So I know I'm good at the asking for prayer and not always as good at the what happened afterwards part. =) The skinny is, we've got a young guy here who's been struggling in his faith. It's been going on for awhile now. He's not totally sure if he's ever believed in God or not. Recently however, he's been very close to making a decision. He's been doing really good over the past month or so. It's been great. He's one of the nicest guys here and a huge help to us.
Then all of a sudden he took a major stumble this week (Saturday night). I'm not entirely sure why, but I have my suspicions. Along with that, it's like he's a different person. Very closed and hard. He decided last night he was leaving the house, and there hasn't been anything I can say to convince him otherwise. It's been tough to see such a dramatic change and not understand why. I've been praying practically non-stop for this guy. And I know many of you have been praying without really knowing what's going on. Thanks for that.
This morning he's a bit better but I have a feeling he's still going to leave. The main reason is that he doesn't want to go to church anymore with us. In the past he's said that he enjoys church even though he doesn't really know if he believes or not. Suddenly he's decided he wants nothing to do with it. You can see how that feels like a spiritual thing.
Along with this situation, there was a heaviness in the house starting on Saturday night and continuing until yesterday. The guys were more aggressive and were throwing around more attitude.
Then one of the boys shared something with me Monday night that really made me sit up and take notice.
About 5:30 AM on Sunday morning, he was woken up by someone talking to him. He felt a preasure on his chest and found it hard to move. At first he thought maybe it was a dream, but then he realized he was totally awake. He thinks it was an audible voice talking. Among other things, it was telling him that God didn't love him and that he could never be forgiven for his sins...that God would never forgive him. This guy is one of our spiritually strongest guys in the house and he responded well. He responded by saying that he knew who God was but he didn't now who this thing was. The voice was all surprised and said, "You don't know who I am?" Our guy was like, "Nope!" And with that, the voice and preasure were gone.
Yesterday we took some time after lunch to pray as a group and take authority over what's been going on. After that, things were better in general in the house. I actually ended up having some really significant conversations with some of the guys. Unfortunately not with the original guy that I'm worried about. But last night I just completely put it in God's hands. I've been praying that first of all, this bondage/attack thing would be broken in him but also that I would be able to trust in God's hand in this no matter what decision he makes. Our wisdom is not God's wisdom. Obviously He sees the bigger picture in all of this and He knows what needs to happen.
So....that's the long story of what's been going on. Thanks for praying everyone. This has been a tough one. We've lost guys in the past and in general, none of them are doing well. I have high hopes for this young guy and it's tough to feel like we're losing him.
Thanks for praying everyone! Please continue to do so... We definitely need it.
Then all of a sudden he took a major stumble this week (Saturday night). I'm not entirely sure why, but I have my suspicions. Along with that, it's like he's a different person. Very closed and hard. He decided last night he was leaving the house, and there hasn't been anything I can say to convince him otherwise. It's been tough to see such a dramatic change and not understand why. I've been praying practically non-stop for this guy. And I know many of you have been praying without really knowing what's going on. Thanks for that.
This morning he's a bit better but I have a feeling he's still going to leave. The main reason is that he doesn't want to go to church anymore with us. In the past he's said that he enjoys church even though he doesn't really know if he believes or not. Suddenly he's decided he wants nothing to do with it. You can see how that feels like a spiritual thing.
Along with this situation, there was a heaviness in the house starting on Saturday night and continuing until yesterday. The guys were more aggressive and were throwing around more attitude.
Then one of the boys shared something with me Monday night that really made me sit up and take notice.
About 5:30 AM on Sunday morning, he was woken up by someone talking to him. He felt a preasure on his chest and found it hard to move. At first he thought maybe it was a dream, but then he realized he was totally awake. He thinks it was an audible voice talking. Among other things, it was telling him that God didn't love him and that he could never be forgiven for his sins...that God would never forgive him. This guy is one of our spiritually strongest guys in the house and he responded well. He responded by saying that he knew who God was but he didn't now who this thing was. The voice was all surprised and said, "You don't know who I am?" Our guy was like, "Nope!" And with that, the voice and preasure were gone.
Yesterday we took some time after lunch to pray as a group and take authority over what's been going on. After that, things were better in general in the house. I actually ended up having some really significant conversations with some of the guys. Unfortunately not with the original guy that I'm worried about. But last night I just completely put it in God's hands. I've been praying that first of all, this bondage/attack thing would be broken in him but also that I would be able to trust in God's hand in this no matter what decision he makes. Our wisdom is not God's wisdom. Obviously He sees the bigger picture in all of this and He knows what needs to happen.
So....that's the long story of what's been going on. Thanks for praying everyone. This has been a tough one. We've lost guys in the past and in general, none of them are doing well. I have high hopes for this young guy and it's tough to feel like we're losing him.
Thanks for praying everyone! Please continue to do so... We definitely need it.
3 comments:
Have you considered getting some people together and praying heavely over all the rooms of the house? Esentially cleansing them with prayer. Claiming the house as a house of God??? Maybe even a good thing to do monthly?... Just an idea :) Hope everything turns out ok... will be praying.
We've done that in the past, but probably it would be a good thing to do on a more regular basis.
Thanks! =)
I find that satan works the hardest when he thinks he is losing. I will be praying for you and for this young guy.
When satan attacks me, I praise God that satan considers me a threat and ask the Lord to keep me strong in my faith.
Blessings to you, Ken.
Donnalyn
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