Need advice

[Reformed2]

Sister, find yourself a nice, local church in your area. Don't fuss over what type of denomination etc, a community church for example would be ideal in my opinion. This is one of the reasons why we are called to gather together.

 

[Reformed2]

Also, just read all of the comments, and now see that you can't go to a church as of right now. Maybe you can use this opportunity as a way to seek Christian education; read the Bible, scout local churches via their websites, listen to sermons online etc..

 

[GabrielTheWorshipper]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

Many of the greatest servants of God I can think of from The Bible had situations where no one around them cared about God at all! I have had the convenience of a Christian family, but you serving God in your situation truly shows how genuine you are!

John 15:

18 'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.'

19 'If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.'

20 'Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.'

The Bible talks a lot about the struggles of being a believer and the persecution that will come our way. I think one of the great things to remember is that God will always be there for us and reward us for following him faithfully!

Matthew 5:

10 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'

11 'Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.'

12 'Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.'

13 'Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.'

14 'Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.'

15 'Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.'

16 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'

Keep being a light to your family! I think you're doing an incredible job. Continue to turn them down when they try and make you do something sinful. I encourage you to get joy from the fact you are serving God and fulfilling his will for you! If you kept quiet, your family would love spending time with you. It isn't you that they dislike, they hate the words of God that you speak and follow.

The parable of the talents is a great picture of the gifts God gives us and how we use them in order to serve him. Listen to the response he gave to the servant he entrusted five talents.

Matthew 25:21
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

The servant whom he gave the largest amount of talents used them and multiplied them. By the time his master had returned, he had ten talents. He was rewarded greatly for serving his lord. Now let's look at the servant who had two talents.

Matthew 25:
22 "He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them."

23 "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Look at that! They both received the same response. He gave each of them a different amount of talents, yet their lord was equally pleased with both of them. This is a good picture of our Christian life God has entrusted us with gifts and abilities and he has a will for us. Some of us are called to much more challenging tasks, but we all are called to serve him and witness to others. By being a witness to those around you, you are like one of these two good servants! The only bad servant was the one who did nothing for his lord. He didn't spend the money or earn any more, he just buried it in the ground! That would be a terrible use of God's gifts.

We have a hopeful future in Heaven! That's another great thing to keep our minds on. I know it must be very hard living around your family who doesn't care about God, but I hope for the best and I'm praying for you!

 

[JingshenBianxi]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

1 Peter 3:3-4 shows you how God wants His daughters to behave. I assume that you are a minor right now and are obligated to stay under the roof of your parents/guardians. In Christ, you must obey that. How to do that?

Be a gentle and quiet..sweet little girl and simply dwell with the weeds and you continue to be the wheat.

Matthew 13:24-30 shows exactly how you are to handle the situation. It's a bit of a drag to know FIRST HAND, via your own family, that people simply do NOT Love God. Your heart wants them to LOVE GOD, cause your heart doesn't like the feeling of them suffering a ferocious furnace for all Eternity. It sucks. I too am the only Christian in my immediate family and I too have been called names of mockery because of that by my own dad. Luckily, I dealt with that as an adult and didn't have to live with them so your level of experience in that is something I can only imagine in regards to how that feels.

My biggest advise is to move towards a state of " not caring " so much about them refusing Christ. Care enough to continue to show that Light in you...but not to the point where you are CRYING every day. These are GROWN UPS who have made a decision and you simply can not allow the choices of a grown up to effect YOUR LIFE to the point of clinical depression. Jesus wept for Jerusalem..

But it wasn't everyday.

 

[HowRU?]

