DennyLongley Loc: Bay City Michigan

I spent part of my childhood living with my grandparents. Sometimes we’d go to their cabin in Yucca Valley, which is in the desert, and it was freezing cold. This cabin didn’t have electricity or a bathroom, so we had to use an outhouse.

Today the thought of spending time in the desert isn’t all that appealing to me.

When the Israelites left Egypt, they weren’t excited about spending time in the desert, either. After God sent a series of plagues, Pharaoh finally agreed to release the Israelites. But as they made their way to a new land, they came to what looked like an insurmountable obstacle: The Red Sea.

To make matters worse, they looked up to see Egyptian army coming after them. They went to Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? . . . It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!” (Exodus 14:11–12 NLT).

So Moses began to pray, and the Lord effectively told him, “This isn’t a time to pray; this is a time to move.” He told Moses to lift his staff over the Red Sea, which he did. The waters parted, and the Israelites walked through on dry ground. Then the waters collapsed on the pursuing Egyptian army.

Sometimes we find ourselves in a desert of sorts, and we don't know why we’re there. It’s a time of trial and hardship, and we can’t make any sense out of it. We’re trying to figure out why this has happened, and we don’t see a way through.

The Bible tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2 NKJV). If you have a need, bring it to God. There’s nothing wrong with praying about whatever you’re in need of. So pray about it, but don’t complain about it.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

👍🙏🏻

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

When I lost my job, house, cars, wife and kids, all my money and had a complete breakdown, you'll be happy to know I didn't complain about it, I prayed about it. There was no answer. I prayed more. There was no answer. I prayed more. No answer. Trust me, I was too devastated to complain.

You can bang you head against the wall over and over. Eventually, you realize all you have is a headache.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Sooo true! 🤛🤛

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Greg,
Would you be willing to share either on the forum or by PM, how you came about losing everything, including your family? It could very well be helpful to someone else on the FS, or even to yourself to talk about it to someone. If not, I understand.
Many times if we figure out the “WHY”, it helps to reduce the chance of repeating.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Randy - You may not remember it but you asked me to tell my story before. Not sure exactly how long ago that was, probably at least 6 months. I abbreviated the story because providing every detail would have resulted in a very long post.

It happened 10 years ago. I spent quite a bit of time analyzing and trying to figure out what happened to me and why. I also saw a therapist for a short time. I know you believe in miracles. I've been told by some that my story is a miracle in terms of my recovery. I've also been told that I inspire people. I'll let others decide that stuff.

I know I can handle anything now and fear nothing. I still carry some hurt and emotional baggage from time to time. I don't find my story very interesting but if you and others think it is helpful, I'll tell it again. If you want a PM of it, let me know. Others have probably had bigger challenges. Don't want to bore people.

I've been told to write a book about it. Not sure I ever will. It's in the past.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I would like a PM with as much as you care to share, please.

You say that some call your recovery a miracle. Why do you insist that God had no part in it.
You have said many times that it was “nobody but yourself that got you back to where you are.” Isn’t it possible that God may have had at least a part in helping you??
Just a thought.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Anything is possible. It's also possible I had to handle it on my own, right? I'll go with the evidence I have. I lived it. I'll PM you when I get a chance. It will be brief. As I said, it's in the past.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I went back and found the post you referred to. It was April 5th, and I DID encourage you to tell your story. I suppose it is possible for a man to do, on their own, what you have done, but the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. It would be a rare thing, in my opinion, for any-
one to successfully overcome what you have, without some help.
Just the fact that you are alive, tells me that God didn’t give up on you, even when YOU did, sitting in the hotel room. Only He knows, I guess. One thing I DO know, is that I would NOT be alive today if not for God’s grace and power. I have no problem giving Him the credit and the glory. 🙏🏻

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Glad you found it. I would have written something but really didn't want to. It's over. In the past. Can't be changed. You can give credit to God if that makes you feel better. I don't know your circumstances and what you went through. I won't debate it with you. Believe what you want. I know what happened in MY life. I know no one(except my sister) was there for me. Everyone wrote me off. It wasn't easy but I rebuilt my life to a degree. Only ME. No one else. Have a good weekend.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Take care Greg and do have a wonderful weekend and hope it extends into many many more weeks-years for you. Take care buddy.