Comments on: The Time of Testing

By: hardcorefaith

hardcorefaith — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:05:55 +0000

I'm so glad that God saw fit to keep Elis around a while longer. You guys seem like an awesome team and I love watching you guys chat back and forth on Facebook Thanks for your support.
Keep it Hardcore… always!

By: hardcorefaith

hardcorefaith — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:19:26 +0000

Someone once said to me that life was far easier before he became a Christian. Once someone has become a Christian they begin seeing and learning about a God who cares, loves, and only wants the best for us. However, we only ever see a few pieces of the big picture as we go along life's road, and sometimes life is hard. It's often during times of extended trails and testing that we can begin to ask, "Has God forgotten me?" "Is there another way?" "Why me Lord?"

I have asked all of the above questions of God… and many more. And it's at these times when pat answers are just annoying and irksome. That people won't surround you at this time just shows what a joke the church has become. We say we care and love, but when someone is going through difficult times we say, "I'll pray for you." Don't get me wrong, praying for someone is all good and well and I would never dissuade anyone from praying for others. But what good is praying for someone who is hungry when we have a Twinkie in our back pocket? Likewise, you need friends, but what good is a Christian who is not willing to be a friend?

Susan, know this. I will pray for you (as will, I'm sure, many of the HardcoreFaith'ers). I know what it means to feel alone in a time of trial. But what I have learned is that God is always faithful. He will never let you down and will always come through for you. However, He will do so in His timing… and we often don't do very well with God's timing. Hang in there, there's a better day just up ahead!

Chris

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:38:56 +0000

I completely understand the one you spoke of whose life has been one test after another. I feel like I am on that path and I will never get off. Many days I walk as one who has no hope because as the psalmist says, I feel that God has forgotten me. With 2 special needs children, and noone willing to come along side my husband and I in our difficult walk, it is easy to lose heart and lose faith.

By: deathisgain

deathisgain — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:48:06 +0000

I once said "Everyone loves a hero who faces adversity, but no one wants to be one". It's a tough job. I agree with you on the growth and the connecting with others aspect. Isn't that the reason Jesus came? To be like us?

One of my most treasured memories, was the day my wife was admitted to the hospital when her organs were failing. I was sitting in the ICU waiting room, I had been up all night and had no clue what the heck was going on. I was sitting there all by myself when my pastor walked in. I barely knew him, we had just started going to the church a few weeks before. But I knew about him. I knew he had a son that had drowned (and survived with some brain damage). I knew he had walked in my shoes. I knew that God had sent him there first, because I could identify with him. That helped comfort me in that time. Thank God fro his love and wisdom. Especially in making my wife suffer with me just a little longer.