Hello DavidAC,
You are surrounded by unbelievers, including your parents who, in God's eyes and the law, have authority and custody over you. That's fine. We are all in this situation to a greater or lesser extent; we don't get to go to heaven quite yet. That's fine; bring heaven to them.
What to do practically:
Make your bedroom your sanctuary. How? Pray over your bedroom and anoint it with oil, any oil will do; I prefer olive oil. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Find a time when no one is around and do it. When you pray, don't pray in your mind only; speak it with your mouth. Release those words into the atmosphere of your bedroom and house.
As a follower of Jesus you have great authority in His name. You have the authority to tread on all the power of the enemy, so don't let him harrass you anymore through your family. Subdue those spirits of harassment.
When you pray, (praying out loud)
1. Announce your authority as a child of God because of Jesus blood shed for you.
2. Claim your bedroom and home as your territory, in Jesus name.
3. Forbid any demonic spirits to operate in your bedroom or in your home, and command them to go.
4. Invite the presence and peace of God into your bedroom and home. 5. Ask the Lord to help you in this situation and give you wisdom about whatever else you should pray or do.
I would do this daily. If things get worse at first, that only means you're having an impact. Hang in there and watch the atmosphere in your home improve.
If you can't find time at home to speak this out loud, do it away from home. This works also. Jesus operated remotely at times, there are examples in the Bible.
Remember, Jesus died for you because you are so loved. He's given you his Holy Spirit to comfort you. Ask Him for that comfort, since He's a Comforter. Jesus promised that he would never leave you or forsake you.
Believe it, dear sister.
You are loved.

 

[makeajoyfulnoise100]

I would suggest giving respect but also growing in God's word and pray for yourself to find an answer constantly. I'll be praying for you as well.

 

[mukk_in]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

So sad to hear that sweetheart. Since your parents won't stop you from going to Church, have someone from church pick you up. Call the pastor of the nearest (or your favourite) church and explain that you're not old enough to drive yet. He/she will arrange for someone to pick you up for the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services (I used to give people rides that way). There are many churches which broadcast their services online as well. Also when you're legally an adult consider getting a job and try moving out of your parents house and live with Christian friends. Godly friends and surroundings always help. I shall be in prayer for you. God bless you honey .

 

[Edwin627]

Stay strong and be patient. You never know, maybe you going to church might lead your family to start going.

 

[AlexDTX]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1Pe 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.​

Also, Peter makes a point regarding believing wives with unbelieving husbands that can apply to all unbelieving people.

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.​

Do not concern yourself with winning them over to Christ, but learn to walk in the peace of God regardless of your circumstances. This is a process of maturity.

 

[dqhall]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

Jesus came as a servant. Perhaps you might do more household chores, that might strengthen you some. If you excel in academics, that will get noticed by some people, yet despised by others who are not succeeding. I spent much time reading the NT, looking up words, learning Biblical geography. Sometimes I can know what to do because of my learning and knowledge.

It is good not to fight with your family. If you grow in skill, talent and knowledge, perhaps they will listen more. If you do physical work and eat nutritious meals, you should become stronger instead of weaker.

 

[nuranoora]

Girl stay strong, first of all. Being a Christian especially nowadays is hard because people are so judgmental towards us but trust God only and pray for Him to give you strength to get through those tough times. God puts us in different situations to sort of like test us to see if we are fully committed to Him. God loves you so much and all He was is the same from you in return. About your family, have you tried talking to them, like a serious talk? Maybe if you tell them how it makes you feel when you hear such words will make them stop saying it, at least in front of you. Joining some Christian groups that your local Church provides would be a great idea for you to surround yourself with people who you can practice your faith with. I will remember you in my prayers. God is great! He won't let you down, trust me.

 

[paul becke]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

My response would be a very simple one. Laugh at them. Don't worry about their future in the long term; a lot happens to people in the course of their life, even 'crazies'. You know your mind. They don't know theirs or they wouldn't be harassing you. Get used to the idea that you are the only adult in the famly.

Being self-styled atheists, doesn't necessarily mean that God styles them as such. Some may be, some may not be ; they might all be, they might not all be. St John tells us that God enlightens every person who comes into the world. Remember the parable Jesus told his disciples about the two brothers : the one who said he would do his father's will, but didn't, and the one who said he wouldn't, but did.

This is not to downplay by any manner or means the importance of our Christian evangelisation, above all by the example of our faith, our commitment to the love towards others that is given to us by God from his own divine nature, in his teachings through the scriptures, and more specifically and at greater length in the New Testament, by his incarnate Son, Jesus, and by his apostles and evangelists. Not forgetting the Holy Spirit in all of that.

If you can find opprtunities to good-naturedly mock them, all to the good. You could also add : 'One word : `'Fukushima'``. Don't elaborate on it, other than to just say, 'You'd better get your souls in order.'

