What am I doing wrong?

[justbeachy87]

Hi everyone,

My name is K and I am new here. I am looking for help and guidance in building my relationship with Jesus & God. I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but I have this feeling of emptiness inside and lately I can not stop thinking about God, death, Jesus & his life, and other things related to that nature.

For starters, I grew up in an Athiest home and was never taught anything about God or Jesus at all. Occasionally I attended church with my grandmother... but nothing very steady. I remember as a child, I always believed in God and Jesus and I can recall having a feeling of yearning I guess for Christianity. In time, I stopped wondering, never really thought about God or Jesus and just lived my life day to day and quite superficially. I began feeling a need to find God about 2 years ago after the birth of my first child. Since then I have been looking online for help quite often and researching how I begin my relationship with God and Jesus. I feel like I have tried everything, but with no luck. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart, I have admitted that I am a sinner and want to be saved, I have prayed & prayed... and still, nothing. A few nights ago I went out and bought my very first bible.. and I began to read it, and I still am. I still feel the same emptiness that lead me on my search years ago. I am beginning to think there is something wrong with me! I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it is kind of starting to scare me. Is it too late for me to be saved?

Sorry for this post being so long, I am just lost and hope someone out there can understand or give me some advice. Even just a few points in the right direction would be great and I will forever be grateful.

Thank you all for your time.
-K

 

[RJ]

Hi everyone,

My name is K and I am new here. I am looking for help and guidance in building my relationship with Jesus & God. I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but I have this feeling of emptiness inside and lately I can not stop thinking about God, death, Jesus & his life, and other things related to that nature.

For starters, I grew up in an Athiest home and was never taught anything about God or Jesus at all. Occasionally I attended church with my grandmother... but nothing very steady. I remember as a child, I always believed in God and Jesus and I can recall having a feeling of yearning I guess for Christianity. In time, I stopped wondering, never really thought about God or Jesus and just lived my life day to day and quite superficially. I began feeling a need to find God about 2 years ago after the birth of my first child. Since then I have been looking online for help quite often and researching how I begin my relationship with God and Jesus. I feel like I have tried everything, but with no luck. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart, I have admitted that I am a sinner and want to be saved, I have prayed & prayed... and still, nothing. A few nights ago I went out and bought my very first bible.. and I began to read it, and I still am. I still feel the same emptiness that lead me on my search years ago. I am beginning to think there is something wrong with me! I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it is kind of starting to scare me. Is it too late for me to be saved?

Sorry for this post being so long, I am just lost and hope someone out there can understand or give me some advice. Even just a few points in the right direction would be great and I will forever be grateful.

Thank you all for your time.
-K

I have highlighted some of your comments above and with some answers:
1. I have this feeling of emptiness inside and lately I can not stop thinking about God, death, Jesus & his life, and other things related to that nature.
Revelation 3:20
<SUP id=en-NIV-30767 class=versenum>20</SUP> Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

God is knocking on your door. This emptiness and cant stop thinking of him is him wanting a relationship with him.

2. For starters, I grew up in an Athiest
Even though you have this desire in you, you have been preconditioned to doubt and unbelief, which has nothing to do with God reaching out and loving you.

3. I remember as a child, I always believed in God and Jesus and I can recall having a feeling of yearning I guess for Christianity.
God has been reaching out to you for a long time. We do not understand his timing but you are in a process of understanding what is happening to you. You are right were you belong...hang in their!

4. I feel like I have tried everything, but with no luck.
God does not work in a realm of luck. He works in only good and truth. The truth is he loves you and is ready for that relationship with you.
Romans 8:1...."There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ".

5. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart, I have admitted that I am a sinner and want to be saved, I have prayed & prayed
What you have done is all it takes, look at the following verse:

Romans 10:
<SUP>8</SUP> But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”<SUP class=footnote value='[d]'>[d]</SUP> that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: <SUP id=en-NIV-28198 class=versenum>9</SUP> If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. <SUP id=en-NIV-28199 class=versenum>10</SUP> For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. <SUP id=en-NIV-28200 class=versenum>11</SUP> As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”<SUP class=footnote value='[e]'>[e]</SUP> <SUP id=en-NIV-28201 class=versenum>12</SUP> For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, <SUP id=en-NIV-28202 class=versenum>13</SUP> for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”<SUP class=footnote value='[f]'>[f]</SUP>
Because what you have personally done, you are saved and a child of God. You do not have to fully understand it but, because of this, The Holy Spirit lives in you and you are a "Born Again" Christian.

