Confused....

[amanda30]

I am really confused. I have always had my faith, I went into that it a previous post yesterday. I have really been trying to open myself up and pray and pray and pray.

I'm just waiting for that "spiritual experience" and it just don't seem to be happening. I know that God is there and looking out for me, I can see that through the things that are happening. I'm getting into rehab and I'm pretty sure that I will have halfway house placement waiting for me when I get out. I know that he is there, and I don't doubt my faith at all. I just don't understand why I'm not having that dramatic experience.

Any thoughts???

[Life Change]

i know that sometimes its not a dramatic experience, but just a comforting one, like you say you know that God is there for you. i have had a few of those 'ah ha' moments, but usually its just a steady working that builds up until i look around and realize how for i have been brought. just hang in there and you will feel it. you are on the right path.

[Grasshopper]

Your spiritual experieneces ARE,happening.
1-You know that God is there looking out for you.You can see that-
{some folks do not even realize that God,IS,working in their lives}But you do!!!!
2----Your getting into rehab--Did you think that this would be possible for you,2 years ago.?That you would have the desire to be sober,and actually have a rehab to go to?
---Your pretty sure you will have a half-way hourse placement for you---wowow,super,that such places,are, even there to help one.
Inch by inch,your spiritual experiences,are comming true in your life,as they have mine to.
An attitude of grattitude!!!!!
Prayers for you,
God Bless,

[cmc]

Amanda,
From my viewpoint what is happening with you is very dramatic, but I do understand what you are asking about. I remember a gospel pamphlet published many years ago- it's probably out of print now; I'll share what I remember about it. It showed a train. The engine was 'Fact' and the second car was "Faith" and the third was "Feelings"- the point was that this should be the order of things whenever I take action. You are doing things in the proper order and eventually that 3rd car- 'Feelings' will follow, they just might not appear as you expect them to.

[Sav]

God is in the whispering of the wind through the leaves in the stillness of the forest.

At two in the morning when good friends sit back and look in each others eyes, and know they're both reflecting on how the day was well spent together, God is in that moment.

When you greet a loved one after a long day, and all the hardships fade with their touch and are burned to meaningless ash from the promise of an evening of passion in their smile, God is in that moment.

God is in the moment when you step back, examine, and say "this to, shall pass."


I don't know if I have any true belief, or feeling of a connection to God. But if he's there, I often feel that it's these small moments that truly show him speaking to us, and not the great, life changing explosions of faith that people seek.

[best]

What it took for me to gain that feeling of joy so strong that I was brought to my knees with tears of joy... Well every time I hear the words to a song... Take me back to where I first believed... I think on those words and say no thank you.
The feeling was awesome but the living of life I had to go through before reaching such a place of joy... I will remain joyful with the soft wispers.
A dramatic life can bring a dramatic awsome feeling. A peace filled life.. you are in that peace filled feeling already. I think I have had enough dramatics for now. The peace is doing me well.

[NoelleR]

Hey amanda30 ----

Just a wee FYI ---

Your question ---- "...I'm just waiting for that "spiritual experience" and it just don't seem to be happening..."

If you're referring to the 'spiritual experience' spoken of by members of AA/NA, let me just give you a clue.....as to when to expect it.....

Step 12 states: "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

Well, there you have it; the spiritual experience comes as the result of working Steps 1-11..................at least as far as AA recovery is concerned..... (o: Sooooo, don't be in such a hurry.....patience; just one day at a time; one step at a time.....


NoelleR
DOS: 6/23/86

[ness]

I had been trying for over a year to get sober and hadn't had much success. I'd get a few months here and there but nothing remarkable until I found the fellowship of a Christian Recovery group called Celebrate Recovery. For quite a few months I prayed and prayed for the obsession to be lifted and for God to comfort me from thoughts of drinking and in time it happened. It wasn't a sudden moment but a gradual process that occured. Today I know the Lord and believe he is within my spirit and has a plan for me. Although my life took a hefty turn a month ago I still hold onto his love and will for me. For it is through him and his forgiveness that I am able to walk back into my group as a newcomer. He is with you and for that you can be thankful and know you are loved. The process has already begun to happen with you...keep believing and don't give up before the miracle happens.

[namommy]

For me, it was a quiet moment. After almost 2 years of feeling like I was being beaten down, one bad thing after another, I found myself one day with a genuine smile on my face. I had prayed and asked God to take the burden from my shoulders. The next morning, I realized that I had a little pep in my step, and a genuine smile not only on my face, but I felt that smile in my heart.

I thanked Jesus for that moment, and I ask him to give me that smile on my face and in my heart every day. No matter what is going on in my life. I find myself walking to work talking to Jesus with that smile, and a little pep in my step.

Laurie