November 6, 2007
Hello,
I was just seeking some counsel. I have grown up in church and have known God all throughout my life. My friends have always said that I have a unique and close relationship with God. I am 16 years old and a junior in high school. Right now I feel like I am being pulled away from God. I don’t know how to explain it.
I still love God and I believe in Him, I just dont feel as close to Him as I used to. It frightens me. I have been through a few traumatic experiences within the past few years of my life, but I have always trusted in the Lord.
I feel off-center from my faith. I feel so consumed with all the teen “issues”. I recently lost contact with a really good guy friend of mine and I feel like I am constantly being rejected by males (my father is not part of my life).
I have tried to ignore this feeling and have prayed to fall in love with God, but there seems to be something blocking my way. Is there any advice that you will be willing to offer me? It will be greatly appreciated. Thank you & God Bless
P.S. I dont mind if this story is shared on the site. I pray that my situation will let someone else know that they are not alone and help them through any similar situation.
FROM RTF: Sometimes close relationships feel strong, and at other times they seem like they take more work, or that things are distant.
That can also take place in our relationship with God. It doesn’t mean that He’s gone anywhere, or loves you less, or that his direction over your life has disappeared.
It may mean that circumstances have distracted you, or discouraged you, or caused doubt. It may mean that the people you love a lot have dropped the ball, and you start to view God’s love in the same way–as if that love has limitations and conditions.
That’s when we need to look at core truths:
- Nothing can separate you from God’s love.
He sees that you have faced some tough times. He sees that your dad hasn’t loved you the way that he could have, or should have. But that is where faith in God is so amazing. He is the ultimate Father. His love isn’t hinged on your feelings, or limited by circumstances. It’s solid. It’s unchanging.
He’s not afraid of your doubts, and can be constant source of encouragement and guidance when you are discouraged or distracted.
None of this causes his love to “poof”–go away. In fact, when I read your question, I’m amazed at the strength that I see. You love God. You know Him. You know where to turn, and how to ask questions when things seem murky.
You asked for counsel. Right now, this is a good time to get very real with God. Let him know that you feel off-center. Get alone and read scripture — perhaps the books of 1st and 2nd Corinthians is a great place to begin.
As you read, ask God to make the scriptures come alive in your heart. Don’t put any pressure on this. It’s not about how many chapters you read, or how long, but rather taking time to invite God into that alone time with you.
Don’t worry about the issues, or the feelings, but focus on just knowing and being known by a loving, powerful God.
We’ll pray with you today. We hope you come back and visit RTF again. Let us know if you need prayer and someone will pray for you throughout that day.
You are loved and treasured by God,
Suzie Eller, RTF
