Bummed
Chelan, Wash.

Dear Bummed:
The fact that your dad has told you he wants you to talk with him is an open door. Most dads are busy. But I’ll bet if he knew you really wanted to talk with him, he’d drop everything to tune in to his daughter.

How are you approaching him? Are you being direct? If he’s in the middle of something, say, “Dad, I know you’re busy right now, but when is a good time for me to talk with you?”

Here’s another suggestion: Make him a card or write him a letter inviting him to a dad/daughter date. Explain that you want to treat him to a burger, Coke, pizza, whatever. And there’s no better time to do this than right now!

Dear Susie:
I’ve heard all my life that waiting for sex until I’m married is the best thing. But what about all the hormones we have to deal with? It’s not easy! My head knows that waiting until marriage for sex is the right thing, but how do I get my heart to believe it?

Frustrated
Prince George, B.C.

Dear Frustrated:
God isn’t telling you to keep sex until marriage simply to frustrate you. He’s saying that with your best interests in mind! Because He created sex, He obviously knows when and how it works best. And, yes, that’s within the commitment of a lifelong marriage. I’m glad your head knows that.

When you say you want to convince your heart, you’re really saying you want to convince your feelings, your hormones, your drives. I’m not sure you can. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful. In other words, we can’t trust our emotions. And you sure can’t trust your hormones!

You’re a sexually wired human being. You have a sexual drive. Your hormones are screaming, “Meet this desire! NOW!” But don’t let your hormones or your feelings do your thinking. That’s what your mind is for. And God has given you a mind that knows and understands why sex outside of marriage is wrong. It creates a cement-like bond that glues two people physically, emotionally and mentally closer than they should ever be (unless they’re married).

God knows your desires. He understands your feelings. But He wants you to trust the truth of His Holy Word that He’s placed in your mind. So when you’re overwhelmed with desire, and your hormones are going wacko, pray, pray, pray! Also, start memorizing some Scripture that you can quote during these times of frustration.

Dear Susie:
What’s your viewpoint on worship? What kind of music should be played during a Sunday service?

Wondering
Asheboro, N.C.

Dear Wondering:
God wants our best, and He wants our love. As long as we’re giving Him our best and loving Him with all our hearts, I’m not sure He cares if we’re using drums or an organ during worship.

Dear Susie:
I just got out of the hospital with cancer. I know it was God who healed me. I really want everyone to know that it was God’s miracle, but I don’t like talking about it. I feel like I need to share my situation, though, to show others what God can do. Help!

Seeking
From our e-mail bag

Dear Seeking:
WOW! I’m so glad God healed you of cancer. And, yes, others need to know we serve a God who still does miracles. You have an exciting testimony. I understand your hesitancy in sharing. To be hospitalized with what’s often a terminal illness can be considered a very personal situation — stuff’s happening inside your body that you don’t understand and don’t necessarily want to talk about.

Realize that God didn’t heal you to make you feel obligated to share with others. He healed you because He loves you. Ask Him for boldness, and tell Him you’re willing to share your story of His miracle. When people ask you about your situation, share what happened, but don’t feel God is mad at you if you don’t stand on top of a table and make an announcement in the school cafeteria.

Editor’s note: God promises that He will heal everyone. While that promise doesn’t always come true on earth, it will come true in heaven. Why God chooses to heal some folks now and others not until they reach heaven is His choice, and those decisions are made in His perfect wisdom. Please don’t assume it was lack of faith that didn’t allow someone you know to be healed. Trust God in everything!