Can a stressed Christian witness effectively?

4given · Post by **4given** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:34 am

Hi folks!
Brand new to the forum, so help me figure out how I can conquer my anxiety and be a better witness to the Gospel.
Having panic attacks let's that little voice inside me tell me that real Christians have more faith and takes me into doubt.
Any suggestions?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:38 am

Well I would like to say that God loves to get the Glory.......He loves for one to share a testimony on how he healed and delivered one. So perhaps you can stand on more faith, healing, and peace scriptures to turn it all around. Now this program will also inspired by a woman who does believe in God...so with this program and more word I'm sure you will have an awesome testimony to share with the world.

Angla · Post by **Angla** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:08 am

I was just telling my husband this morning that I've always had faith... or so I thought. I had faith that I, as a believer, would be saved in judgement. What I have been VERY weak in is faith during my everyday living. This is am important distinction for me and one that I am working on (some days are better than others). I must ask God to help me in the things that I am anxious about or am fearing. Then, I must "Let go and let God", as they say and have faith that He will help me through the trials I've prayed about. I am often reminded that it is His Will that I must abandon myself to, though. What could be more perfect than His Will? I must have faith in it!

Hope this helps!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:17 am

Thanks for the input. Scripture and faith are a powerful combination. Sometimes I look at this anxiety thing as "a thorn in the flesh" that Saint Paul talks about. Without it, I might feel like I wouldn't know that the Power to overcome was all His.
More feedback would be appreciated.

Yellow Rose Of Tx · Post by **Yellow Rose Of Tx** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:48 pm

You betcha'! I'm a certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church (which doesn't mean I am an authority on all this, but hear me out)and have had panic attacks, anxiety and depression since I was very young (28,...I'm as old as dirt now

) - 69 to be exact. When you accepted Christ as your personal Savior, nobody said it was going to be easy - in fact it's probably made many people's lives harder and more stressful, just as it did in Jesus' day. But thanks be to God, I am who I am today and that ain't all bad. :p In John, Jesus talks about being the true vine...and you know that with vines, in order for them to grow, they must be pruned. Sometimes I think I have been "pruned" back so far that I am below ground, but it has only made me stronger in my faith and as old as I am, I'm still learning more and more about how God uses us in all situations. I've had my share of grief and losses and if it were not for having Jesus in my life, I wouldn't have made it. And trust me, there are no "better Christians" - we are all equal in the sight of God. I have a sign on my refrigerator door that reads "Judy, Trust Me, I have everything under control" signed, Jesus.
As far as witnessing goes...remember, you may be the only Bible that people read. Trust in God, trust in yourself, He is always with you and knows your anxious thoughts and pain, learn and grow from them as St. Paul did.

God's Blessings and may you find peace.
Judy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:40 pm

Sometimes not being sure of yourself, lack of confidence, can be used of God more than someone who is sure of themselves. The reason is because you are truly leaning on Christ in the situation rather than your own strength.

In college I hated to go into the student center and talk to students, but I did out of obedience. One of my worst weeks in college grade wise and emotionally was used by God to bring a person to Him and to give me an experience which I'll never forget. I was given the privilege of discipling this person for his last semester in school. Because of what had happened to me before this person was born again I knew that God wanted me to help this young man spiritually and to become his friend.

I was under tremendous stress during this time. I couldn't be good enough for my spiritual leader, was brow beat quite a bit, and on top of all of that I was being pressured to spend less time on studies and more time in ministry. It was a crucible for me that God used for His purpose. The answer to your question is definitely yes.

One book that might be of interest shows another young man who was filled with doubt early in his Christian experience but was used greatly by God later. He had a lot of anxiety also. The book is "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd". Page 170 reads, "And thus He 'ordained strength out of weakness' by making bare His almighty arm at a time when all hopes and human probabilities most evidently appeared to fail. Whence I learn that it is good to follow the path of duty, though in the midst of darkness and discouragement." You will find this man was filled with fear and anxiety at times, but was used greatly of God.

kvsdiva · Post by **kvsdiva** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 2:53 am

Reading these posts totally reminded me of these verses:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Cor 1:3-4

Isn't it true that when we have gone/ and are going through trials- we develop the kind of compassion we might never have had if we had never gone through these things.

How could we comfort others if we ourselves had not needed to be comforted?

Many times I look at my struggles as though there is a purpose behind it- to help others.

Be blessed!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 2:57 am

Even our 'heros' of the faith, like Charles Spurgeon, struggled:

"Some Years ago, I was deeply depressed. I knew whom I had believed, but I could not get comfort from the truth I preached. I even began to wonder if I was really saved.

While on vacation, I went to a Wesleyan chapel. The sermon was full of the gospel and tears flowed from my eyes. I was in a perfect delirium of joy. I said, "Oh yes, there is spiritual life within me; the gospel can still touch my heart and stir my soul."

When I thanked the good man for his sermon, he looked at me and could hardly believe his eyes.

He said , "Are you not Mr. Spurgeon?"

I replied, "Yes."

"Dear, dear," said he, "that was your sermon I preached this morning." I knew it was, and that was one reason why I was so comforted. I realized that I could take my own medicine. I asked the preacher to my inn for dinner. We rejoiced that he was led to give the people one of my sermons that day, that I could be fed from my own kitchen.

I do know this. Whatever I may be, there is nothing that moves me like the gospel of Christ. "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Tim. 1:12).
Do you feel this way?

From Besides Still Waters, a collection of devotional written by Charles Spurgeon

Gil24601 · Post by **Gil24601** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:40 am

Thank you!

thethirdperson · Post by **thethirdperson** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:36 pm

You folks really know how to lift a guy up!
Regarding the ability to be a more usful instrument to the Lord because of my weakness, there have been several times when God put in my heart that a person I was talking to was not "standoffish" or "aloof" - rather they were simply filled with anxiety and doing there best to maintain - as a matter of fact, my first date with my future wife was one of those occasions. When I started telling her about my experience with panic attacks, the defenses went down and the last sixteen years have been filled with mutual understanding.
Blessings to you all,
Joe