Expert: Carl Fuglein - 9/23/2007

Question
well, I've been a Christian since i was 6. (I'm 15). The thing is i feel like I'm not too close with God. I don't spend as much time with him. I do pray and read the  bible but sometimes i feel really discouraged when i ask him something and I don't have a reply. Is it because i haven't opened my spiritual eyes, ears, and heart yet?  In church, when the pastor prays for us, I hardly feel anything except for three times. Is it because i haven't really given up all for Him? Need help..

Answer
Sue-

God answers all prayers, but sometimes the answer is "Not Now" or "No".  Don't give up, and don't get discouraged.  Despite whatever problems you may be going through, God knows all about it.  And sometimes, when God seems the farthest away from us is when He is right next to us, but we just can't see Him for a variety of reasons, mostly having to do with just not listening.

Sue, you're not always going to "feel something" when the pastor prays, or even when YOU pray.  If it happens that you DO feel something, that's really special - hold on to those moments knowing that the Holy Spirit is working with you and in you to make you a better person.

Also, when you're seeking the answer to a problem, sometimes God wants us to seek out other Christians for help.  I personally spent years in a severe depression - I was always doubting that God loved me, but I realized that all the people around me were loving me, and that it was God who put them there.  Perhaps you should be seeking out the advice of a youth pastor, a teacher, a parent, or an older, wiser Christian to help you with answers.  And BTW, you actually just did that - by asking me.

Sue, I pray that this helps.  If you'd like to hear more, please don't hesitate to ask other questions.  And please take the time to rate my answer - it's the only way I know if I'm helping.

hugs,

carl