Hi Lynne,
"Sometimes those who have been in a faith for many years have lost the fire in their spirit. It is sad because when that happens, they can't teach their children spiritual truth."
It is sad when that happens. But, I feel we need to trust that, like you said before, God is bigger than us and even we can't interfere with His/Her plan for us. He guides every event of our lives.
I guess I speak for myself here, but I know I go through times when my trust and faith are tested. It's seems like a winter of inspiration when not much is happening. But, all the while growth was going on--I just couldn't see it. Then looking back the hard times were really teaching me some needed lessons to help me move forward.
Like Jesilee said it might seem like we can't hear Him but He's talking to us all the time. When we're able to silence all the negative thoughts, then we hear Him. At least, that's what I've experienced. Although, I must admit, it's sometimes it's not so easy to do that.
There is a poem I like by Abraham Rutgers called "Gratitude." Here's part of it...
...God is Mind and holy thought is sending;
Man, His image, hears His voice.
Every heart may understand His message,
In His kindness may rejoice.
Lo, He speaks, all condemnation ending,
Every true desire with Love's will blending;
Losing self, in Him we find
Joy, health, hope, for all mankind.
During the times when it seems like I'm not hearing God's voice, I remind myself of this poem.
