Confused...

[Ian74]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

 

[Lambano]

Well brother, welcome!

I'm pretty confident you're not being punished. Whether you're being tested, I have no idea. Maybe you're just more aware.

Or maybe the Powers That Be don't want you heading in the "God is real" direction. Maybe they don't want you believing that Jesus's death for your sins and his resurrection are your sign that you really are forgiven.

Don't be discouraged. Keep walking this path. Keep trusting.

 

[n2thelight]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

When you turn to God the enemy comes harder ,prayers for you

 

[TLHKAJ]

Trials do come hard at times when you turn to Christ.

I came to Christ 36 years ago at the age of 13. I was the only person in my household serving Christ and there was much evil in my home. I remember going to church and testifying that I was thankful for the trials because they brought me closer to Christ. But to this day, what I remember more powerfully is God's amazing love and presence in my life in the midst of those trials.

The closer you draw to Him, the more you'll be able to endure testing. Stay in the Word, delight yourself in the Lord ....run to Him when things get rough. He's your shelter, your refuge, your hiding place.

Psalm 61:2-4
[2]From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
[3]For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
[4]I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Proverbs 18:10
[10]The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Maybe we can share encouraging scripture here to help you along. Hide the Word in your heart. It's the sword of the spirit.

1 Peter 1:7-9
[7]That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
[8]Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
[9]Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 4:12-13
[12]Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
[13]But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

[dev553344]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

The devil does not want us to turn to God. So when we do he tries to discourage us. The difficulty will leave if you commit to God and continue. The devil will stop eventually. Press thru it and you will be blessed. We have blessings to be resurrected and brought into a heavenly home after this life. And we get to have the heavenly spiritual gifts of Love, Peace and Joy when we serve God (Galatians 5:22-23).

But yes Satan will eventually stop:

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

[prism]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

Learn first what Christ has done for you, then you will serve Him with a thankful heart.

 

[Mantis]

When someone new hears the word, the devil swoops in and tries to steal it away. Just pray more to God and lean on him.

 

[BloodBought 1953]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

Satan does not like it when he loses somebody that he had previously blinded....as long as he “ has” you he’s gonna leave you alone....Congratulations , you are now in a War....” We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but Evil Rulers in high places”...... it might get rough at times , but God uses Satan at times to test us or make us doubtful or just plain make us miserable .....never fear however—- God will use it all for His Good in the end and make your Faith strong. Never forget this— “ Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the World”.......

 

[quietthinker]

one thing is certain; God and Satan are not in cahoots

 

[GRACE ambassador]

I would welcome any insight

Precious friend, A Very Warm Welcome to the Board.

Learn first what Christ has done for you, then you will serve Him with a thankful heart.

Amen! This study may be helpful:
God's OPERATION On All New-born babes In CHRIST!

GRACE And Peace...

 

[farouk]

When someone new hears the word, the devil swoops in and tries to steal it away. Just pray more to God and lean on him.

@Mantis The Parable of the Sower, right?

Essential to be good ground where the seed germinates and takes root....

 

[Windmillcharge]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

Welcome to the forum.
Yes the devil is trying to discourage you, do stand firm.

May I suggest that you check out the church web sites in your area, if unsure try the christianityexplored web site, and start attending church.
do ask questions of the preacher.

People here will also try to answer your questions.

 

[GEN2REV]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

Congratulations!

You are a soldier for Christ now.

You are fighting a battle on multiple fronts; the spiritual and the physical.

You have to learn to live between two worlds. You are now a stranger in the physical and not yet fully in the spiritual. Your physical body is a Temple of the Lord. Learn to respect it and take care of it; and mind everything that you put into it.

It is not easy, but it is worth it and you will come to know spiritual guidance and assistance like you never have before. Make the Bible your top priority in order to be reinforced daily with knowledge, wisdom and understanding; and in order to spend time with God when you are spending time in His Word.

Life without faith has its own challenges; life with faith is different, but much more rich in profound lessons and rewards. Take everything to God and ask for anything you feel you need.

God bless.

one thing is certain; God and Satan are not in cahoots

That is debatable.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

my life has become noticeably harder

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

 

[amigo de christo]

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

For he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin . Yep . God allows trials , but them trials will work to the good of the lambs
let us take it patiently and let it have its work . THE LORD IS OUR HOPE and OUR SALVATION

 

[Dropship]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....
But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.
I would welcome any insight

Tough it out..
"All creation groans in pain from the beginning til now" (Romans 8:22)
"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)
Jesus said "To follow me you must carry your own cross daily" (Luke 9:23)
"We share in Jesus's sufferings in order to share in his glory" (Romans 8:17)
"God didn't spare his own son" (Romans 8:32)
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.." (James 1:12)

But for those who want a soft, easy religion, Christianity's not for them -
"They prefer teachers who only tell them what they want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3)

How about it sarge?
"Take the pain! TAKE THE PAIN!"

 

[farouk]

Tough it out..
"All creation groans in pain from the beginning til now" (Romans 8:22)
"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)
Jesus said "To follow me you must carry your own cross daily" (Luke 9:23)
"We share in Jesus's sufferings in order to share in his glory" (Romans 8:17)
"God didn't spare his own son" (Romans 8:32)
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.." (James 1:12)

But for those who want a soft, easy religion, Christianity's not for them -
"They prefer teachers who only tell them what they want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3)

How about it sarge?
"Take the pain! TAKE THE PAIN!"

@Dropship I love those Romans 8 quotes; a tremendous chapter amidst the trials and uncertainties of life...

 

[Angelina]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

Amazing revelation from God. Yes we have some ups and downs but I think you will find that new believers tend to have more grace rather than anything. Bless you xox

 

[Behold]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....
But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.
I would welcome any insight

Generally.....The reason 'everything seems harder" as you are describing it... is because you are trying to work at Salvation, vs, just resting in it.

When you believed in Christ, and asked God for forgiveness....>He DID.
So, what you feel, is only in your head,... as its not in His Thinking.

Being Saved, is not to live in the regret of past mistakes, or to try to perform for God, after He has SAVED you, so that you can try to stay saved.

Salvation, ... understanding it correctly, is......You sin is forgiven and you and God are Father and Child.......forever !
You have now PEACE with God....that is caused not by your behavior, but by Christ's Death on the Cross for you.

See that? See Christ on the Cross?
That is why God forgave you, and why you will remain forgiven.
That is why God is ALWAYS at peace with you.
So, REST in this TRUTH, and find you peace for today and hope for tomorrow.

 

[Philip James]

A few weeks ago, I came to the realisation that God is real. Since then I have begun to pray, asked forgiveness, tried to live the best way I can....

But my life has become noticeably harder. Everything I do seems to go wrong, it is making my life miserable. Am I being tested? Punished perhaps? That is certainly how it feels.

I would welcome any insight

Hi Ian,

Perhaps you are beinh prodded to be be Baptized and join Christ's body, the Church?

You too! Are welcome to come to the wedding Feast of the Lamb of God!

Pax et Bonum