Hello all I am a long time member- infrequent poster (but I always pray for your needs) something must be wrong… Bad things keep happening one after another (none brought on by me)… this feels hopeless! At first I even questioned if there was God (you do his will,pray, live a good life - not perfect but try everyday to live as a good Catholic) please pray for me… and help me understand
Will raise you up in prayers. No doubt, like many, this is a spiritual attack on many many of the faithful. This oppression and sense of darkness is real… I believe only way to combat it is through more prayers and sacramentals. And if possible surround yourself with solid faithful people… and of course continue to come to the forum even if you dont post much…it is helpful to read all the inspirational stories here. will pray for you in the Christmas novenas. Peace.
I don’t know… maybe the standard answer but I think ultimately the truth- it is beyond our grasp to really understand suffering and struggles. It’s in a sense a mystery- I suppose you go back to the Fall- when Adam and Eve sinned… it led to death. But the Good News and what we are about to celebrate in the Nativity, Christ came in the flesh to pay the price of that sin. If he did not, then truly it would be depressing and totally not understandable because we would experience everlasting spiritual death. But because Christ was born , died, and rose He conquered this forever death and gave us opportunity to live forever with Him. Sorry if that “preachy”, but to me this is the only way I can ultimately understand thus life. Peace
Hi Kclark, you're assured of my prayers. It's really tough when things pile up! Be sure to tap into the sacraments and the Rosary. May Jesus surprise you with the depth of His Love for you this Christmas!
Dear Kclark, I feel for you because I’m sure if you watch this site, you can see that so many are just plagued with one sad situation after another. I think many of us visit here because we all suffer yet we build up each other’s spirits and faith. Your crosses may be heavy, but you can share them here and the world will pray….individually for you. This is Our Lady’s living room and she helps us all. God bless you and know you are not alone!! Our Lady watches over us. Blessings!
That’s why it’s called faith…! Don’t be upset with yourself. Mother Theresa suffered from not feeling the presence of God…a spiritual dryness but like you, she persevered. A very saintly woman! If she had that cross, you’re in good company! you might be in her league!
Surrounding yourself with like minded, faith-filled people is HUGE. Never has that been more important than the past few years. Otherwise we tend to slip more & question our resolve! (Speaking from experience)
I will pray. I have been having a rough day and hope that some Christmas graces will extend to all of us. Jesus knows how you are struggling. The more we unite our sufferings with Him, the more we will understand.
I believe that we are all being tested. You are not alone in your struggles. Two of my brother in laws (in their early 50s) are really struggling with ill health. Their lives are now so difficult that each day is a real struggle with no immediate cure. Sorry for the bad news but things are actually going to get worse before they get better. We are in a war zone. Take refuge in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and hand all of your concerns over to her.
Prayers for you Kclark. So many here are struggling, we truly are being tested. Remember the Novena of Surrender... Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.
Praying. You truly are not alone in this. We are all under assault by the fire darts of the devil. Hold up the shield of faith. "Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. Lord you see what this costs me. I give it to you for souls." Sometimes we have to simply keep saying it even if we don't feel it. Those acts of faith prayed in the dark are very powerful prayers.
If misery loves company then take heart as you are not alone. It seems many, including our family, have things inexplicably going bad around them lately. These things must come but Trust God, He has a plan and yes things will get much darker now, but He will prevail
I will add my two cents to the prevailing "hunch" that things are going from bad to worse in the lives of many of our members lives ie: our crosses are getting heavier each new day! I come away with three opinions on this idea: 1. Heaven is indeed asking us to carry more and more of a heavy load because it is leading to a greater goal and more suffering is required in order to get there . Therefore.... we should "try" to accept our burdens as they come.(easier said than done of course.) 2. This forum is a "refuge"put in place (via Padraig) by our Heavenly Mother as a place for her spiritual children to run to for comfort in these painful times. FP has suggested ....Misery loves company.... but I think its more than that .... we are helping our brothers and sisters get through this misery simply by listening and offering help and/or suggestions. 3. And ...lastly... It seems to me like this evil bubble is growing larger and larger at a faster and faster rate and has got to eventually POP! I ,for one, feel like I'm holding my breath under water waiting to be released so that I can break out and catch my breath! So I'm anxiously hoping that the thing POPS sooner rather then later!! Only God knows what that will mean when it does POP. In the mean time... I'm praying for perseverance to take what comes and continue with my prayers,novenas and fasting. Wishing you all an easing of your burdens and a Merry Christmas !
I'd add this...I think God is allowing us to go through these things now (while the secular ones are going on their merry way whistling and happy as clams) to prepare us for what is really to come. We're just beating the rush, and putting on sackcloth and ashes, as a sort of training camp of hardships so when things really hit the fan (which is sooner than many understand) and the average secular Joe's and Josephina's out there are freaking out that their bank accounts are closed and they can't go to Walmart, we'll be ready to steady them that this is not the end (though it will look like it) and to wait on the Lord and Trust that He will prevail