Jesus said: "Truly, truly I say to you, you must be born again".

You have been and are "Born Again". You are signed, sealed and delivered to God for all eternity...nothing or no one can take you away from him! No matter how you currently feel, this is the truth because God has said so!

6. A few nights ago I went out and bought my very first bible.. and I began to read it,
This is extremely important: God says that is by your faith that you are saved and he says that your faith grows by reading the word of God. Faith is the same as believing, you can not grow your faith with out the word of God. Start reading your bible on a consistant basis and you find yourself believing and understanding more of what has happened to you.

7. Is it too late for me to be saved?
No, you are saved because it is written what you must do and you have done it.

God says: " It is by your faith in grace that you are saved, it is a gift and not of your own doing". If it is a gift, then you need to look at it as being free. You have freely accepted his grace and you are truly a Sister!

God Bless

P.S. This is only if you ever have a desire to do so. You can P.M. me any time you have a question about what is going on with you and your realtonship with God. Other wise, remember you are here for a purpose and freely ask your questions on the open forum and you will get good answers.

 

[AbbysAunt]

Hi K,

Let me first say it is so good to have you here among us at Talk Jesus. We do hope you enjoy every bit of your time here on the site. I hope you are blessed just as we all are to have each other to fellowship with.

You talked about feeling empty inside even though you pray and pray. You have admitted to Jesus you are not perfect and have sinned and you have asked Him into your heart..Praise God for that and welcome to the Family of our Living God. I am so happy to hear you got yourself a bible too because it is so important for us to remain in the word. I rejoice with you that you are now Born Again and by the Blood of the Lamb you are saved.

Its funny this post comes at a time when I just gone done reading a message to me from
a dear brother in Christ. Trust was one of the things He talked about and right now it seems that its the one thing that needs to be addressed. You gave your life Jesus but do you trust Him with every aspect of it? It's a wonderful blessed thing to become a child
of God and know you are saved but along with that goes trust...we need to trust Him in all things and all parts of our lives...so in the love of Jesus I ask you have you given full control of your life to Him and let Him know you trust Him completely and that it is His will
you pray for not only yourself but that of your children?

Isaiah26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in YaH, The Lord is everlasting strength.

I don't know why but I do know that God wants you to know that is ok to give Him total control of your life that its ok to let go and let Him...place your Trust in Him and know that in Him you will find everything you will ever need. He won't let you down and will never leave you. Trust Him with your whole heart, and mind. Let go and let God.

Blessings to you K and to your children May God bless you all richly and more abundantly than you ever thought possible each and every day. PM me anytime and ill do my best to answer any questions you may have.

 

[agua]

Saved

G'day K,

God bless you and your ernest desire for Him. We can be absolutely sure that our Lord is true to His Word and you have been saved by His grace. Unfortunatley our feelings often give us a false impression and we can be deceived into destructive thinking. Convince yourself of God's promises to you and rest assured if you continue to seek Him He will be very pleased.

He loves you dearly.

 

[skipbeat]

My name is K and I am new here. I am looking for help and guidance in building my relationship with Jesus & God. I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but I have this feeling of emptiness inside and lately I can not stop thinking about God, death, Jesus & his life, and other things related to that nature.

The emptiness that Sometimes follow is at times a longing and unsureness for something...something greater then this world has to offer. It's this emptiness that leads us to seek the word of God. There is no "right" or "wrong" way. We pray,pray,pray, and pray,but sometimes "nothing" seems to come of it. It's when "nothing" is coming of what we "want" from God, is when His working on what we "need".

For starters, I grew up in an Atheist home and was never taught anything about God or Jesus at all. Occasionally I attended church with my grandmother... but nothing very steady. I remember as a child, I always believed in God and Jesus and I can recall having a feeling of yearning I guess for Christianity. In time, I stopped wondering, never really thought about God or Jesus and just lived my life day to day and quite superficially.I began feeling a need to find God about 2 years ago after the birth of my first child. Since then I have been looking online for help quite often and researching how I begin my relationship with God and Jesus.

