Expert: Carl Fuglein - 2/3/2007

Question

I dont understand really, how I can know if something is from God and not from Satan. I mean just because I feel something is from God,does that  necessarly mean its from God. I've also heard that depression comes from not obeying God, and  you will know if you are doing something wrong. I mean all i can say is I worried alot before I met Emily, but after a month of dating i got sick, is it a fair assumption to say that Emily is the cause of my depression and my lack of obedenience. I'll be perfectly honest with you have never struggled like this before in my life. I honestly feel like giving up on being a Christian. I'm really fed up, I would like to think ive always done my best but never seems like it was good enough,not really that but why he is letting me suffer like this. I love Emily and want to marry her. I just feel like everyday is just getting harder and harder. Her and I are strugling with so much temptation right now, we havent had sex or anything but we've done somethings that are foolish and have no place in a Christian relationship.I never thought I would struggle with that type of sin, but I was wrong. Im just so tired and weary of second guessing me and her. I plan to marry her sometime this year, I just wish I could now if God has left me or why he is doing this to me or letting this happen to me. I love her so much I dont know what i would do without her. I m just so tired of this faith to be honest with u I ve prayed and prayed and prayed, I just wanna give up on being a Christian I really do

Answer
Jacob-

You are obviously struggling with depression - I know all about depression - I've lived with it for 50 years.  I cannot give you enough help through this forum - you need to continue to see a therapist and work through these issues.  Do NOT give up.  God loves you and you will be stronger when this is over, and trust me, it WILL be over sometime.  Concentrate on loving God and loving Emily and not putting yourself into circumstances where you are tempted.  God will forgive you for that.  God will forgive you for everything, but your constant worry and judging are not good for you emotionally, physically, or spiritually.  I will pray for you.

Do NOT give on being a Christian - that's the only thing keeping you sane right now.

blessings,
carl