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Old 05-31-2007, 07:09 AM   #2
the_apostle_john
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What's important: If you believe that it's God's will for you to be in California, don't think that the struggles and hardships are his way of telling you to leave.

Here's some other points:

-I don't have a lot of experience with being racially diverse, but I do know that it's never a good idea to compromise yourself simply so that others will accept you "on the outside". You should never have to impress others in the way/trouble you are doing now.

-Having a lack of friends (with integrity) is hard, but very purposeful. If you can't find them there around you, you can find them here.

-As far as the job situation, this is just one of those times where you need to trust God unconditionally. If you have any money left, start tithing it. Like Jesus said (paraphrased), anyone can give out of their riches, but it takes someone who is truly self sacrificing themselves to God to give out of their poor pockets.

Remember, God has a will for you. Remember also that God doesn't change his mind. If he called you to California, I highly doubt he'd call you away just before you started to exponentially grow in him.

Quote:
If He wants me to stay, and tells me so clearly, than I will stay without objection because I would know that it will all work out and I'll be where He wants me. If He wants me to go, I'll say "THANK YOU! Where?"
I am only human, but the way you phrased your question (and added with what you've already told us), I can pretty much guess God's will for you. I know it sounds cavalier but, I've never seen God's will so clearly than in your life. God uses hardships to purge us through the fire, so that we may come out purified through him. If God just gave all Christians an easy life on earth, we would never grow closer to him, or witness to others.

I can already see how powerful your testimony will be in a matter of years. You were out of a job, discriminated against, and all alone, but God forged you through the fires to become a powerful instrument of his.

Your soul isn't screaming for escape, it's your flesh. Your soul wishes to become more like Christ, but your flesh wants to live the easy and pain-free life. Don't confuse the two.

Once again, don't mistake hardship for God's way of speaking to you. God often speaks to us through hardship, but in the exact opposite way. I once heard a pastor say "When your faced with a fire, God may not provide a way around it, but he will allow you to pass through the fire and take the burn out of it".

Now to what I advise you to do.
-First, drop to your knees as soon as you read this sentence and pray. Pray for at least 1 Christian friend, pray to find a Christian church, and pray to find the job he wants for you. Remember, if God can take care of the animals, giving them food everyday, I think you'll be ok (unless you see dead animals everywhere).

-I'd say your next priority is finding a good church. When this happens, everything else usually falls into place. I don't live in LA so I can't help you as much. However, here's what I would do if I were you. First, just go "church hunting". Get out the yellow pages and search for churches in your area. Church doors are often open at least 3 times a week, so you can basically try 3 different churches a week.

-Next, I'd try to find at least 1 Christian friend who lives in LA (maybe it's possible to find one online?). I know it's easier "said than done", but if you can find someone who could possibly lead you to a Christian church or just help you out (like giving you a ride if you had to sell your car), then it'd be great.

-Find a job. Pray for this (and everything else) everyday. Don't stop. If you have a free moment, pray about everything. If you find a good church, someone in the church (or maybe even the church itself) might be able to help you with a good job.

-Fast & Pray. Take a break from eating and start praying more. Fast for as long as it takes. It's hard, but shows God a willing and a strong heart.

-Keep posting here or at other Christian forums with sound advice. There's help available, use it!

Finally, don't give up. If you give up from hardships, what do you have to separate yourself from the World? The World gives up when things get rough. You have Christ inside of you. I don't mean to be rude, but start acting like it. You have a direct connection with the almighty, all-powerful, all-knowing God. Do not be afraid of this World! What can this world do to you that God cannot stop? What battle can you fight that God will lose? Read John 16:33, 2 Peter 2:20, 1 John 4:4, and the entire chapter of 1 John 5 (you can look these up online if you need to).

John 16:33 - "(Jesus us speaking) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Your hardships is NOT God telling you that it's time to turn back. It's God telling you that the best is yet to come.
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