If you seek the word of God daily,and spend time in His presence, and in the presence of His people often you'll come to learn that your longing (depending on your situation) may grow, but this longing could be good. Could be a longing to know more about Him, a longing to grow closer to Him, a longing to know that He truly is there Because we are all in progress and building our relationships with the Lord. While it is said, To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in that provocation.Hebrews 3:12-15

I feel like I have tried everything, but with no luck. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart, I have admitted that I am a sinner and want to be saved, I have prayed & prayed... and still, nothing. A few nights ago I went out and bought my very first bible.. and I began to read it, and I still am. I still feel the same emptiness that lead me on my search years ago. I am beginning to think there is something wrong with me! I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it is kind of starting to scare me. Is it too late for me to be saved?

First of all K there is absolutely nothing "wrong" with you. You'll come to learn that when it comes to the Lord there is no such thing as "luck". There is no "luck" with the Lord. If we rely on "luck" alone...we'll end up feeling like were taking one step forward and one step back. The Lord hears us even when we feel He cannot. It's when it seems to us that He's not doing "anything" that He is at work.
Salvation Is Not Of Our Works. It Is Through Jesus Christ.
But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Most importantly! If you're still breathing and seeking, then it's never too late for you to be saved!!!! HE LOVES YOU AND HE WANTS YOU WITH HIM! Continue to seek Him and He'll NEVER EVER give up on YOU!


Stay blessedray:

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I began feeling a need to find God about 2 years ago after the birth of my first child. Since then I have been looking online for help quite often and researching how I begin my relationship with God and Jesus. I feel like I have tried everything, but with no luck. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart, I have admitted that I am a sinner and want to be saved, I have prayed & prayed... and still, nothing. A few nights ago I went out and bought my very first bible.. and I began to read it, and I still am. I still feel the same emptiness that lead me on my search years ago. I am beginning to think there is something wrong with me! I don't understand what I am doing wrong and it is kind of starting to scare me.

Welcome to TalkJesus, K. I'm very glad that you are here. For starters, there's nothing wrong with you. God has an enemy named Satan whose only goal is to steal, kill and destroy God's kingdom (an effort that is doomed to failure). Those negative feelings are his efforts to block your spiritual growth.

Two suggestions: 1) For the present, limit your Bible reading to the gospels. That's where you get introduced to Jesus. 2) Check out this website for excellent Q & A info for newbies like yourself:
Ask Questions about Life and God.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

 

[Larry.]

Wow K. , I know the feeling!

For starters, let me just say how grateful I am to have you as a sister in Christ! By your exceedingly honest admission of your spiritual shortcomings (we all have them, that's why we need Jesus in the first place!) it is easy to see the sincerity of your words and thus, your heart. (Luke 6:45) Because without a true, justifying belief in Christ, our profession of faith in Him has no merit. (Romans 10:10) As new believers in The Way there are many aspects of our old lives that will continue to have lasting effects on our new lives in Christ. These lasting "ill effects" on our faith fall into the many categories of our lives, and will likely continue to do so for many years. Including: finances (which can effect our ability to tithe), family & friends (just love them, set a Godly example, and let the Holy Spirit work on their heart), and education (years of ungodly indoctrination in the public school systems). While God certainly has the power to change all of those circumstances in an instance for us, He will often allow us to press on against these old circumstances as a means to bring us into a deeper knowledge, appreciation, and love of Him. So do not be discouraged by your seeming "lack" of faith. When you walk in obedience to His will He will regularly give you "gifts of faith" that will help you to understand His nature and character that will encourage you to stay in step with Him. Even in my short Christian walk of 14 months I have received many of the faith-building gifts. God bless you, and if you ever need someone to talk to or just need some encouragement please feel free to message me any time!

 

[agua]

God loves us so much. Every single one.

Luk 15:4-7 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? (5) And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (6) And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' (7) I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Dear Sister,
You've received some very good guidance to go by and RJ broke it down as best as I've seen in awhile in reply to a post.

but I have this feeling of emptiness inside and lately I can not stop thinking about God, death, Jesus & his life, and other things related to that nature.

What was your expectation? When someone comes to Christ, the experiences differ almost as much as the individuals do themselves. Check out the bios of some of the folks here at TJ and you will see that. The next step that you took has you getting ready to receive the answers to those questions.

A few nights ago I went out and bought my very first bible.. and I began to read it, and I still am. I still feel the same emptiness that lead me on my search years ago.

As it's been stated you're born again. Which is the beginning of the road you've chosen and are on. Your background provides you no foundation from which to look to. Getting a Bible was an awesome step to take! Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior is the only way you would be able to hear the true answers to your questions. It's where you can start getting answers to the questions that have left you empty for so long. You need to realize how awesome this really is, because, few accept the gift that has been freely given to the world, asking nothing in return, much less accept the time it takes to grow into the new child of God you are!