By the way, the beliefs of my family were (and are as regards its surviving members), a mystery to me, but I would have been more than happy to meet my Maker in their shoes. Though not my original father, a philanderer, whose soul I pray for every day. It's a mixed-up world, and that includes many of us formal Christians.

 

[Stormy]

Hello DavidAC,
You are surrounded by unbelievers, including your parents who, in God's eyes and the law, have authority and custody over you. That's fine. We are all in this situation to a greater or lesser extent; we don't get to go to heaven quite yet. That's fine; bring heaven to them.
What to do practically:
Make your bedroom your sanctuary. How? Pray over your bedroom and anoint it with oil, any oil will do; I prefer olive oil. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Find a time when no one is around and do it. When you pray, don't pray in your mind only; speak it with your mouth. Release those words into the atmosphere of your bedroom and house.
As a follower of Jesus you have great authority in His name. You have the authority to tread on all the power of the enemy, so don't let him harrass you anymore through your family. Subdue those spirits of harassment.
When you pray, (praying out loud)
1. Announce your authority as a child of God because of Jesus blood shed for you.
2. Claim your bedroom and home as your territory, in Jesus name.
3. Forbid any demonic spirits to operate in your bedroom or in your home, and command them to go.
4. Invite the presence and peace of God into your bedroom and home. 5. Ask the Lord to help you in this situation and give you wisdom about whatever else you should pray or do.
I would do this daily. If things get worse at first, that only means you're having an impact. Hang in there and watch the atmosphere in your home improve.
If you can't find time at home to speak this out loud, do it away from home. This works also. Jesus operated remotely at times, there are examples in the Bible.
Remember, Jesus died for you because you are so loved. He's given you his Holy Spirit to comfort you. Ask Him for that comfort, since He's a Comforter. Jesus promised that he would never leave you or forsake you.
Believe it, dear sister.
You are loved.

I was going to offer my humble advise to the OP but your response here is perfect. I have nothing to add except... May God bless you both

 

[DennisTate]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

It is critical to develop an attitude of thankfulness for
the people in our lives no matter how flawed they are.

Reading the near death experience of former Atheist Howard Storm will
tend to help you...... it sure helped me.

I also recommend a book by Pastor Rick Joyner who had an astonishing
visionary dream of heaven back in 1995. I will try to find you a link to it.

There is a link to it here in post #1.....
How powerful is Messiah Yeshua - Jesus really?

 

[frienden thalord]

Its a new day davida, and still we are and will keep praying for you.
No one is forgotten. You are loved so praise the Lord.

 

[timewerx]

Personally I couldn't stand that. I'd have to find a way to leave and start my own separate life. it would be too distracting to be harassed daily for just being honest in your convictions and faith.

It's not really that possible to get out a miserable situation like myself especially if you don't have much money and not much luck and help. You got no choice but to endure it.

Like Christians who are thrown into prison simply for being Christians. We live in an evil world.

 

[rockytopva]

Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. - Acts 16:30-31


I was the only one saved in my family when I came to Christ as a teenager. I simply prayed and lived the life before them. I can never recall preaching to any of them the first time.

One day my sister, who was a waitress at that time, noticed a young man who would come in to the restaurant at 5AM most mornings and stay an hour with his paperwork laid out in front of him. My sister noticed much bible study and asked him where he went to church. When my sister, who took my other sister, went to the church they wept the whole time as they could not believe the love that was in that place. Next thing you know, the whole family is saved!

 

[GirdYourLoins]

Are you at school or college or do you work? If you are there may be a Christian group there you could go to. You may even find someone there who would be able to take you to church with them. Pray for God to bring Christians into your life.

 

[Anguspure]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

I just want to say that I also have lived most of my life like this so if it helps to know that there are others in a similar boat, I hope this helps. It certainly helps me knowing that you also understand the pain.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

Thanks everyone for the prayers and advice.

Oh Davida, I understand what you are talking about. I had the same kind of situation when I was your age. It is very hard, but HE is with you. And, you are very wise in the Lord, not arguing with them. That does not mean you are weak, but oh so strong in HIM. It would be so easy to lash out and get angry at it all, but by the grace of God you do not. God is good!

Cast not your pearls before swine lest turn and trample you. (Matthew 7:6) So being silent about your faith is keeping peace, for "Blessed is the peacemaker". Be blessed!

I am praying for you.