My friend’s friend had his problems—bouts with drug abuse, gambling, heretical, twisted views of scripture, but the talks I’ve had with other Christians in the past two weeks is that Christians have hope in Christ to overcome these sins and weaknesses. IOW, how can we lose hope if God is with us? God has certainly pulled me out of the pit numerous times and I have great trust and faith that he will continue to do so (right now he’s giving me strength and courage to finish my taxes...8/ ), so what’s going on when a child of God loses that hope?
I don’t know unless some sort of mind-altering drugs are involved. Tragic, whatever the explanation, though.
>>so what’s going on when a child of God loses that hope?
No one can truly know, but I’d like to think that it’s part of God’s plan for our journey. I think there is a lesson in everything, both for the person experiencing it and for those who observe.
I know that going through hellish experiences gives a person compassion and understanding for others who are in difficulty. It also helps a person focus on what’s important and what’s not. Maybe a person who is driven to suicide has a last conscious moment of understanding and repentance, forgiveness for others and forgiveness from God, before his final breath. I pray that is true.