| Author | Message | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 29 Registered: 12-2004 |
As I have read over the posts of the last couple of days, I too ask myself how my life might have been different if I had understood "Grace" 35 years ago. Being SDA all my 45 years, legalism seemed normal.Rules are rules, right! Somethings we just didnt question. I know we can't change the past but... What if...I could have played Little League friday night. What if...I could have joined in the music festival on saturday. What if...I could been at the science fair on the weekend. What if...I had'nt felt guilty for listening to the hockey game on the radio after sundown. What if... I could have talked to the neighbor kids about Jesus love instead of sabbath and not eating meat. What if... I could have become involved in my community instead of shying away for "religious" reasons. What if ...I had taken that residency despite the sabbath clinics. I suspect each of us have a list of what if's. I have to trust God has a purpose for his timing. I am thankful that I can live in grace now and finally have a testimony I am happy to share with anybody. I have to have faith that God can and will use me as He sees fit. It is hard to keep quiet about Spiritual Freedom and the JOY of being released from bondage.My prayer is Thy words not mine. Randy | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 36 Registered: 7-2000 |
AMEN and Amen!!!!!!! May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us. | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 332 Registered: 10-2001 |
What if.........God knew our lives from the foundation of the world and worked it all out just the way He wanted it. ;) | ||
| Faith2 Registered user Username: Faith2 Post Number: 37 Registered: 3-2005 |
RandyG, I did most of the things that you noted AND more! Thank God my parents were not committed to the church at that time! I was captain of the cheerleading squad, sang and traveled with the chorus, performed with the show choir, and was crowned Homecoming Queen. I was part of student council and FFA. I also traveled a lot competing in different talent contest. Because of my grandparent's influence, I gave my heart to God at an early age. I loved God and everyone knew it! However, I did all of those things with lingering guilt at the end of the day. I was amazed when I learned that my peers considered me to be a Christian because by SDA standards, I WAS NOT! I praise God for my "rebellious Parents" I have sweet memories. My brothers do as well because they were dynamic and notable football players. I have peace and joy in knowing that I do not have to deny my children because of foolishness. My Soul Loves JesusÖ | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 377 Registered: 6-2004 |
I wasn't raised SDA, but I'm sure many people who were have a lot of regrets (and possibly anger) of what they missed out on due to sabbath or SDA code restrictions. At least in your freedom in Christ you can live life now to the fullest. I recommend on living for today and looking forward to the future, otherwise bitterness will consume you if you dwell on the past. | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 165 Registered: 8-2004 |
Sabra wrote: "What if.........God knew our lives from the foundation of the world and worked it all out just the way He wanted it. ;)" Thanks for that Sabra! I need to remember that when I'm tempted with my own list of what ifs. God is so AWESOME! Mary | ||
| Tdf Registered user Username: Tdf Post Number: 71 Registered: 11-2004 |
RandyG, I have asked some of the same questions. However, I've reached the point where I realize that I need to stop asking them. Instead, I'm seeing God's hand in the things that have happened. I believe I now have an understanding of grace and faith that I would never have had if I had been raised in another church. Those who have left Adventism for doctrinal reasons understand what Christ did on the cross in a very tangible way. Who knows, maybe like Esther, God has been preparing us "for such a time as this"--preparing us to reach others (inside and outside the SDA church) with the good news of the finality of Christ's atonement on the cross. Through my own painful journey, I am very sympathetic with the reasons why we need to look back and mourn the things that took place in our past. I have definitely needed to do that--it's a big part of the healing process. But let's keep looking forward too. God has given us an incredible gift and opportunities to share it! He is a GREAT God! | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2005 |
All those what if's have made me Oh So Thankful that my beautiful children are allowed to live up to their potential even if I wasn't, and that they can sale their lives out for the Lord Jesus Christ without rebellion as a motivation for their freedomís, but because of who they are in Christ. | ||
| Yossariana Registered user Username: Yossariana Post Number: 26 Registered: 8-2004  |
Well, it took 6-7 years, just to learn a lesson: Galatians 1:6 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Only Jesus!  | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1376 Registered: 3-2004  |
I have mourned over a few what iffs and am so glad that is past. All I have is today and God holds tomorrow. It is with joy and thanks giving that I let Him do this instead of trying to take it from him by worrying. And Thank you God I did not raise my son in a strict SDA way. You are awesome in how you have led me. Diana | ||
| Buzz Registered user Username: Buzz Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2005 |
I spent a lot of time playing sports, going to college football games, car races, etc. on Sat. after I graduated AU because I was very consumed and bitter with what I missed out on as an athlete not able to play much due to SDA guidelines. I am glad accepting Jesus into my life fore-real has helped me accept my growing up years as part of God's plan. Plus it is a blast now to watch my kids enjoy the comradeship of playing sports. Also, I sure have learned a lot since my first post here back in March. Continued thanks! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1791 Registered: 12-2003  |
