Struggling in Faith

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Permalink Reply by Jared Eggo on July 24, 2009 at 1:38am

I know how you feel. My walk with God took a back seat when I started EMT school this past January. I'm still struggling to get back on track. I would like to add my own name to that prayer list.

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Permalink Reply by Cassie on August 3, 2009 at 12:51am

I'll pray for you. It's nice to know I don't stand alone in my struggle.

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Permalink Reply by Old Fireguy on July 28, 2009 at 2:43pm

Cassie,

Although this thread is almost two months old, I am compelled to respond. I lost a Cassie (pt) a little over 10 years ago in an MVA. A beautiful 17 year old, she passed while I was doing compressions and an entire team was working desperately to keep her with us. There are times when it is difficult to understand the Lord's plan. It was one of my biggest PTSD incidents.

Fear not, for the Lord is with you. Sometimes we loose sight of that fact and feel abandoned, but we aren't. We are imperfect by nature, but that's ok with the Lord. It is why Jesus was sent to us. We are not alone and we are forgiven.

My pastor had a great sermon a few years ago that addressed this very issue. The conclusion was that the Lord is beside us and speaking to us, but are we listening? I have found that most often when I am troubled and afraid the answer is "no." If I can manage to quiet my soul (through prayer or reading or conversations with others) I am then able to hear what is being said. The distractions of this world can distract us easily, but He is always there when we are again ready to listen.

My prayers are with you.

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Permalink Reply by Cassie on August 3, 2009 at 12:39am

Thanks for replying, every new reply of support on here lifts my spirits. I'm still struggling and I have unanswered questions that plague me... but there are also moments it's all clear. I'm really trying to focus on listening for God instead of complaining or arguing with Him. Thanks for the advice and prayers. Please keep them going... my journey is far from over and I'd love all the support I can get.

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Permalink Reply by Old Fireguy on August 3, 2009 at 11:01am

Your journey will not be over in this lifetime, the trick is to keep moving in the direction of the Lord.

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd Chief Sharp on August 1, 2009 at 1:52am

Cassie, first and foremost, the Lord has left you nor forsaken you. We move or turn from the truth to believe a lie. God is and has been there all along. The fact that your heart is yearning for Gods love and strength says allot about that. You need to recognize that God is still right there with you and communicate with Him. Seek fellowship with others and be encouraged in the faith. When we realize that there is something missing and we miss the knowledge of Gods presence in our lives its Gods gentle reminder that He is there longing for our fellowship and love. Reach out to Him and seek Him with all your heart. He will meet you right where you are.

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Permalink Reply by Cassie on August 3, 2009 at 12:41am

Thanks for your advice and support. I've got a long way to go, but the prayers and loving support of fellow Christians are holding me up when I feel ready to fall.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on August 3, 2009 at 12:00pm

As firefighters we are busy people. We are busy working, training, learning new skills, and trying to squeeze in family time where we can. Just like neglecting or being to busy to spend quality time can deteriorate relationships at home, the same can be said for our relationship with God. There is no easy answer and its something that I know I struggle with, as well, trying to keep everything in balance. Sometimes I need just pull back a little on the reins and re-center myself. Going to church can be a help, but sometimes just knowing where to go in God's word to find an answer is a help too...generally, I find solace in the Psalms or Proverbs. Just like on the fireground, none of us can do it alone. Keep in mind Proverbs 24:16, "A just man (person) falls seven times and rises again...". Just keep getting up and starting again, that's the key.

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Permalink Reply by Jared Eggo on August 4, 2009 at 11:04am

So how are ya doin lately Cassie?

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Permalink Reply by Cassie on August 13, 2009 at 2:36am

Ummm.... okay. I'm holding in there. I have better days and worse days as far as the state of my faith/awareness of God goes. There were a couple really good moments when I went to a new church here in California, where I'm just finishing my summer internship.

I've got so many questions and doubts... and it's hard to find answers. I'm thinking of looking for some literature about what other Christians think, answers others have found in studying the Bible, etc. Hopefully I'll be able to make some progress on a more intellectual level doing that.

I've also been trying to bring God into my life more, taking time to pray before bed and other little things like that to keep Him always on my mind.

Thanks for asking, it's comforting to know there is a community of fellow Christians and fellow firefighters supporting me.

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Permalink Reply by Old Fireguy on August 12, 2009 at 9:46pm

Just checkin' in. My prayers are with you.

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Permalink Reply by Cassie on August 13, 2009 at 2:36am

Hey, thanks. I really appreciate you checking in. Your prayers mean a lot to me.

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