I have been a Christian for quite some time and for quite some time I have had a problem. I pray very hard for my parents and other family members who are not saved yet, asking God that they would find salvation. However, in order for that to happen, I understand that I have to do my part. But everytime God asks me to do something, I get scared and whiney saying that I can't do what he asks of me. Even simple things, like talking to my parents, gets me down. I have prayed about this, but nothing has seemed to change yet. Does anyone have any comments that may help? Everytime he asks me to do something I end up falling away, realizing that I can't do anything without Him, asking for forgiveness, and trying again. Please Help!!
2006-10-19 04:34:34 · 14 answers · asked by followmyleader1 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Most people misunderstand courage...Courage is not the absence of fear, but the going on even in the presence of fear. God says he will never leave you nor forsake you. You can do all things through Christ. Get a few "anchor" scriptures and just keep repeating them as you go to "do what God has asked you to do" and you will find that it is easier..Ps. 31:24,Ps 27:14,Heb. 13:6,Prov.14:26,
Hang in there we all have areas we need to come up higher in...Prayers with you...God Bless you...
2006-10-19 04:44:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only person you can change is yourself. You can't make the choice for your family to change, you can only pray that God shows them the way.
Are you sure that it is "God" that is asking you to do these things? Or is it a preacher, a religious teacher or some of your co-churchgoers?
Being a good example to your family through your actions, words and life, rather than being a proseltyzing GIT and verbally assaulting them every time you see them, will be more likely to have them respect and be open to your religious beliefs.
Christianity that is force-fed is obnoxious and off-putting. That is probably what you sense when you are reticent to "talk to them" about God.
Rather than getting caught in a self-guilt-trip over your inability to preach to your family, why not quietly thank God for the blessings that they are to you, ask him to show you anything that will help you to bring them closer to him, and accept that perhaps His Spiritual Gifts to you do not include proseltyzing.
God never gives you a challenge that you cannot overcome. The Christian God is a God of Love and Forgiveness, not a rampaging deamon intent upon grovelling worship and obedience to impossible demands.
Perhaps rather than trying to "show them the way", you could approach the most "approachable" of your family members and invite them to go to church with you one day. Just don't be upset if they say "no". Remember, YOU are not able to change someone's heart - only the Holy Spirit can do that. For you to think that you can is sinful hubris.
2006-10-19 11:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by sewmouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have struggled with this too.
Remember that this life is short and everything passes away. Don't take yourself so seriously. What is the worst thing that could happen? They could get mad at you, laugh, reject you... whatever, but think about the worst that could happen and you will realize it is not that bad, just temporary. It too will pass. I highly doubt any of that bad stuff will come to you from your family, but if it does, maybe they are not really good family anyway. They should accept you for who you are. If they reject you now, they are rejecting Christ. Keep praying for them, have faith and they will come around in time.
Also, try not to 'force' your beliefs on them. It comes across as arrogance. Just maybe share how happy you are now and what it has done for you. Also, if you live confidently your Christian life, it becomes a gospel in itself. They will soon be asking YOU, how come you have had so much positive change.
Peace!
2006-10-19 11:46:28 · answer #3 · answered by David M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie, sometimes we can't answer all of God's demands. No, this wasn't an insult, it's meant to let you know that sometimes we have to go with the flow of things. It's very kind of you to pray for your parents and others but not to the point where you get scared. God has everything in hand. Salvation is one thing for one person and another for someone else. God always forgives and you seem to think you're running up against a brick wall. You're not. Make your faith as that of a little child's and just beleive instead of fearing. Bless you.
2006-10-19 11:39:05 · answer #4 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Evangelism & witnessing do take a lot of courage esp. when you know your audience isn't going to be receptive. See if you can participate in an evangelism class at your church. If they don't offer one ask your pastor about starting one. The better prepared you are to speak about your faith and what you believe the easier it will be for you to approach your family. Good luck & God be with you.
2006-10-19 11:41:01 · answer #5 · answered by WeaselLuvr 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Is it better for your family to be saved or to go to hell? You're on a train. Are the people taking a ride home or a ride on their way to hell. If God has chosen you to speak on his message then you are special and he upholds you, do not be afraid, just believe. Perfect love drives out all fear. Jesus sent people out two by two. Take someone with you if it will help you to share your faith with others. Hold a dinner for you family and do a "truth" play or something. Get creative. Show them the truth with your life as well. If they see the change in you it will speak volumes & they will probably come to you with questions.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2006-10-19 11:39:44 · answer #6 · answered by Light 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should stop using Christ as your crutch. You get courage and inner strength when you least expect it. Like stopping a child from crossing a busy road, or giving blood, or speaking up for injusticesand being there for others. Stop thining about yourself so much. You need to grip on life!
Sorry to sound so brutal but you have your head too far in the clouds.
2006-10-19 11:40:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Good question...I think that if you care enough about your parent's salvation (that is, if you believe in a Heaven/hell after death) and love them so much that you just want them to go to Heaven rather than the alternative, I think that you can overcome your fear, and I think you will. Pray.
2006-10-19 11:37:30 · answer #8 · answered by sarcrl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Follow the Yellow Brick Road and when you get to the Emerald City look up the Wizard.
Scare off the lion and get his courage
2006-10-19 11:37:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
one would be surprised what faith can do. keep working on the situation and the results might surprise you. everything happens for a reason. remember time patience and perseverance accomplish all things.
2006-10-19 11:47:48 · answer #10 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