Sometimes I Feel So Useless

[Matthan]

I love witnessing for Christ. It makes me feel good inside when I do. But something I read recently in Scripture makes me feel absolutely pitiful. Paul tells us:
" Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."

When was the last time I was "in perils" of anything while witnessing for Christ? NEVER is the only truthful answer I can give. I have it so easy, especially when I think about Paul and all of the others that suffered immeasureably for Jesus!

I guess all I can do is pray that Jesus will forgive me for taking the easy way out with His witness. My efforts just seem so feeble.....

Matthan <J><

[Sword-In-Hand]

Well if it helps....;) ....I believe we are nearing a time where all Christians, even us spoiled North American Christians will be put through trials and punishments for our faith.

Don't feel useless, just keep on chugging, cause we never know when those stripes will come.

[Gwenyfur]

We are truly blessed to have such freedom to share the Word of Christ and His Truth in the Gospel.

I pray I never live to see the day that we are truly persecuted, but if that day should come my resolve will not waver and I will gladly be striped for my Lord.

God Bless

[ZiSunka]

I love witnessing for Christ. It makes me feel good inside when I do. But something I read recently in Scripture makes me feel absolutely pitiful. Paul tells us:


When was the last time I was "in perils" of anything while witnessing for Christ? NEVER is the only truthful answer I can give. I have it so easy, especially when I think about Paul and all of the others that suffered immeasureably for Jesus!

I guess all I can do is pray that Jesus will forgive me for taking the easy way out with His witness. My efforts just seem so feeble.....

Matthan <J><

Don't compare yourself to Paul. God made you who you are and you are who He wants you to be. So you are never called to suffer like Paul did. So what? That doesn't make you less valuable to God or less important in His scheme of things.

I for one and very glad you are who you are in the place you are, because you have ministered to me so many times I could never count. If you really think you need to suffer, open a bottle of "celery soda" and force yourself to drink the whole thing. That's enough suffering for one person for a while. :D

[SumTinWong]

I agree with the above. People sometimes run into making the mistake that if they do not suffer like Christ or like the other Apostles they are not doing enough. That is noble, but pointless sentiment. They suffered along with all the rest of the martyrs so that maybe you wouldn't have to. People in India and China do this today so that their kids or grandkids may not have to.

We are getting to a point in this country where being a Christian is not popular to the majority. Even amongst ourselves, Christians we can't seem to stop kicking the snot out of each other. Do what you can and do it where God puts you. If it is in harms way then so be it, if not then be grateful that he has had mercy on you and with that gratitude do something good :)

[walkin2e]

The Lord has told us we would have troubles and trials in this world. But he also told us to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. During the past 18 years of walking with the Lord, I have had my share of trials, troubles, persecutions. I live in South Georgia, USA, and I have been cursed out, shot at, knocked down, almost run over, spit on, misunderstood, and many more trials. Yet, the Lord has been with me, protected me, and gave me sufficient grace to go on. I have led many to Jesus outside the doors of the church (hiways and byways). Elsewhere on Christian Forums, I have posted some of my trials and how the Lord gave deliverance. One of the stories, Something Good Is About To Happen, tells of the time I was knocked down in the local grocery store, and how the Lord brought good out of it. It can be read on here. Do a search on my name, walkin2e.

James 5 verse 10 "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."

Psalm 34 verse 19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."

Walkin2e:preach:

[Iollain]

I was just talking to the pastor of this church in India in yahoo chat he has been beat up for Jesus many times. http://www.ebenezerchurch.tk/

He calls what he is doing a 'tiny work'!

edit:
Decided to take his user name off incase someone unsavoury get ahold of it.

pm me for it, he seems to like talking to us in the free world

[TwinCrier]

I think maybe we are totally missing the boat. Christianity today is all about being polite and non-offensive, not speaking the truth. Perfect example here: http://www.christianforums.com/t1469323-new-found-respect.html
Many would much rather the lost go to hell then be offended. I would love to witness to those in false religions, but it is clearly against the forum fules. :(

[Stinker]

You do not have to verbally witness to be persecuted. The kind of persecution most genuine Christians endure today is not overt, like in the first century, but subtle. If you are a genuine Christian, everyone that works with you on your job, and your neighbors, know it. Whether you know it or not, there is subtle persecution being directed towards you. Many times Christians just do not think carnally enough to recognize this kind of persecution even when they see and hear it.

[Facing East]

Good point! It should be noted that there are two kinds of martyrdom. Martyrdom literally means "witness" but has come to refer to witnessing unto death. There are is red martrdom where you witness by the spilling of your blood (like the early Christians and on through the ceturies did). But there is white martyrdom, the dying to self, the mortification of flesh unto Christ.

[LostnFound]

I was just talking to the pastor of this church in India in yahoo chat he has been beat up for Jesus many times. http://www.ebenezerchurch.tk/

He calls what he is doing a 'tiny work'!

edit:
Decided to take his user name off incase someone unsavoury get ahold of it.

pm me for it, he seems to like talking to us in the free world
Thanks for this link. I very much appreciated reading about this man's church in India. I feel compelled to prayerfully consider being of assistance to their ministries.

[SonOfThunder]

I agree with the above. People sometimes run into making the mistake that if they do not suffer like Christ or like the other Apostles they are not doing enough. That is noble, but pointless sentiment.


Suffering was a result for some in witnessing. living a life where others 'KNOW' that you are Christain, by your words/deeds/manner/love for one another is also witnessing.

We are getting to a point in this country where being a Christian is not popular to the majority. Even amongst ourselves, Christians we can't seem to stop kicking the snot out of each other.

Neat way with words :P my mind went into picture mode then and it wasn't pleasant :D


James

[Fat]

I love witnessing for Christ. It makes me feel good inside when I do. But something I read recently in Scripture makes me feel absolutely pitiful. Paul tells us:


When was the last time I was "in perils" of anything while witnessing for Christ? NEVER is the only truthful answer I can give. I have it so easy, especially when I think about Paul and all of the others that suffered immeasureably for Jesus!

I guess all I can do is pray that Jesus will forgive me for taking the easy way out with His witness. My efforts just seem so feeble.....

Matthan <J><

But look what it took to bring Paul to Christ. He lived in the days of miracles yet he had to be struck blind to believe. But look at you on faith alone! God has a plan for you.


*Now in Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Here I am, Lord!" he said. *"Get up and go to the street called Straight," the Lord said to him, "to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. *In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he may regain his sight."

[SumTinWong]

Suffering was a result for some in witnessing. living a life where others 'KNOW' that you are Christain, by your words/deeds/manner/love for one another is also witnessing.
Amen!

[LostnFound]

I guess all I can do is pray that Jesus will forgive me for taking the easy way out with His witness. My efforts just seem so feeble.....

Matthan


You know, it just occurred to me... Why don't you prayerfully search for a ministry that brings you special satisfaction? I have recently started making prayer shawls (crochet) and the potential blows my mind. I have also started assisting with my church's youth, and it would seem that they have no particular "mission". I am going to approach this with the youth leader and try to spearhead something there, also.

Witnessing doesn't HAVE to be standing on a street corner, waving your Bible, or being stoned in a Communist country! :hug: