I'm terrified of persecution

All I can think about is the coming days when believers even in America will be tortured, beaten and killed. I look at all of the Christians around the world who are going through this, and not only am I extremely scared, but I'm also angry at God that He would choose this for His children and want this to be the way we prove our worth to Him and how he wants the church to grow. And I'm scared. I'm afraid to go up to strangers and witness because they might beat me up. I'm afraid of losing my job for witnessing at work (which I don't do but feel pressured to do). I'm always paranoid. And I hate that God says it's an honor to go through this. It makes me wonder too, if God really does love humanity, why would He allow any of this? I've held all of this inside for so long and now I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

Godislove94,

I understand your concern. However, I would urge you to reconsider the matter. Is it God that "chooses" to evil for His follower to suffer? OR Is it that evil being what it is, demonstrates itself against the followers of Christ and God allows it?

Many have an incorrect view of God and a view of mankind's capability to do evil. To many its and either or. Scripture teaches it is a both and proposition. Theology wants to make it super clear and in doing so, makes it muddier and harder to accept.

The reason believers will go through these times is because God’s kingdom is an utter contrast to the kingdom of the world (the devil’s domain). Hate, evil and unbelievable depth are truly at play in the world we live in.

We’ve been duped into thinking that we can live in “Disneyland” until we die and then go to be with Jesus in the sweet bye and bye. This is NOT the picture of reality given to us by Christ, see: John 15:20, Matt: 10:22 and 24:9.

There is a long reason why modern believer think they should not have to face this sort of thing, but it does not promise a rose garden in the New Testament. And historical events do not change scripture.

I would encourage you to read some really great books that help us see how to handle these things.

One Shall Chase A Thousand – Mabel Francis
Tortured for Christ – Richard Wurmbrand (get the pre 1973 version used)
Alone with Christ – Richard Wurmbrand
The Reformers and their Stepchildren – Leonard Verduin

We need to learn to utterly trust God and look to Him for strength and means to handle what we will face. We are NOT to worry about tomorrow. We are told to live in today and KNOW God… And this we should do.

the point is that through suffering in the flesh the spirit is made perfect. when christ was about to go through the gauntlet he said he was about to be glorified. so if you dont wanna be glorified and sit with g-d on his throne an be the brother of christ then the perfect attitude is to be mad at g-d when he tries to glorify you.

I wouldnt let fear get ahold of you. If we endure such things then our faith will see us through it. We cant live in fear though, that can become a prison. Perhaps we will endure severe persecution and perhaps not. We never know what tomorrow may bring.

Godislove94 said:

All I can think about is the coming days when believers even in America will be tortured, beaten and killed. I look at all of the Christians around the world who are going through this, and not only am I extremely scared, but I'm also angry at God that He would choose this for His children and want this to be the way we prove our worth to Him and how he wants the church to grow. And I'm scared. I'm afraid to go up to strangers and witness because they might beat me up. I'm afraid of losing my job for witnessing at work (which I don't do but feel pressured to do). I'm always paranoid. And I hate that God says it's an honor to go through this. It makes me wonder too, if God really does love humanity, why would He allow any of this? I've held all of this inside for so long and now I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

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I take it you're not a believer in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture theory?

If you are, then you have less reason to worry.

Purge187 said:

I take it you're not a believer in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture theory?

If you are, then you have less reason to worry.

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No, I believe in that, but I'm speaking of the intense persecution coming before that.

Wow that was an interesting read. I'll try and field this one.

All I can think about is the coming days when believers even in America will be tortured, beaten and killed. I look at all of the Christians around the world who are going through this, and not only am I extremely scared

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You're NOT gonna be persecuted in this country. Not even close. We're not a theocracy and that's why you're safe. If we were a theocracy then you'd be killed for working on Sunday. Relax.

I'm afraid of losing my job for witnessing at work (which I don't do but feel pressured to do).

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As for witnessing at work. That can be annoying and reduce productivity. Your job is most likely NOT to witness. So I can understand you fearing being terminated. People can also say you're harassing them because it is technically disturbing if they're not on board with you if you get my drift. Companies like productivity, productivity brings revenue. If your witnessing and not bringing in the revenue I'd fire you too.

I'm afraid to go up to strangers and witness because they might beat me up.

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As for witnessing on the street. Take me for an example. Everyday layman. I work two jobs, go to school for computer science and repair tech. I work 50-70 hours a week. Couple that with study time and ATTEMPTING a social life. I'm very tired. I don't have time to do much considering whatever down time I have is involuntarily taken up by sleep. If I'm walking down the street, don't witness to me. I'm already very very tired and most likely cranky. Me being a generally mild individual I'll most likely rudely pass you, or if I'm feeling vindictive I'll start discussing with you.

And to give you a ballpark of what discussing religion with me is like I've made Jehovah's witnesses leave my doorstep 3 times the same day with just words.

But when you see a street preacher on the street they're generally not bothered by people. People walk past them because they've got things to do. Your paranoia seems to be making you think that people only wander the streets to beat up Christians. And where you got that idea is anyone's guess. The most you'll get is when people yell at you back. If someone tries beat you up there are so many people (including myself) who'll jump in to help.

Because we care.

Yes, theologically, I disagree with you. But if someone is threatening your right to speak out on what you believe I'll be right there defending you even if you call me a hellbound sinner. Because I believe you have the right to do so.

Now if said person happens to be a cop, I'm a black guy... so you're on your own.

but I'm also angry at God that He would choose this for His children and want this to be the way we prove our worth to Him and how he wants the church to grow.

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Prove your worth? What? Calm yourself, friend. I doubt this god of yours would disenfranchise and segregate you like that. But I don't know maybe you know something I don't.

Your paranoia is unfounded and I recommend just going out and having fun. Let loose. Get a group of friends. Go get sloppy drunk and laugh at the pictures people took of you at the party. Go hiking. Walk in nature. Go running. Ease your mind.

Take your mind OFF God and put it on yourself. Would he crucify you for not thinking about him every second of the day? Would he hate you for loving yourself for a bit?

Advice from a friend.

~GKG

Romans 8 teaches us that we need not fear these things. Walk in the spirit and put faith in God. He will not leave or forsake us. No reason to fear the unknown. We must trust God.

Paul demonstrated that boldness comes from the Word. In one example he told his followers to pray for him that he may have boldness. In Acts 19:1-7 a group of disciples started out baptized only in John's baptism. Paul led those same individuals to the Holy Spirit baptizm and afterward they went out and proclaimed the word boldly. To me, that is the answer. Read Fox's Book of Martyrs. With the recent rise of Islam, the Christians in Muslim countries are being savaged. I see it reported every day in internet news

CGL1023 said:

Paul demonstrated that boldness comes from the Word. In one example he told his followers to pray for him that he may have boldness. In Acts 19:1-7 a group of disciples started out baptized only in John's baptism. Paul led those same individuals to the Holy Spirit baptizm and afterward they went out and proclaimed the word boldly. To me, that is the answer. Read Fox's Book of Martyrs. With the recent rise of Islam, the Christians in Muslim countries are being savaged. I see it reported every day in internet news

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That is sound advice i think. Thank you. The beatitudes (Mathew 5:1-12) seem to be a set of blessings that Christ has given to those who are persecuted.

Also, Paul seems to be taking advantage of those blessings in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

In my opinion.

Since last summer I have been involved in my church's evangelism team where we go through the neighborhood door to door sharing Christ with people and praying for people. I wasn't sure I would be good at it when I started being involved with it, but God worked out some miraculous conversations and I have really been encouraged to be involved in this. I think that if you could find an evangelism team or opportunities to share your faith with people that you might be greatly encouraged and inspired and you may grow in your boldness.
Philemon 1:6 says, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

I'll be honest that I struggle with the issue of persecution too. I wonder how I would respond if I went through it. This is an area where I need to trust God. I read the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter and although I struggle with the difficult things I read about there are some really encouraging stories that show God's power working through people and God on the move reaching people with the message of salvation.

I have been having my own battle with fear today, not of persecution but just a nagging fear that i cant quite describe. I get this sometimes, and sometimes i meditate on Gods grace and it goes away, other times i just need to wait. I have had a lot of years of depression which i learned to manage and that isn't an issue any longer, but i think it has left me a bit scarred up inside. I cannot change my situation so all i can do is live with it and not let it get me down, and i know that i'll have many good days without this struggle so one day wont be so bad. I believe we gotta take the good with the bad, and thats life. The apostle paul had his thorn in the flesh and if he could live with it then i can my own infirmities too. Its not that i want to live with it, whatever it is, but i cant fret about it either because that wont help anything. So i just endure and wait on the Lord. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Actually i know what caused this, it was an interaction i had with someone that was negative and it has hung around like a dark cloud. THe answer is still the same, wait on the Lord and he'll strengthen me.

Godislove94 said:

All I can think about is the coming days when believers even in America will be tortured, beaten and killed. I look at all of the Christians around the world who are going through this, and not only am I extremely scared, but I'm also angry at God that He would choose this for His children and want this to be the way we prove our worth to Him and how he wants the church to grow. And I'm scared. I'm afraid to go up to strangers and witness because they might beat me up. I'm afraid of losing my job for witnessing at work (which I don't do but feel pressured to do). I'm always paranoid. And I hate that God says it's an honor to go through this. It makes me wonder too, if God really does love humanity, why would He allow any of this? I've held all of this inside for so long and now I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

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I think a lot of it boils down to our perspective. This is just our TEMPORARY home...we are just PASSING THROUGH here.... If we have the mind set that, "If I live or die, it doesn't matter, as long as I am faithful to God," it will help us to not worry about persecution. I believe times are going to get really bad, especially here in America, as our Country has had so much light, and we've turned our backs on so much light....

I believe that when persecution comes, it separates the REAL CHRISTIANS from the WANNA BE's... In those Countries where to be a Christian means you are inviting the death sentence on yourself....you can be sure that there are no WANNA BE's in those congregations...

I think we need to really think on the verses in the Bible regarding persecution: "Our light and momentary sufferings are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we don't fix our eyes on the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18, NIV, NLT.

God knows what is good for us...for our characters...we have to trust Him that He has everything in control....and not worry about dying...

I thought I would reply again to say a few more thoughts. I have struggled with what I would do if I experienced severe persecution like Christians in other countries go through. Would I stand strong in my faith? Well, I believe that the Holy Spirit can give the Christian the strength to go through any trial. So I would encourage you to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. I personally have not been as filled with the Holy Spirit as other people in my church have been but I have been getting closer to the Holy Spirit. Recently I realized I have been praying my whole life to God the Father and praying to Jesus but I had never been praying to the Holy Spirit. When I started praying to the Holy Spirit I felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit when I was going through a difficult time with spiritual warfare recently.
I would encourage you to seek the Lord for the joy of your salvation. Also I would encourage you to listen to the song "Thrive" by Casting Crowns. This song talks about reaching out to the world with the love of Christ. Here are the words to the song:
Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word, were digging deep
To know our Fathers heart
Into the world, were reaching out
To show them who You are
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable, anything is possible




Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word, were digging deep
To know our Fathers heart
Into the world, were reaching out
To show them who You are
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Godislove94 said:

All I can think about is the coming days when believers even in America will be tortured, beaten and killed. I look at all of the Christians around the world who are going through this, and not only am I extremely scared, but I'm also angry at God that He would choose this for His children and want this to be the way we prove our worth to Him and how he wants the church to grow. And I'm scared. I'm afraid to go up to strangers and witness because they might beat me up. I'm afraid of losing my job for witnessing at work (which I don't do but feel pressured to do). I'm always paranoid. And I hate that God says it's an honor to go through this. It makes me wonder too, if God really does love humanity, why would He allow any of this? I've held all of this inside for so long and now I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

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So, do you believe Christ lied when He said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."?

Persecution is the rain that falls on the seed. The seed NEEDS the rain to produce a harvest. Else, it lays alone. Don't fear what God allows. He will never allow anything to hurt your relationship with Him. Nothing else matters.

I don't think you have much to worry about in the USA. The majority of the people in this country our christian. I never go out and spread the word though. I'm scared too. Not because I really think anyone is going to do anything to me for being a Christian, but because I'm just a coward. I'm afraid of even driving a car. I barely got a driver's license less than a year ago. I also don't even know what to say past, "Jesus loves you". I don't know what to even say. Despite being so afraid of going to hell, I still can't get myself to do it.

orangeness365 said:

I don't think you have much to worry about in the USA. The majority of the people in this country our christian. I never go out and spread the word though. I'm scared too. Not because I really think anyone is going to do anything to me for being a Christian, but because I'm just a coward. I'm afraid of even driving a car. I barely got a driver's license less than a year ago. I also don't even know what to say past, "Jesus loves you". I don't know what to even say. Despite being so afraid of going to hell, I still can't get myself to do it.

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(Bolding mine for emphasis)


REALLY? What EVER gave you that idea? Even within the walls of the churches there are few.

One other thing I wanted to share is that perfect love casts out fear (1st John). The Bible also says that the Holy Spirit can shed abroad the love of God into your heart. So pray to the Holy Spirit asking him to fill your heart with his love.
Also listen to the song You Make me Brave by Amanda Cook.
This might be the link for it but i'm not sure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hi-VMxT6fc
This song describes how God's love can drive out your fears.

Martyrdom would be an honor because we will all die at some point for some reason. If you are killed for your faith then you will enter Heaven so if somebody has a choice this would be the ideal one.