Buzz, it is a wonderful thing, isn't it, to watch God redeem our pasts and to give our kids opportunities we never had! He is faithful. Colleen | ||
| Foreverscout Registered user Username: Foreverscout Post Number: 35 Registered: 3-2005 |
What if's are a torture devised by the devil. Don't let him use it on you. This is what he has done to me: What if I had applied myself in school? What if I had never started smoking, then drinking, finally abusing drugs? What if I had never...? What if I had Graduated High School instead of getting my GED and joining the Army Reserve and the Air Force? What if I had gone on to College, could I have been a doctor? If If If... Would I have my difficult but sweet husband? Would I have my four wonderful children? Would I be gifted with the same friends I have now? Would I be the same woman that I am today? Because I tell you what, despite it all, I like who I am today, warts and all! I have a closer walk with the Lord now because of all that has been. So if you hear the what if's torture starting, tell the devil to take a hike. Live life in the present, it's your gift from the Lord. Foreverscout | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 335 Registered: 10-2001 |
I think it is something you go through when you first come out of Adventism. I did ask God why I had to go through all of that and I was a little resentful but when the e-mails started coming in from SDA's who had read my story and coming out too I knew it was all the way it was supposed to be. "All things work together for good......!" | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 194 Registered: 3-2005 |
I appreciate reading this thread. I am 20 years out, and grew up in the very, strictest of SDA homes, with both parents being very strict. I used to have a lot of resentment also. You know what--Its OK to have these feelings about "What If". I believe it is part of the natural process of leaving a cultic organization. I have been so blessed, to be able to see my Dad process out over 10 years, and then he apologizing to me for the strict upbringing. But my Mom has held very firm until recently, and has been going with my Dad to a wonderful evangelical church on Sunday, for over a year. She still goes on Saturday. But, I got a letter from her recently also apologizing to me for the strict upbringing, and announced that she is getting into the Book of Romans! Last Sunday, she told me what a beautiful sermon the pastor had preached that Sunday morning!! Wow! And then to find out that my 89 y/o Dad is taking my Mom in the motorhome to a retreat with this Sunday church! God is so good! It makes all the restrictions I grew up with totally worth it, just to see the Grace of God work so mightily. It is a great spiritual journey, and for all just coming out--God has great and marvelous things to show you. Stan | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 394 Registered: 6-2004 |
That's great news about your parents moving away from the SDA, and even better is apologizing for the upbringing. It shows that they were only trying to do what they thought was best at the time. Now all of you can experience true freedom in Jesus. | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 340 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wow!!! I am righteously envious of you. What a blessing that your parents are coming out too! | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 331 Registered: 7-2004 |
What rejoicing there is in heaven when someone receives the true gospel. Stan, they are celebrating your mother now. Imagine that, a party in heaven just for her. God be with you, and you must certainly know that your influence has created the hunger in your parents that they are responding to now. Of course we all know that they are hungering and thirsting after righteousness in Christ now, so we all celebrate with you! | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1390 Registered: 3-2004 |
I will second Belva's comments, Stan,. God is so good. And He is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 30 Registered: 12-2004 |
I would like to thank you all for your thoughtful comments on this thread. As I posed the above "What If's" it was not so much out of regret but more trying to understand God's plan. My childhood consisted of wonderful parents,siblings,extended family and great friends.I was very fortunate. As I embark on my "coming out" over the next several weeks I take great solace in the fact that the gift of Grace is a wonderful message with fareaching implications.I have to leave it to God and the Holy Spirit to help lend understanding to those near and dear who will be threatened and confused by the changes in my life.I feel a duty to share the good news and pray for God's timing and not mine. Randy | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 112 Registered: 1-2003  |
Randy, your post is right on. We do need to leave it to God and the Holy Spirit, the timing and manner in which we share. I'm sure your decision will be confusing to them and they may be defensive but God knows how and when you should speak forth. God's GRACE is an awesome message that all need to know and as they see your life it will be the most powerful statement you will ever make. God has had me on a journey for some years and my understanding of His grace came about 80%+ from non SDA encounters. I have a fellow teacher who I meet with weekly to study and pray with. He is a member of the Church of the Nazerine sp?. He has been a wonderful friend in his support of me through some tough times and I've also been there for him. God's grace is always there no matter what. Randy I'd love to email or call you sometime if possible? Richard rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Tracey Registered user Username: Tracey Post Number: 364 Registered: 9-2004 |
Just wanted to say Hi folks! Doing well, trying to graduate so I will be in touch soon. Praying for you all and with all my love! Tracey |
