Over the last few weeks, I have been blessed to minister prayer in several venues with and for pastors and other Christians. I had been reading reports about some of the mental and emotional effects 2020 and all of its challenges were having on our citizens. Accordingly, the rates of depression and suicide among Americans were doubling previous years. I found this hard to comprehend or believe. I asked the LORD to show me the truth of these reports.
Later, I found myself in conversations with many pastors and church leaders in a calm and peaceful situation. The LORD impressed me to press the questions to these men. To my surprise, half of these precious men of God admitted to being depressed and ready to quit ministry if they had the opportunity. That left me quivering at the thought of asking the last question, but it had to be addressed. This last question needed to be asked with much compassion, and yet with passion. I approached it something like the following: “Because of the struggles of this year, have you had even a passing thought of suicide? Maybe you would truly never do so; maybe there was never a plan in mind, but have you thought about it?”
My dear friends and fellow believers, to my shock and surprise nearly half of those who were asked admitted they had had fleeting thoughts like that. Much, much prayer was given to the God of Life to defeat the spirit of death, murder, and suicide. Many admitted a feeling of release and relief.
Beloved this year, the devil, and those whom he may be guiding and using, perhaps without their knowledge, is using mass fear to weaken the resolve of good patriotic people, and even the Church! Fear is a major problem among people today in America. The biggest tragedy in this is that many professing believers are ignoring all of the encouraging warnings of the LORD when He says in multiple places and in varied ways: “Do not be afraid!”
Beloved believer let me remind you, there is no trust within fear. “Fear not!” “Fret not!” “The LORD has not given you the spirit of fear!”
There will be many surprises coming during the next several months, none of which will be pleasant. Believer now is the time to step up your prayers and intercession, commitments to Christ, courage, resolve, and unity of spirit throughout the church. Love, encourage, and pray for fellow Christians. Ask the tough questions of your pastors and fellow church members. Do not give up or give in! Pray! Pray! Pray! Church, Pray On!
