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Post by brad on Aug 9, 2017 10:45:27 GMT -6
I have had to confront some unusual emotions as of late.
Extreme highs and extreme lows...
The lows are unusual for me, As we are on final approach towards what could be the Rapture... Why am I feeling these intense lows all of a sudden... It has caused me much grief and self doubt, after all if I truly believe... shouldn't I be full of joy?
After much thought, I think it all boils down to this...
The war within me is starting to rage! ... although the part of me being saved is full of joy, the fleshly part of me is feeling like a man that just got told by a doctor he has just 45 days (or so) to live. I am being forced to look at all the unfinished business that I have. I am being forced to realise that it is impossible to correct everything I wish I would have done better.... being a better husband, father, and follower of Jesus... Oh I would love a "do-over"...
Any one else feeling these things?.... Or should I check into a mental facility?
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Post by Natalie on Aug 9, 2017 10:55:17 GMT -6
Yes, I feel it, too. My lows are more from the fact that I have unsaved friends and family, some who out right despise God, or so it seems. I feel that they are the ones that have been given the news by the doctor. They just don't know it. My heart is heavy.
My husband has been talking about going to see his sister in another country...in January. He talks about other things in the future, but my focus has greatly shifted.
I do occasionally consider things I could have done differently or better, but then I hand them to God because He knew and used things in my life to bring me where I am today.
I think what you are feeling is part of the letting go of this world. Focus on who you can serve today, love your family, and keep looking up!
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Post by Gary on Aug 9, 2017 10:59:42 GMT -6
I can echo many of your feelings. A number of us have reported feeling these highs and lows of late... almost like waves (or dare I say - contractions). Without offering an explanation, I can just share with you different feelings and thoughts crossing my mind:
I'm about to see the LORD
What if I'm not ready?
What if the Gospel isn't true?
What if I'm deceived by this Revelation 12 Sign interpretation?
Trepidation
Joy
Excitement
Fear
Worshipfulness
Spiritual lethargy
What if nothing happens and I'm mocked and ridiculed?
Will I lose family and friends?
What if it does happen? Are my family and friends ready? Have I told them enough? Did I share it winsomely?
I must obey the Ezekiel 33 call, but if I'm wrong then have I brought harm to God's Church?
Rock and a hard place.
In short, I'm going from extreme joy to extreme low and back again. I pray frequently for discernment and clarity.
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Post by whatif on Aug 9, 2017 13:06:09 GMT -6
My husband has been talking about going to see his sister in another country...in January. He talks about other things in the future, but my focus has greatly shifted. This happens to me with my family, as well, Natalie! Even though I share frequently with them all the amazing things we've been discussing here about the Lord's near return--regardless of what date that may turn out to be or not be--and even though they understand that I believe the Lord is giving a "last call" before His plan unfolds for the Time of Jacob's Trouble, I constantly hear comments about how exciting it will be to go to a movie they're awaiting in December or next year, or what projects they are going to work on next year, and so on.
Is it wrong to plan for the future and think about things you'll enjoy doing? Not at all. But some time ago I started to speak of plans in the "if we're still here" sense. For example, "If the Lord hasn't taken us up to be with Him yet, I'll plant my garlic cloves for next year's crop this fall." I get the oddest looks sometimes when I suggest that.
I was actually feeling a little cranky about it all one day--which I shouldn't have been, and I do regret letting it get to me--but one of my family members was telling me a list of all the exciting movies they were waiting to see in the coming months, knowing I'm looking for Jesus' soon return, and I replied, "Oh, how I hope I'm not here to see them!" Forgive me, Lord...
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Post by whatif on Aug 9, 2017 13:23:04 GMT -6
I must obey the Ezekiel 33 call, but if I'm wrong then have I brought harm to God's Church? There's that number 33 again, Gary! |
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Post by Natalie on Aug 9, 2017 13:34:13 GMT -6
My husband has been talking about going to see his sister in another country...in January. He talks about other things in the future, but my focus has greatly shifted.
Is it wrong to plan for the future and think about things you'll enjoy doing? Not at all. But some time ago I started to speak of plans in the "if we're still here" sense. For example, "If the Lord hasn't taken us up to be with Him yet, I'll plant my garlic cloves for next year's crop this fall." I get the oddest looks sometimes when I suggest that.
