[__ Prayer __] growing up, catamites, becoming real

[Christ_empowered]

Ever read C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce? I won't ruin it for you, but the whole things is about the Christian life and becoming "real"--solid, not insipid and oily and shallow.

I came to repentance at age 28, a little less than a year ago. Took me long enough...I even did Teen Challenge at 24-25. Either I had to wait on God's timing, or Christ was uber-patient with me. Either way, God's been good to me.

After I came to repentance, there was all kindsa spiritual warfare. Apparently, God doesn't save and heal "little faggots" like me. Little sissies don't get to become men, etc. etc. Its not just a Southern culture thing; I'm pretty sure that's true of most cultures. Girly boys don't last long in the "real world" unless Jesus intervenes.

In this, my particular case, Christ did intervene, in a big, big way. I'm actually growing up and--gasp--becoming a man at age 29. Better late than never, right?

I'm always talking about my situation, and I'm sorry, its just...wow. Its been intense lately. Growing up is painful, especially when you've been living in a la-la-land of shadows and fantasy and illusions. As one might expect, my "mental illness" has improved tremendously since coming to Christ.

So pray, please, please, please pray, that I can grow up and become a man against seemingly insurmountable odds. I'm not looking to be macho man's man, just a work-a-day, Christian man. No big shakes I guess, but for me....straight up miracle. Honestly.

Also, while you're thinking about it, pray for all the girly boys and young men from broken homes who end up in the homosexual lifestyle. Why I was saved of all of the guys out there (I hope and pray and suspect others have been and will be saved, too) is a mystery to me. Sometimes, I get a touch of "survivor's guilt," as in: "why me?" Better not to think too much about such things...God is sovereign, after all.

Its disturbing. In ancient culture, married men had "catamites," and those boys were doomed. In some Muslim cultures, men can keep boys who are then discarded and end up on the streets. In our own culture, pretty homosexual boys are the ones who end up used, abused, and often HIV-infected. Pray for them.

OK...so...that's it, lol. I just need prayer that I can finally grow up and be a man and do things in a community (probably this one, or so it seems right now) and glorify Christ who saved me. Also, like I wrote above, there's plenty of young homosexual/bisexual boys and men here and abroad in desperate need of miracles. Pray for them, too.

 

[Eugene]

Dear brother, you've made so many of the near identical testimony and I've either brought this up previously, or hinted at it. Until you’re ready to accept the deliverance given you and move on into the life God wants you to have you’ll never have the peace and joy of a victorious faith based life.

Paul put it this way in Php 3:13, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

What is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? I challenge you to discover that and I can guarantee that it will not leave grace to continue wallowing in the sorrow of a life lost when God has given you new life. Make this the first day of the remainder of your life and seek those things that God is wanting to develop in you. Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

In love I encourage you to opt out of recalling the world and its ways, prove that you are healed and separated, and at that time they will know you by your fruits. I continue to pray. Blessings in Christ Jesus.

 

[Angel]

In this, my particular case, Christ did intervene, in a big, big way. I'm actually growing up and--gasp--becoming a man at age 29. Better late than never, right?

Have you ever used drugs or alcohol C_E?

I used drugs and alcohol from the age of 19 to 23 and because of this I never matured in the way others my age usually do. There are some parts of my personality that are like a 19 year old. I'm embarrassed to admit that, but I am working on it, meaning, I pray for God to give me maturity and wisdom.

You are on my heart tonight, C_E. I will be praying for you.

 

[Christ_empowered]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[jasoncran]

hmm, Lord heal this man and bring him to where you want him to be and I add myself there are things that I have to be healed from.