Pray before you read the Bible. Ask for guidance, wisdom, and understanding. It may seem overwhelming, because I have this feeling that you're going to be doing alot of reading Just don't try and understand it all at once. It's a process that takes time. You'll see it in your life, when you take the time to catch your breath. Others will also see the change that is happening in you. Meaning, others are more likely to see these changes than you are! You also, have a youngin that you will also be guiding and teaching. Oh, yeah, busy, busy, busy!

Realize that you also have a tool here at TJ where not only do you have fellowship with friends which is awesome, but you also have the fellowship in helping you as you grow in knowledge of the Lord. When the burdens seem great, they will also be there to pray with you & for you.

Know that you have a friend in Jesus, but also brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus who care, and will try to help.
Praying for you little sister.
YBIC
P.S. Oh yeah, Welcome aboard :embarasse
Phil 4:13

 

[justbeachy87]

Thanks

Wow, everyone. Thank you so much for your help and guidance. I am really glad that I found this site.

 

[Stickz]

Hey, K

If you have bought a Bible and have begun to pray, I would say that you are doing nothing wrong. Continue to read the Bible, even if you feel like you aren't understanding it. Continue to pray, even ( especially ) if you have doubts about what you're doing, or saying.

I'm new to the forum, but I've done my time with God and the Bible. On and off, I've been studying the Bible and seeking the Lord for over twenty years. Similar to you—maybe—I struggled with some things; it has only been in the last two years that I have finally started feeling comfortable with where I stand in the Lord. I didn't grow up in a house of atheists, but I wasn't raised in church either—which was probably a good thing.

If you haven't discovered it already, many people believe many different things; try not to let it discourage you in any way. Just keep reading on your own, and talking to God like you know that He's listening, and you'll be all right. Maybe it won't take you twenty years like it did me. But, even though it did take me so long, I am not at all disappointed with where I am in Christ. I want the truth, I continue daily to diligently seek it, and will not settle for less.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Let me know if I can help you in anyway, I'll do what I can

May the peace and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you

 

[lilyR]

hi
Hebrews 11:1
now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

Continue reading he word of God and pray that God Should direct ypir paths.Understanding what you are reading and believing that what you are reading is true, Acts 16:31 "Believe in the lord Jesus and you shall be saved,you and you household" and Romans 10:9 says"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord and believe in your heart that Jesus raised him from the dead you shall be saved".

The relationship with God is based on faith...keeping believing and praying, He wil "not forsake you"(hebrews 13:5)

God says cast all your cares on ME(1 peter 5:7)

He has given everyone a measure of faith( Romans 12:3)

You can do all things through christ who strengthens you (philipians 4:13)

All things are possible(luke 18:27)

If you say am not able, God says I am able( 2 corinthians 9:8) trust him.

God says "I love you" in John 3:16, 13:34.

"Seek and ye shall find,knock and the door shall be open unto you..."

I pray God directs your paths in Jesus' name.

 

[Kallie]

Hi K i am so glad u found Jesus
Everybody gave good advice and there is only one verse that i would also like to add to give u hope and comfort...

When you were first saved, God began a new work in you; but you are certainly not a finished product. You have a lot of growing to do. God started something in you, and He is the one that will complete it. The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, “… being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

In the beginnig everything might seem overwelming and reading the bible will be confusing,but there is this fellowship who has knowledgeable people who will help u with your questions

God bless

 

[Brighthouse]

Hi K. So many here have Jesus in them,and do you know how you can tell? Because in there writing love is present! Because all of us at one time were as a little lost sheep,perhaps my words,about this lost sheep, found,will help you. Like you for so many years I was running on empty!

My parents had a form of belief,but that was only when they needed the Lord for something,otherwise Church and the Bible were kept far away both from themselves,and us. You know like going to the grocery store,you only go there when you need food. LONG!!! story short!

You have a very good start! You are DOING!! the first requirment( matt 7:7) asking. Now you are doing the second act,seeking,you have bought a Bible,but need some help, in how this Bible can now become part of you. You, as I was, am looking to become transformed.

Now in doing this you have upset the devil,oh no!! Not another,wanting Jesus!! I cannot have that!!( john 10:10) so he is planting doubt,looking to steal what little you now have in our Jesus. Please find a good Bible based Church near you,talk to the pastor,a Church is like any other place you may want to become a part of you,when you shop for a car,you look for the best deal,you do not just go to one dealer,a Church is the same in this,look for love,look to see what the members of that Church are doing for one another, ask the pastor his goal for his flock.

