I'm scared.

[harina]

I don't know if there are lot of people who feel like this nowadays, but every morning I wake up, I start to think how bad have things gotten nowadays.. I start feeling scared because of the global warming and what it has to do with the Apocalypse incidents. Moreover, I'm scared of something falling down from the sky and killing us etc., although I know that's kinda stupid. But the thing that I'm afraid the most, is the time that rolls on. I often think of the time that I'm middle-aged and maybe persecuted because of my faith or other things, and also that my faith isn't strong enough or I'm gonna die as a martyr.

I can't say anything for sure, but I think that God doesn't want me to be scared to death all the time. But even if I pray to get calm and peaceful, it hasn't helped. Of course, I may be wrong and the fear may just give me more necessary instinct of self-preservation.

Can you please pray for me? Or tell me what you think about my situation.

[Jingo Jaden]

I will pray.

[Tenshi no Ai]

There's totally nothing to worry about^^ It is a fearful thought, but maybe the thoughts of worrying about the end should maybe turn into that of preparing yourself for that time, with trying to love others, follow Him and all? I mean, Matthew 6:34 "therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own".

I'll be praying for you...

[K. Ayato]

And when the Lord returns, He's taking us with Him. We won't be around on Earth to experience these disasters. I don't know by memory (yet), but I Thessalonians 4:16-17 should help ease your anxiety.

[RedMage]

And when the Lord returns, He's taking us with Him. We won't be around on Earth to experience these disasters. I don't know by memory (yet), but I Thessalonians 4:16-17 should help ease your anxiety.

I hate to be a killjoy, and maybe I'm misunderstanding you, and this isn't an issue I've studied and formed an opinion on myself, but not all Christians believe that believers will be raptured prior to the tribulation referred to in Revelation and spared from it. Sorry, don't mean to start a theology debate.

Heh heh, my signature is all about this.

[K. Ayato]

You're right, RedMage. Not all Christians agree, but I won't delve further.

[Puritan]

I will pray for you, but also remind you that things are seldom as bad as they seem. God is in control, no matter how much it may seem otherwise. There have been problems in the world before, but no matter what happens God can and will prevail. As the scripture says:

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

As for your faith faltering and fear of martyrdom, I would encourage you to simply pray about these fears (and the ones above, of course!). The Holy Spirit works within us to strengthen our faith, comfort us, and guide us, and He can and will see you through any persecution you may encounter, even if it is to martyrdom. In addition, though it is easy to worry, remember that God is watching over you in everything. As Christ said:

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

[ChristianKitsune]

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you and a future."

I will pray for you, Harina, but like so many of said God is in control, and no amount of worrying is gonna change anything that God has in store for us. Remember, everything that happens works to His glory not ours. he knows Exactly what is gonna happen.

If I may be blunt... I think the best way to die would be to die standing up for Christ. (I won't go looking for that way of death but I think it's a very honorable way to go...)

[SP1]

Have you been getting enough sleep? I get like this sometimes when I am fatigued. You know, when it comes down to it, our faith in God provides a strong defense against worry. Our faith does not guarantee freedom from bad times, or perpetual wellness (now), or financial success, or even assurance that we won't be struck by a meteor. However, you can let a lot of this anxiety go away to God. YOU might not be in control, but God is. So, yeah, there might be global warming in the future. God willing, we might do something about it. If not, well, worrying about it is not likely to change anything, and is a waste of energy. Praying.

[harina]

Thanks to all of you. *^^* I think I'm getting a bit better now, meaning I'm more peaceful even if I think about those things.

Your replies rose some ideas in my head but I can't remember what they were anymore... And I'm in a hurry, too.

Have you been getting enough sleep?

Oh, I seem to have ignored that I may also be a bit tired.

[harina]

Seems like the anxiousy has come back.. >___>' I don't want to bother you, but would you guys please keep praying?

[freerock1]

I'll be lifting you up. You are right that God doesn't want you to be scared to death. We know that God's love is perfect, and 1 John 4:18 tells us that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. Also 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. And like Tenshi no Ai and Puritan said, Jesus told us that we shouldn't worry about tomorrow.

I've dealt with the fearful thoughts surrounding the end times and Jesus' return myself, and I think a lot of younger Christians do. For what it's worth, I've come to a point where I don't look at Jesus' coming so much as a scary thing, but as the time when we get to go home! Knowing that He's coming should also encourage us (but not terrify us, IMO) to do what we can to make sure we take everyone with us that we can.

Be encouraged, my sister. I believe it will get better for you.

[Tenshi no Ai]

I'll continue to pray for you... But one more thing not to forget: no one knows when this day will be, I mean, it may not even BE during our lifetime... They say often in the Bible "soon", but time is concidered alot different to Him... So, that's why if you worry about "tomorrow" (concidering this), "tomorrow" may not be during your life, thus having nothing to be fearful^^