, "Lord. who is the twin of (doubting) Thomas Didymus? He is not mentioned in the Bible." The Lord answered, in a chatty tone: "You, Ian"!

UpUpAndAway · #13 Jun 27, '12, 10:57 am

Remembering you in my daily prayers. God bless

**tbcrawford** · #14 Jun 27, '12, 12:28 pm

Memorare (Prayer to Our Lady)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

**tbcrawford** · #15 Jun 29, '12, 10:55 am

Memorare (Prayer to Our Lady)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen