I am a 16 year old who needs help with his parents.

[Matt Trent 20]

I know I'm not the usual kind to post on a site like this but I really need help. I've always felt more towards God then others my age and at one point I really started following him. However, I have trouble staying focused on him and often lose sight of him completely and I have to find him again. This is the source of my problem. This is where it gets rough. My parents both truly believe in God as I do, but my dad doesn't really follow him. However, when I first started truly giving my life to him absolutely amazing things happened. I had a sense of complete fulfillment and contentment, it was a feeling so amazing I can't even describe it and it lasted for weeks. The best part, though, was that it wasn't just me. My mom and dad's life's started changing. I knew it was god the day my dad opened up to me as he is very hard man that doesn't open up. He told me things that he has never told anyone. Apparently, he was in the same boat I am now when he was a kid. I was shocked, I had no idea that my dad was interested in God. My dad lives a very Wordly life. Even my mom's friend became interested in God through my story. My dad, a man who I though was a "believer" actually knew God and even wanted to pursue him because of me. To me, I was saving my dad's soul through Jesus. But then, I lost it. I somehow got worked away from God and lost my it all. My light didn't shine anymore. It kills me inside because my dad and my moms friend went back to their old ways. Why can't I STAY connected with God? Is there any way I can get my dad interested in God again? I can't describe how horrible I feel. If only I could keep my walk with God straight, then I could of changed my dad's life for the better. I blame myself that if I hadn't somehow distanced myself from God then my dad would follow in my footsteps, as he was, and get his soul saved. Please help me. I want my dad and myself to have Jesus reign king over our lives.

[William 5,432]

I know I'm not the usual kind to post on a site like this but I really need help. I've always felt more towards God then others my age and at one point I really started following him. However, I have trouble staying focused on him and often lose sight of him completely and I have to find him again. This is the source of my problem. This is where it gets rough. My parents both truly believe in God as I do, but my dad doesn't really follow him. However, when I first started truly giving my life to him absolutely amazing things happened. I had a sense of complete fulfillment and contentment, it was a feeling so amazing I can't even describe it and it lasted for weeks. The best part, though, was that it wasn't just me. My mom and dad's life's started changing. I knew it was god the day my dad opened up to me as he is very hard man that doesn't open up. He told me things that he has never told anyone. Apparently, he was in the same boat I am now when he was a kid. I was shocked, I had no idea that my dad was interested in God. My dad lives a very Wordly life. Even my mom's friend became interested in God through my story. My dad, a man who I though was a "believer" actually knew God and even wanted to pursue him because of me. To me, I was saving my dad's soul through Jesus. But then, I lost it. I somehow got worked away from God and lost my it all. My light didn't shine anymore. It kills me inside because my dad and my moms friend went back to their old ways. Why can't I STAY connected with God? Is there any way I can get my dad interested in God again? I can't describe how horrible I feel. If only I could keep my walk with God straight, then I could of changed my dad's life for the better. I blame myself that if I hadn't somehow distanced myself from God then my dad would follow in my footsteps, as he was, and get his soul saved. Please help me. I want my dad and myself to have Jesus reign king over our lives.

 

Hi Matt,

 

Just like to welcome you to the forum.

 

I haven't much really to add, except that you're not your dad's or anyone else's savior.

 

Praying for you and yours, Matt.

 

God bless,

William

[Cornelius 67,445]

Trent, if your dad is like most dads, he loves you very much, even more than his own life. All you have to do is show you love God by how you live and your dad will want to support you in that, because he supports you in all that you do. Be reverent and do what is right.

[NetChaplain 75,325]

I blame myself that if I hadn't somehow distanced myself from God then my dad would follow in my footsteps, as he was, and get his soul saved. Please help me.

Keep putting everything on God by trusting Him to work it out by patiently waiting, "casting" all on God in prayer (1Pet 5:7).

 

May it all be put into His hands!

[NetChaplain 75,325]

MT, I wanted to add this, which is from a daily devotional called "None But The Hungry Heart" by MJS. This addresses anything that attempts to interrupt our consistency concerning our walk in Christ.

 

“LET THE SAME DISPOSITION BE IN YOU WHICH WAS IN CHRIST JESUS.” “FORASMUCH THEN AS CHRIST HATH

SUFFERED IN THE FLESH, ARM YOURSELVES LIKEWISE WITH THE SAME MIND: FOR HE THAT HATH SUFFERED IN THE FLESH IS AT REST FROM SIN” (PHIL. 2:5, WEY; 1 PET. 4:1M).

 

“If you allow yourself to entertain a suggestion of self-gratification—if you consider it, and give it a place in your mind—you are defeated (not as to possessing faith but concerning strength of faith). You have laid aside your armor, and will fall an easy prey to the foe. But there will be no response to the suggestion or temptation if you stand armed with the mind to suffer in the flesh. That which is proposed to you is exactly opposite to what you are set for. It is suggested that you should be pleased and gratified in the very thing in which you are fully minded to suffer. You are now in conflict with sin—not going along with it; you suffer in the flesh, and have ceased from the practice of sin.” -C.A.C.

 

Devotional: http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/

[theophilus 2,053,831]

it was a feeling so amazing I can't even describe it and it lasted for weeks.

Are you relying on your feelings to measure how close you are to God? If so you need to be aware that they are not a reliable indicator. We must learn to put our faith in what God says in his Word, the Bible, and not in how we feel.

 

Are you reading and studying the Bible regularly? Our bodies need food if they are to function properly. Our souls need food too, and that food if found in the Bible. Jesus said, "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

 

Another thing you need to keep in mind that is that Satan is active in opposing those who try to follow God. When we win a spiritual victory or accomplish some work for God we can count on his attacking us. Perhaps your present feelings are the result of such an attack.

[NetChaplain 75,325]

Perhaps your present feelings are the result of such an attack.

 

Very applicable post Theo!

[Matt Trent 20]

MT, I wanted to add this, which is from a daily devotional called "None But The Hungry Heart" by MJS. This addresses anything that attempts to interrupt our consistency concerning our walk in Christ.

 

“LET THE SAME DISPOSITION BE IN YOU WHICH WAS IN CHRIST JESUS.” “FORASMUCH THEN AS CHRIST HATH

SUFFERED IN THE FLESH, ARM YOURSELVES LIKEWISE WITH THE SAME MIND: FOR HE THAT HATH SUFFERED IN THE FLESH IS AT REST FROM SIN” (PHIL. 2:5, WEY; 1 PET. 4:1M).

 

“If you allow yourself to entertain a suggestion of self-gratification—if you consider it, and give it a place in your mind—you are defeated (not as to possessing faith but concerning strength of faith). You have laid aside your armor, and will fall an easy prey to the foe. But there will be no response to the suggestion or temptation if you stand armed with the mind to suffer in the flesh. That which is proposed to you is exactly opposite to what you are set for. It is suggested that you should be pleased and gratified in the very thing in which you are fully minded to suffer. You are now in conflict with sin—not going along with it; you suffer in the flesh, and have ceased from the practice of sin.” -C.A.C.

 

Devotional: http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/

 

Thanks so much for sharing this. My mom always tells me that a walk with God is a walk of faith and not feeling, I need to remember that.

[Matt Trent 20]

Are you relying on your feelings to measure how close you are to God? If so you need to be aware that they are not a reliable indicator. We must learn to put our faith in what God says in his Word, the Bible, and not in how we feel.

 

Are you reading and studying the Bible regularly? Our bodies need food if they are to function properly. Our souls need food too, and that food if found in the Bible. Jesus said, "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

 

Another thing you need to keep in mind that is that Satan is active in opposing those who try to follow God. When we win a spiritual victory or accomplish some work for God we can count on his attacking us. Perhaps your present feelings are the result of such an attack.

 

As my last post said, I was always told a walk with God is one of faith and not feeling.

[Matt Trent 20]

Also, referring to all those who posted. I know I'm not my dad's savior, but the point is that I Know Jesus was using me to get to my dad. I prayed so hard for my dad's salvation. My dad is an honest believer in God but, like me now, his walk with him is stagnant. He told me this, he told me he knows he isn't where he needs to be. However, he was changing, and the day I essentially quit living for God, all of the progress made in him was gone. I know no man is responding for another's salvation ,but I firmly believe that had I kept my actions and mind centered on God my dad would be closer to God as well. I guess it all comes down to this. I believe that if I can become God centered again and STAY God centered I can become much happier and let Jesus work through me. I just always lose sight of him every time I start being the follower I should be.

[AGustOfWind 209]

Also, referring to all those who posted. I know I'm not my dad's savior, but the point is that I Know Jesus was using me to get to my dad. I prayed so hard for my dad's salvation. My dad is an honest believer in God but, like me now, his walk with him is stagnant. He told me this, he told me he knows he isn't where he needs to be. However, he was changing, and the day I essentially quit living for God, all of the progress made in him was gone. I know no man is responding for another's salvation ,but I firmly believe that had I kept my actions and mind centered on God my dad would be closer to God as well. I guess it all comes down to this. I believe that if I can become God centered again and STAY God centered I can become much happier and let Jesus work through me. I just always lose sight of him every time I start being the follower I should be.

 

 

I have trouble with staying on the path to God aswell. Namely because my head, my brain, I get analysis paralysis.

 

And i think it's a normal thing to get lost, so when you finally find your way again, you're stronger because of it. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, right?

 

Anyhow, keep trying to find your way, you'll find it one day.

 

Maybe he was using you to show your father the way, but you know, seeing a Christian come out of struggle with a joyful and optimistic attitude can also help someone find their way to Christ.

[slippy 19]

Generally speaking, what does it mean to just start following G-d. Is it to follow His rules - or commandments - as John says in his letters; love is that we observe the commandments that Christ gave us or is it something else?

[AGustOfWind 209]

Generally speaking, what does it mean to just start following G-d. Is it to follow His rules - or commandments - as John says in his letters; love is that we observe the commandments that Christ gave us or is it something else?

 

To love your neighbor as yourself

And love the lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul.

[Jennifer 101]

I know I'm not the usual kind to post on a site like this but I really need help. I've always felt more towards God then others my age and at one point I really started following him. However, I have trouble staying focused on him and often lose sight of him completely and I have to find him again. This is the source of my problem. This is where it gets rough. My parents both truly believe in God as I do, but my dad doesn't really follow him. However, when I first started truly giving my life to him absolutely amazing things happened. I had a sense of complete fulfillment and contentment, it was a feeling so amazing I can't even describe it and it lasted for weeks. The best part, though, was that it wasn't just me. My mom and dad's life's started changing. I knew it was god the day my dad opened up to me as he is very hard man that doesn't open up. He told me things that he has never told anyone. Apparently, he was in the same boat I am now when he was a kid. I was shocked, I had no idea that my dad was interested in God. My dad lives a very Wordly life. Even my mom's friend became interested in God through my story. My dad, a man who I though was a "believer" actually knew God and even wanted to pursue him because of me. To me, I was saving my dad's soul through Jesus. But then, I lost it. I somehow got worked away from God and lost my it all. My light didn't shine anymore. It kills me inside because my dad and my moms friend went back to their old ways. Why can't I STAY connected with God? Is there any way I can get my dad interested in God again? I can't describe how horrible I feel. If only I could keep my walk with God straight, then I could of changed my dad's life for the better. I blame myself that if I hadn't somehow distanced myself from God then my dad would follow in my footsteps, as he was, and get his soul saved. Please help me. I want my dad and myself to have Jesus reign king over our lives.

 

 

You worry about your father and hope he will be interested in God again.Your will is good. I think what we can do is praying to God for your father, besides, you should help him, such as reading the Bible with him, sharing the testimonies of sisters and brothers with him and so on.

[clairebeautiful 107]

Hey Matt. Cool post. Definitely love the honesty.

 

Do you attend church? Have any friends who do? Do you have any other adults in your life who are walking in faith? (A teacher, a youth pastor, a coach, maybe?)

 

Awesome that you are reaching out on here, but let's be honest, the Internet is EASY but not the most effective place to really make a life change, you know? I encourage you to find someone in your real, face-to-face life that you can sit down with and hash this out. (Someone you trust who is not your mom or dad, as they are the subject of your dilemma.)

 

The good news is that it is possible to have a real and growing walk of faith, even without the direct support of your parents. This will probably become the meat of your testimony one day. But definitely see if you can't get connected to someone who you can check in with more regularly and get sound advice from. Good luck and God bless!

