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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Temptation Against Faith	Maria	Friday, October 9, 2009
Question: Hello Bro. Ignatius Mary, I have had many experineces in my life - both good and evil. I have discussed these with priests as they have come up, who have confirmed them. I do NOT doubt any of the Truths of the Church and practice the Faith. However, I oftentimes suffer from thoughts against Faith -as Saint Therese did. Although I don't believe I have ever given into them, they nevertheless disturb me. They make everything I do twice as difficult since the thoughts tell me that my efforts are in vain. This has been going on for years. Do you have any advice for me?
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Maria: Trust in God and in his promises. You don't mention what these thoughts are, except for the hint that thoughts come to your mind that your efforts are in vain. Nothing you do in the faith, for God, or for neighbor is in vain. You mention St. Therese. I am not sure if you are talking about St. Teresa of Avila or St. Therese (the Little Flower), but in any case, ask yourself the question, was the Saint's efforts in vain even though she had thoughts similar to yours? Do not listen to these unwanted thoughts, remind yourself of God's love and trust in His promises. Also, do not dismiss the spiritual warfare aspect of this that may include thoughts coming from the enemy. Listen to some of God's promises: Hebrews 6:9-10 "Though we speak thus, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things that belong to salvation. For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do." John 15:8 "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." And especially, Romans 8:28 "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." Your efforts for our Lord are noticed, remembered, added to your account for Heaven, and works for good. That ain't nothin'! That is something that is worthy because Jesus is worthy and our worthiness comes from him. Remember the words in the Mass, "Lord, I am not worthy, but say the word and I shall be healed." In addition, I would recommend the following prayers in our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog: Prayer to Control Thoughts Hedge Prayer for Protection of Self Rebuking Particular Spirits On this one you can identify possible influence of the Enemy by identifying attributes of these spirits, e.g., spirit of doubt, spirit of blasphemy, spirit of ________. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Temptation Against Faith

Maria

Friday, October 9, 2009

Question:

Hello Bro. Ignatius Mary,

I have had many experineces in my life - both good and evil. I have discussed these with priests as they have come up, who have confirmed them. I do NOT doubt any of the Truths of the Church and practice the Faith. However, I oftentimes suffer from thoughts against Faith -as Saint Therese did. Although I don't believe I have ever given into them, they nevertheless disturb me. They make everything I do twice as difficult since the thoughts tell me that my efforts are in vain. This has been going on for years. Do you have any advice for me?

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Maria:

Trust in God and in his promises. You don't mention what these thoughts are, except for the hint that thoughts come to your mind that your efforts are in vain. Nothing you do in the faith, for God, or for neighbor is in vain. You mention St. Therese. I am not sure if you are talking about St. Teresa of Avila or St. Therese (the Little Flower), but in any case, ask yourself the question, was the Saint's efforts in vain even though she had thoughts similar to yours?

Do not listen to these unwanted thoughts, remind yourself of God's love and trust in His promises. Also, do not dismiss the spiritual warfare aspect of this that may include thoughts coming from the enemy.

Listen to some of God's promises:

Hebrews 6:9-10 "Though we speak thus, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things that belong to salvation. For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do."

John 15:8 "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples."

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

And especially, Romans 8:28 "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose."

Your efforts for our Lord are noticed, remembered, added to your account for Heaven, and works for good. That ain't nothin'! That is something that is worthy because Jesus is worthy and our worthiness comes from him. Remember the words in the Mass, "Lord, I am not worthy, but say the word and I shall be healed."

In addition, I would recommend the following prayers in our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog:

Prayer to Control Thoughts

Hedge Prayer for Protection of Self

Rebuking Particular Spirits On this one you can identify possible influence of the Enemy by identifying attributes of these spirits, e.g., spirit of doubt, spirit of blasphemy, spirit of ________.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.