Burden for lost souls?

[Mave]

Dear all,

this is not really a prayer request, I just didn't know where to share this.

Has anyone felt a terribly sad feeling for other ppl, even strangers at times? I've been experiencing that lately at various unexpected times and it's getting to be more frequent. Few years back, I didn't really care for others and now, I'm starting to look at individual ppl in a different way. I'll just suddenly feel so sad for ppl who don't know Jesus or ppl who are doing things they shouldn't do to the point of crying. It's like "How do these ppl lead their lives without God?" "God, my human capacity cannot love/help all these ppl...just too many!"

I'm wondering now whether this is what ppl say "knowing the heart of God"/"knowing what God feels for the world" or whether I'm just emotional.

Sorry, if no one gets what I'm trying to say, I guess if there's anything to pray about, it'll be great to ask for God to answer my question. He'll know what's going on in my poor brain.

Thanks!

[esuteru]

This is something very familiar for me too...
But when something like this comes,I take it as a "challence"(a call) to pray for that person.Even if it were just someone on the train,that just caught my attention,I'll pray for that person.You're not alone with this:).

[true_noir_chloe]

It happens when you have a strong gift of evangelism or discernment. I remember when I was a campus missionary and speaking to all the kids, how heavy my heart felt. But, probably today it is even heavier, and that could be because I have children and the future; their future in Christ, walking with Him, comforted by Him, knowing all will work out because of Him, completely trusting in Him.

I'll be praying for you Michiru. I think perhaps you are being called and you haven't realized it yet. Keep praying for those you feel led to, just as esuteru does. God has given you a gift of compassion as you grow closer to Him possibly.

[uc pseudonym]

This is probably the proper place to share this. I would certainly hope the issue involves prayer. May He give you clarity of thought.

I understand the feeling you expressed very well, if you expressed what I believe you did. My experience with it is not exactly the same, as I am generally less emotional. Mostly it's a deep sorrow. Compiled atop this is the understanding that there is nothing I can really do to help, only plant seeds. It's a cross between a comfort and a disturbance, but I do get some support from the fact that I'm not required to save them all.

Most likely, I'd say this feeling is a very positive thing to be experiencing. I believe God feels very much the same way, though on a much higher degree. And being closer to the heart of God is a worthy goal, is it not?

[Rogie]

Well put, uc pseudonym. I, too, feel bad for others, especially when I see people "having fun" doing sinful things, because they don't even realize how sad they really are and how sad their lives are without Christ. Although it feels bad inside, I suggest just reminding yourself that this is a positive thing that God has blessed you with. In that sense, you may suddenly realize that you truly do love everyone around you, regardless of whether you actually know them or not. When we love our neighbors, God is most certainly pleased!

[Mave]

hey thanks everyone...so I'm not going crazy after all.

I felt perplexed mostly because ppl try to find something to fill the empty void in their hearts through 'worthless' things (drinks, drugs, entertainment...even anime!) and you and I (hopefully) agree it's just not going to work! What makes me nervous/anxious the most is ppl who are so depressed to the point that they try to kill themselves.

The other day, I was checking out information on carbon monoxide poisoning...(remember that incident where I almost kill myself unintentionally ) and I came across this page where this dud gave tips on how to kill yourself with CO and even took pictures of himself prior to doing the deed (like putting on the mask etc). It gave me a chill down my spine. Assuming this person really did kill himself, it's very freaky to see pics of a guy who's already dead...and actually wanted to die in such a calmly fashion. Makes me wish I was there to tell him, "No No No!! God has a better plan than this! Don't throw it all away." Argh...what an awful nightmare that would be....

I truly appreciate everyone's comments and glad to hear I'm not the only one. I also confess that one of the reasons why I don't really understand is because deep in my heart, I'm asking, "Do I really want to know? God, I don't know what you're asking for....but I don't think I can do it. So I'll take the easy way out, better not know it!"

Yeah, I'm sometimes afraid of His calling and where He's going to take me next. I know I shouldn't be but I try to run away (i.e ignore it and distract myself with something else or don't acknowledge it..."ahhh...I'm emotional now, need to sleep it off"). Sighhh...

But, thanks for helping me to see this! I'm getting a clearer pic of everything. I'll pray and seriously think about it. Ahhh it's wonderful getting support for fellow believers..Thank God for you guys..^^

[Shinja]

we live in a very messed up world, where people find pleasure in all manor of sins, i know im far form a perfect man and many times i wonder if i might fall into these same sins, that is what i fear the most,
i dont know how i feel about people being lost. thats sad but true, and i really dont know what to tell people, most people dont look up to me for answers or opinions, so no one ever asks me what i believe about anything. well enough of my rambleing

[Gypsy]

You have quite the mission's heat, MichiruT, and although it hurts alot, I hope you never lose it. When I say missions, I'm not saying you should head off to the Amazon tribes, but the fact that you feel so strongly for those who aren't saved. I remember when I was younger, I'd have a hard time going to public places, (like the mall) because I'd look around me and see many people that didn't know God.

Just keep yourself focused on Him and His will. Don't try to run or hide, but also don't walk in fear that you're going to mess His will up. No one knows what He has planned for you, if you keep your heart in tune, His will will become very clear to you in big and small ways.

[HEDGESMFG]

You're not alone in feeling this way...I'd like to believe that since this IS an anime based MB many of us have had run-ins with unsaved people in one way or another and have felt this way.

I guess I'll explain my experience with this...

I too have experienced it to a great extent, especially as of late when I've been meeting alot more people outside the church...in some way it's almost like a form of torture, or insanity.


Part of this is inflicted by my own emotions due to an amount of difficulties I've had from other people in Christian enviornments that are my own age. Many have acted just as cruel or uncarring, if not more so, than the average person seems to in a public area, and that really hurts when you're trying to be nice to people..so I know my own emotions, feelings of rejection amplify my concerns to an extent.


But then it seems that as of late I've met ALOT of people outside of the church who often will take notice of...I guess I can say..."Christ like" traits that I try to live out through my lives (Not on my own power, of course.), as well as just appriciate me for who I am. The side effect to this is that alot of people I've met may or may not be born-again Christians. On one hand, a part of me is caucious because the bible warns against becomming close to people like this...on the other hand I also have found that I'm a person who appriciates genuine traits of kindness, help, and good moral actions where I find them.


The side effect to all this is obviously a great concern for people like this, as well as more recognition and concern for people EVERYWHERE. I guess you could say I have a better appriciation for the preciousness of life...which is good, but it leaves a huge, almost torturous burdon on me.

I guess beyond praying the only thing I've found with it is to take one step at a time, love these people in a Christ like way for whatever the situation...(which isn't always easy either, I assure you), and let the oppertunity to speak to them come when it does.


It's just hard though, and I too hope this is being a step closer to God's own heart.