[Novelangel 21,292]

If you recognize the problem as starting within yourself, then the first thing to do is to work on yourself. Don't waste time and energy feeling bad because of what went on before. Concentrate on bringing yourself closer to the Lord in the here and now. You can't draw anyone else closer to God until you set the example and show that person how close a relationship with Christ can be. You stated that when you were close to God, your parents were also. Sadly, that's often the way it works as we have to set an example for others to follow. Our deeds DO define us and people are always watching. So the best place to begin is with yourself. Work on your own relationship with Christ first and the rest will fall back into place again. You need to be an example of a stable Christian, not the seed that fell among the rocks, but the seed that fell into good soil and flourished. Prayer is a marvelous way to repair that relationship with Christ. Try just talking to Him on a regular basis and see if your troubles start to fall behind you rather than in front of you to create a stumbling block.

[Godschild 10]

I know I'm not the usual kind to post on a site like this but I really need help. I've always felt more towards God then others my age and at one point I really started following him. However, I have trouble staying focused on him and often lose sight of him completely and I have to find him again. This is the source of my problem. This is where it gets rough. My parents both truly believe in God as I do, but my dad doesn't really follow him. However, when I first started truly giving my life to him absolutely amazing things happened. I had a sense of complete fulfillment and contentment, it was a feeling so amazing I can't even describe it and it lasted for weeks. The best part, though, was that it wasn't just me. My mom and dad's life's started changing. I knew it was god the day my dad opened up to me as he is very hard man that doesn't open up. He told me things that he has never told anyone. Apparently, he was in the same boat I am now when he was a kid. I was shocked, I had no idea that my dad was interested in God. My dad lives a very Wordly life. Even my mom's friend became interested in God through my story. My dad, a man who I though was a "believer" actually knew God and even wanted to pursue him because of me. To me, I was saving my dad's soul through Jesus. But then, I lost it. I somehow got worked away from God and lost my it all. My light didn't shine anymore. It kills me inside because my dad and my moms friend went back to their old ways. Why can't I STAY connected with God? Is there any way I can get my dad interested in God again? I can't describe how horrible I feel. If only I could keep my walk with God straight, then I could of changed my dad's life for the better. I blame myself that if I hadn't somehow distanced myself from God then my dad would follow in my footsteps, as he was, and get his soul saved. Please help me. I want my dad and myself to have Jesus reign king over our lives.

You, Your Faith, and Your Passion for God is Amazing! Honestly you have truly inspired me. Reading your story I know you are such a Blessing in disguise. Plenty of people is going to endure your story and want to feel what you felt when you were at your best. You're so annonited you Will Definitley get back to that place. The hard part is over, all you have to do is start off tiny. Read your bible 3-5 mintues until it's habbit forming. Say Thank You Jesus at least three times a day. Morning, Afternoon, Night. Pray before bed 1-3 mintues. And give God His Highest Praise, Hallelujah​​​!! Say it 3-5 times in a row daily. I believe with these steps they will become habbit forming and the you will graudually get right back in there with God like we all need to be. I believe in you because you are so Encourged, Strong, & Intellegent to be so young YOU MATT TRENT is going to Make It! Just continue to Pray for your dad, and be the leader from him. He will Follow!

 

 

​

 

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[Godschild 10]

You, Your Faith, and Your Passion for God is Amazing! Honestly you have truly inspired me. Reading your story I know you are such a Blessing in disguise. Plenty of people is going to endure your story and want to feel what you felt when you were at your best. You're so annonited you Will Definitley get back to that place. The hard part is over, all you have to do is start off tiny. You see Any and All worship is better than none! He will see you heading in a positive direction. Read your bible 3-5 mintues until it's habbit forming. Say Thank You Jesus at least three times a day. Morning, Afternoon, Night. Pray before bed 1-3 mintues. Ask God to coutinue to send the Holy Spirit to you. And give God His Highest Praise, Hallelujah​​​!! Say it from the heart, 3-5 times in a row daily. I believe with these steps they will become habbit forming then you will graudually get right back in there with God like we all need to be. I believe in you because you are so Encourged, Strong, & Intellegent to be so young YOU MATT TRENT is going to Make It! Just continue to Pray for your dad, and be the leader from him. He will Follow!

[Smithee 3,362]

Christians are meant to be the salt of the earth. You don't need to beat yourself for backsliding. Peter is a good example of someone who denied he knew Jesus but Jesus drew him back and Peter did some good work for the Lord. Like Peter, anyone who has strayed from the straight and narrow path can still come back to the Lord and He will still guide and use you to draw more people to Him.