Thread for Prowl #2

[sandi2]

Hi Prowl, I will answer the question you asked me about being religious. I don't use the following line of language, unless a poster specifically asks me something about it .............then it opens my floodgates. I hope you won't mind the length of my post and allowing me to share. I know everyone does not have the same religious beliefs, and what I say may be completely different from how you believe.

Sandi may I ask you if you are religious? From remembering your story I do believe you are...

Today my WW made the comment that the harder she tried to do the right thing the harder Satan worked on her until finally she gave in and didn't care anymore. (Sounded like an admission to me)

She then said rambled about it being my fault for being mean to her and that she is trying to find her way back but that she definitely doesn't want to be married to me. The more I brought up religion and not giving into what Satan wants, the angrier she got with me. Probably the angriest I've heard her in months.

At times we can experience those feelings whenever we are "trying" (as your W stated) in our own humanness, instead of surrendering everything to God. She feels she is in a losing battle, partly b/c of the pressure (temptation) from Satan, but mostly b/c she refuses to let go of what is causing her to be wayward.

I was raised in a Christian home and have been in Church all my life. God, Bible, and Church was the center of my life .......right up to when I strayed. At least I "thought" it was the center, but I look back and see that I had stopped my daily studing, praying, etc. So, I wasn't putting on the full armor for the battle that was headed my way.

Not just b/c I did it, but I believe anyone is capable of developing the foundation in the heart to become wayward. Everyone is human and Believer or not, either faith and/or values, principles, & morals can be tested. I prayed about my resentment and other feelings, but I eventually let it slide. Then when I was so overwhelmed by conditions around me, Satan hit hard when my defenses were the weakest. He loves it when we are vulnerable, unhappy, and weakened. He presents something that gives a temporary " fix" and we seem to feel better. We take the bait and next comes the hook.

It can feel like a terrible time of testing, especially when you feel completely alone. Remember, it begins as a secret, for the wayward. Nobody knows.......except God who sees the heart. So the wayward Believer will put up walls, as if to hide from Him. That person stops turning to God and takes matters into their own hands. And of course, that's when Satan smiles.

Another reason she may feel as though she's on the losing end is b/c of the lack of spiritual feelings. Comes with the territory, when one chooses to stray away from God's way. Young Believers who first begin on their Christian journey, may experience certain "feelings" that assures them God is listening and answering. As a Christian matures in their faith, they are suppose to exercise their "faith" by believing and applying the teachings of God..........even if there are no feelings or signs from heaven. Faith is a spiritual action. The solution, for me, is found in God's Word and totally leaning (believing) on what I KNOW to be Truth. Trouble with many of us is that we are seeking that immediate feeling in our hearts and seek immediate signs or proof that our problems have been fixed. For mature Believers, God doesn't always give a certain feeling or some sign. For sure, I don't think she will experience it, as long as she stays divided and keeps one foot in sinful living.

He has a reason, a purpose, and even "allows" us to be tempted by Satan, which is an opportunity to mature if we take God's way. We sure find out what we are made of, real quick. For me, I discovered I had held pride in my heart. I judged others who showed any signs of waywardness. Don't you know I have been humbled down to my smallest toe!! I found out that I was no better than those I had judged, b/c I failed probably the biggest test of my Christian life. I could have chosen God's way and so much pain would have been avoided. But let me quickly add, God always has His arms spread wide and never turns His back. We are the ones who choose to cause distance from Him. We always have free choice, and we always can repent and He will forgive. However, He may give us a spanking for our wayward deeds and the destruction we left in our trail.

If your W is saying that Satan's power (the temptation, that sense of feeling drawn against your better knowledge) is just too strong and therefore she is giving up the fight..........then it suggests that she knows it's a spiritual battle for her (at least, in part) and she is saying she doesn't want to choose God's way out b/c it's too hard. It is not too hard, but she has to be willing to let go. She is wanting to surrender to the temptation that is pulling her through the way of destruction. She doesn't see the destruction it causes, b/c Satan is a master deceiver of all things. She is addicted to the feelings that the flesh desires. That is what drives her right now. That is why it usually takes a long time of harsh reality before she begins to see through the rose colored glasses Satan put over her eyes.

I know it is so hard not to say anything about all of this, but the more you say about it, the worse she is going to react. I have seen wonder ministers preach to their own family, and they would rebell even more. It's something about hearing those truths from the person closest to the wayward, that just causes those walls to go higher. Yes, they get very angry b/c you speak about God.......and their heart is not in a holy condition when they are wayward. You are seeing the results of what happens when a Christian listens to the father of lies instead of the Father of Life.

Continue to pray for your WW, b/c that is your power source. He is a loving God, and loves her more than you do. Your faith is being tested, too. ((hugs))

Sorry for such a long and roundabout reply. One reason I don't get into more of this subject is b/c it's hard for me to find a stopping place. . I am very honored that you turned to me. I don't know that I gave a satisfactory answer, but I hope it helps in some way.