The Petra Zone

does petra have a song for a situaion such as this.


I apologize for not emailing you back yesterday. I have been quite busy with school and work lately.

I grew up in a home that allowed me to believe as I wanted. My parents didn't force me to believe anything. I started down the path of church/christianity. I was a "hardcore" christian until about my Sophmore year of college.

During my time in college, I learned to think for myself. While I still believed in God and believed the things of Christianity, I began realizing that some of the things I was taught in the church didn't line up with what the Bible had to say.

I became very frustrated with Christianity for this reason.

The last straw was in 2004-2005. My mom passed away in December of 2004. During this time, I cried out to the "Comforter" for comfort. I prayed for 6 months straight for some sort of comfort. After those 6 months and after not receiving any comfort, I began to doubt God. I became extremely skeptical and cynical of the Christian faith.

I have stopped attending church, because I can't bring myself to worship, praise, study, a "god" that wasn't there for me in my greatest time of need.

I believe that it is possible that there is a god. I do not, however, believe that this god is personable or that I can have a relationship with him/her.

For more information about what has gone on in my life, or simply to see the changes that have occurred---

thanks in advance
rich

I assume this is an e-mail you got from someone you know? "No Doubt" comes to mind in this situation. It is a horrible experience to lose someone, and then feel that God isn't there. You can't base knowing God is there by feelings though, and this person probably has grief they need to work through. The first six months is the worst, most vulnerable time after a loss.

Hope this does not come across the wrong way.

But my first question would be has this person accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. Because without that, life is pretty futile.

If not they are pretty much living an empty religion. I see that alot where I live today (the bible belt).

I only ask because the letter sounds more like the person was raised more on religion and not a personal relationship with a savior. It also sounds like a rather vivid reaction. Was the mothers death unexpected?

Not a Petra song but I've always liked the D&K song "Soul Mender" cause it talks about how trials are a regular part of life, but we can still take it to the "Soul Mender", cast our cares upon Him, and leave them behind.

Going back to Petra you could try "He's Been In My Shoes", "Just Reach Out", "Over The Horizon", are the only ones that come to mind.

Oh, and No Doubt is a pretty good recommendation. Although now that I think about it No Doubt makes the classic mistake of leaving out the "To those who love God and are called according to His purpose". But still, it's a very inspirational song.

Hope this helps, good luck.

I think Green Chili has a good point about what he said. I believe more people are living in the religion and not in the faith or personal releationship with God.
God is always there but we don't always get what we feel like we need from Him; He always gives us what we need and sometimes that is not what we want.
I personally(if in your shoes) would be questioning this persons faith, but I really don't know if that would even be my right.

No One Else Knows by Building 429.

I know its not Petra...but the same truths are in the NIV as the KJV.

You may want to try two of John's solo songs:

The Road To Calvary�
Try Understanding His Heart

http://www.johnschlitt.net/Shake.htm

Both speak of pain, burdens in life and questioning God.

I was thinking about saying John's song Carry the Burden.

Also, howabout Never Say Die, Shadow of a Doubt, Second Wind, More Power to Ya, or Speak to the Sky? There is also a song by Daily Planet, I don't know what it is called, off of the Hero album, the chorus is: "Questioning the notion that God is full of love is a tempting road to take when you forget about his blood", and I know this is harsh, but it is very true, Judas Kiss' - the problem is not with God it is inveriably with us - God wants to have a relationship with us, and every time we reject Him it is like "a nail right through [His] wrist".