I have become closer to God but...
By JJohnson79
@JJohnson79 (301)
United States
June 2, 2011 2:29pm CST
I've always prayed alot and not to ask for things but to give thanks for everything God has done for me and has blessed me with. I've always been a firm believer in his actions and NEVER doubt him. But my question is this...how can I get my friend to take God in their life as I have? In my opinion I don't think that they praise him enough and give him the credit for what he has done for them. Im not a saint and there are things I need to work on myself but I have changed so much. When I get that phone call from a girlfriend and she's complaining about not having money for this or her check was short etc(basically being ungrateful in my eyes). All I can think is "how dare you complain when you have your health, healthy kids and a roof over your head?" I try to tell her in a nice manner to be thankful for what she has but it goes in one ear and right out the other. How can I get her to go to church and pray more and to believe in him? Last year we agreed that we would find a church to become a member of and bring ourselves closer to God...I kept my word but she didn't. She barely goes on special occasions. I don't wanna make it seem like im preaching to her but the way she lives her life, she need to be closer to God.
5 responses
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
3 Jun 11
Actually, we cannot force someone to pray or to believe like we do. We can only preach but not obligate them to do it.
BUt i guess, showing them how happy we are in being close to God, will someday make them realize that they indeed need to believe also. Illustrating how we cope up with money and other problems with the help of prayers , will surely help in enticing them to become closer to God.
@JJohnson79 (301)
• United States
3 Jun 11
Oh my goodness, thank you so much! I will leave the situation alone with her and pray that sees all that God is capable of and she would turn for the better. I definitely count my blessings and its a wonderful thing
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
3 Jun 11
Yes, pray for her at all times. One day, she will come into her senses and will realize the need for God.
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
3 Jun 11
You cannot make anyone do anything. Pray for her, give her good counsel, do not criticize her. It is really difficult not to complain when one runs out of money before the next check and there are still bills to pay.
She calls you because she looks up to you. Pray that God will reach her heart and her mind, and for healing of her thoughts. We ALL need divine intervention for that! 
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
4 Jun 11
It's great to hear you plan ahead for your bills. I do as well, even so there is something that comes along that just has to wait, or someone else has to wait to be paid.
@JJohnson79 (301)
• United States
4 Jun 11
That's true and everyone is different. I've been in that situation too many times so I know that feeling all too well but I never complain. I know my financial situation and all I can do is plan ahead by over paying my bills when I can rather than wasting that money at a club or something. I guess I just manage a little better so I refuse to complain when I have so much to be thankful for
@dreamy1 (3811)
• United States
2 Jun 11
How can I get her to go to church and pray more and to believe in him?
You can't. If she wants to do it she has to do it for herself if that's what she really wants. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. You are not her mother. You both are grown adults and can make decisions for yourselves. Let her make the decision of what kind of person she wants to be and how she lives her life.
The only thing you can do is lead by example and not preach to her. If she sees you are doing well she may come to you ask you for guidance. You can tell her things until you are blue in the face but the bottom line is that you can't live anyone else's life for them. You can't make people do what you want them to do just because you think it's good for them. Everything ain't for everybody. Everyone has their own path to follow and their own choices to make.
@JJohnson79 (301)
• United States
2 Jun 11
That is so true and she says she looks up to me and I give her strength because she see how I live my life. I know I can't make her do anything but I want the best for her. I guess she has to want the best for herself also. I can only offer my suggestions and its up to her if she takes it into consideration and act on it. I am truly happy with the person I am today and hope she looks more into my life and want the same for herself. Thank you
@AdalieM (1134)
• United States
9 Aug 11
If you are the one that wants to be closer to god, you should be the one going to church not her. You can't force somebody else to believe in something else. If she complains, well let her complaining. I know you care about her but she has a different way to see things than you. If you are the one that wants to be closer to god, find the way and let other people do their thing. Is you that wants this in the first place and not her. If she wanted to go to church she would have kept her promise.
@LOTRLUVER (14)
• United States
3 Jun 11
you can't force them to to do antyhing, but the best way is to show them that it doesn't change your life for bad things, but makes your life better. don't talk about it too much at first. mention it a few times, and then ask if they would like to go to a church service with you. make sure they can connect with the service that day. also a great way is to take them to a thing called judgement house that is around halloween time. there is also a live nativity around christmas time.
