Hi Matt. My names is Lee. I'm a 21 year old college student, and I can understand what you're going through. My only advice is to not let go of God.....he's always there for us, even when we don't see it. Just like many other things in life, you can't always trust your feelings about how near God is. He's always close to you - just try to remain close to him. I've found that it helps to read the bible and also to pray. A great verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Although God doesn't promise to make things automatically better, he can bring good out of any situation. Even when you're down, cling to him with everything you have, because those are the times that you need him the most, but are also the times that it's easiest to stray from him. Also, patience is important. It may take time until you come into the relationship with God that you want, but it will happen! God loves you and wants a relationship with you. I guess the last thing I can think to say is something that I read in a book. Even when you think that God gives you strength for the battle (or struggle), many times you get the strength BECAUSE of the battle. You're in my prayers and I wish you all the best in your journey with God. 

God is there with you, he never left you. He will reveal himself. My prayers are with you. I have been where you are now. Be patient and just BE STILL. 

Dear Matt,

Hi My name is Robin. Good Morning. I have a 19 year old daughter, so maybe I can give a bit of insight to your problem. Matt, God is there and He is listening . He knows your heart inside and out. He created you remember. Myabe if you can read His word. In one book that Paul wrote, he talks about the same stuggle you are going through, The things that I don't want to do, I do and the things that I do want to do I don't. He also talkes about being a sinner and that is where God has taught me a big lesson. Hear God is something that comes from the Holy Spirit and it is a gift. Through alot of Bible Study and reading, talking with Christians whose heart is near God, praying and wait to hear God. I have learned about Grace and Mercy, and The feelings that you have now is something that I have battled with for a long time. God is there and He is listening. Please don't give up. Answers will come, our timing is not God's timing and It is hard to be patient and wait for Him. When we pray we wwant an answer right now. And here is the catch, we are still human. We look at the small window that we have in our lives and not the whole picture. This is what God sees. I'l prayer for you and God will be there for you. You have a long walk ahead and every thing that you experience in your life has a part in your walk with the Lord. Hang in there kid, God is holding your hand. He will catch you if you fall. And Grace and Mercy will be there even though we are not perfect yet. Waiting for God is the hard part. I know. Been there. If you need to talk to me e-mail me and I will try to be here for you. RDaugherty@IN-TOUCH.NET

Dear Father, here is a young man who is wanting for you to work in his life. You know his heart and his soul. Please Father be with him in his desicions and his plans for his life. He has a long, hard way to go yet. Be there with grace and mercy and teach him the ways that are yours. It is hard to be that age now in these last times, but the reall connection is that You, Father are there with us. Your Holy Spirit connects us to you and you see what we don't. Guide us all and this young man's feet to be able to hear you and know that you are there. Give he paience in his walk. Father, show us your grace and forgive us of our many sins. In Jesus' name Amen.