Do not be afraid to do this,you have nothing to fear!YOU are seeking!! This is what I did.When you find this,then you may be led to talk to him about your own situation,and ask his advice in this.Any Good pastor would pray over you,and for you right then and there, I sure know I would!

What is empty in you is what the very nature of God is!! LOVE! It may have been so long, for you to have received this true love,how can one give what they do not have,or better yet understand? Remember K.verse 7 leads to verse 8!!!! For everyone!! and you are the everyone part, who does what?? asks RECEIVES!! and he who seeks!!! FINDS!!

This is a law of nature in God's World,a world you wish now to become a part of.We never stop learning,matters not how old we become in Christ,or how young we are,seeking is always part of finding! And FIND YOU WILL!! I started by reading the book of Romans,this book helped me much in understanding where I am( rom 7:15-25) and better then that, where I am going in our Jesus!( rom 8:1-39!!) We cannot be separated by God's love!! KNOW THIS!!

Jesus is not over you with a stick to hurt you,when you do bad,Jesus is there to love you, even as you have not even really learned to have any love for yourselve. Jesus will teach you this. Can a child be taught anything if that child does not go to school?

It is your first day at the LOVE school,enjoy it!! Let that hope which lies deep within you recieve that LOVE!!( rom15:13) This hope you will learn,is not as the world teaches,( maybe) Jesus teaches hope is having created faith by God for us!!( Hebrews 11:1- assurance!!! a given!! a promise!!) To which our God cannot nor will ever break!!( Titus 1:2)( comes just after 2 Timothy in your Bible) and my favoirte Hebrews 6:18!!

So that by two!! UNCHANGEABLE things these 2 things are God's own nature!!which is first to love!! and!! by loving!! his second!! It is impossible for God to LIE!! we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take HOLD of the what??? amen back to romans!! HOPE!! set before us!!

Hope is not bad,when hope leads to Christ! But when hope leads to ourselves,how far can hope go in this? This is the first day of class,this is not only a grand time for you,but finally what we all need in our own life is that which only Jesus can bring to our very souls!! ( john 14:27) PEACE!! a comfort, yes K an assurance of everything we have ever hoped for!! My prayers are indeed with you, and for you! Welcome aboard here,we have so many wonderful brothers and sisters here!! I am honored to be a part of them here!!

 

[T Man]

Hi K

Hi K
This site is one of the best sites i found, thank you Jesus for that. K, many good folks here have inparted love and truth upon you, but this will only work if you yourself are ready to recieve it. From the sounds of it, you are. Keeping this in mind, better still Heart... Seek Jesus in the heart based in love, read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and read it as thought Jesus is saying it all to you and you alone.

Weakness comes in many forms, ground zero is one of the best places a person can find themselves, why? Because only after we take our hands of can the Lord do what He does best. When ever i get down or run low on His power, I remember that sometimes we all have to be broken down a little to climb back up.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

In your case it a case of being new and seeking, but that to is weakness. Weakness is good, because it here we call the loudest to Him because our efforts are used up, and by coming here and posting, you are calling out to Him.

I pray for you with all love and with all hope in our Lord and Christ.
My Father in Heaven! I am grateful for each day you give me and give K. Thank you for meeting my needs and helping me see this. I ask of you a blessing today, that You will increase K's and my faith and trust in your Spirit. I pray our faith to be as "the grain of mustard seed that can move mountains" and as constant as your love for us. Please move in our lives and strengthen our spirit through Your Holy Spirit. May we be your faithful witnesses, my Lord. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Blessing to you K and thanks for sharing, your problems you feel you are facing are the problems we all face.
Blessing T

 

[chris meads]

I find jesus word's from jhon to be true that the words jesus spoke were not words but spirit and life. I personaly like to read his words out loud in love as if im speaking to a child and that for cause faith is by hearing.and his mercy is new every morning and i eat three times a day so i can read his word atleast once a day. For god is real and a rewarder of those who dilligantly seek him.I allway try to remeber the disicples were with him for 3 1/2 yrs every day and still got it wrong at first so dont beat your self up. time takes time.

 

[Face His Truth]

Even just a few points in the right direction would be great and I will forever be grateful.

Hi K, may I ask first if you were properly baptized?