That's how I've been thinking, too. I'm currently planning for this coming school year, if we are still here. |
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Post by Natalie on Aug 9, 2017 20:00:50 GMT -6
Some more emotions for today -- My husband travels a lot for his job. This is his busy season right now, but I got to thinking about his schedule today. He's home one week in August and one in September. I probably don't have to tell you which weeks they just happen to be. (He's to go to Japan toward the beginning of Sept, but that may change depending on things with NKorea)
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Post by cwood85 on Aug 9, 2017 21:07:01 GMT -6
Yes, all of the above with the same emotions and feelings. Fear for those whom I am uncertain of their salvation. Doubt if nothing happens. The thoughts of my son starting kindergarten and him only being three weeks into school when the sign occurs. Uncertainty when I read information about pre, mid, and post tribulation ( I believe in pre). But the thought is always there. Do we REALLY know? What if we are wrong? I cannot imagine going through the tribulation with my children.
Other days are absolute joy and longing at the sky waiting with earnest for His return.
But each day is different. So I pray and pray some more. Thank you everyone for the honesty.
At the same time however I wonder if we would feel this way if nothing was going to happen? So I try to remind myself, how did Noah feel for over a 100 years of this? I am sure he had days, weeks, probably months of doubt, days were he asked God if it was really so? Am I doing the right thing? What if I am wrong or just crazy? What if nothing happens? What the heck will I do with this giant boat lol? So he let faith in the Lord guide him every day for a 120 years. Scripture does talk of Noah liking to drink lol. Can't say I really blame him adding that he witnessed the whole world be destroyed.
Editing at to add:
Another thing of interest and I have read of others doing the same or similar. I used to be obsessed with photography. It was my night and day for the last 4 or more years. I even had a business that was really starting to boom with it. It almost seemed over night that I was all of a sudden not interested in it. Like at all. Other things that I used to do that also took up a lot of time or kept me busy one way or another have seemingly become of no interest. Now I do battle depression and am full on ADHD ( the Lords loving and powerful healing of my very near suicide has given me peace like I have never felt) and at first wondered if I was going down the rabbit hole again? But I am not sad or depressed about it or in any conflict. That was my clue that that was not the case this time. All I want to do is seek the Lord Jesus. Day and night. I cannot get enough of reading the Bible or watching videos and reading this website lol. It seems my worldly interest and desires are no longer important or interesting and that they are just that, of this world. I feel this is entirely of the Holy Spirit showing me what is really important and to watch. Let's all pray for each other.
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Post by whatif on Aug 9, 2017 22:36:45 GMT -6
Some more emotions for today -- My husband travels a lot for his job. This is his busy season right now, but I got to thinking about his schedule today. He's home one week in August and one in September. I probably don't have to tell you which weeks they just happen to be. (He's to go to Japan toward the beginning of Sept, but that may change depending on things with NKorea) I'll be in prayer for his safety, Natalie! This thing with North Korea is getting hot! |
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Post by whatif on Aug 9, 2017 22:39:14 GMT -6
Let's all pray for each other. Amen to that, cwood85! |
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Post by BSG-Mom on Aug 9, 2017 23:02:05 GMT -6
Thank you all for your honesty. This forum is like a church! Not a day goes by when I don't think of my sweet husband of fifty years who went home to Jesus in 2014. We celebrated our anniversary in hospice. He had stomach cancer. So, I'm blessed to think of seeing him again. You know, we all need more understanding of the millennium when uncertain feelings come. Our little ones will continue in a perfect world, and we'll all be young adults with perfect bodies. Wow. No more weight watchers :-).
If the Lord tarries and we have a few more days beyond September or even into next year, it can't be much longer because Jesus told us when the perilous times came we should look up. Then, there are the patterns of years (40, 70, 120, etc). Praise God for those who took the time to measure these things that are revealing landmarks on the timeline. And we'll all get a special crown because we were looking for His coming. Imagine that!
So, be of good cheer and let not our hearts be troubled. The evil one knows he hasn't much time left so he'll aim all his weapons at our spirits. When he throws guilt my way about not sharing my faith, I must remember I'm not responsible for another's salvation. It's the Holy Spirit who draws people; but I can pray for them.
I agree with cwood85. Let's pray for each other. HUGS TO ((((YOU ALL)))))
Please know I'm not making light of these highs and lows. These emotions are very real and I need to be encouraged as well.
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Post by watchmanjim on Aug 10, 2017 11:02:14 GMT -6
I love y'all and I can say, I am going through all these same things. Let's be holding each other up in prayer.
Regarding #33: Yes, it seems to be important. Only a handful of Bible books have a Chapter 33, and it seems that it is important in every one of them. In the Torah, all 4 books with a chapter 33, it has to do with the nation of Israel going into the land, especially regarding the tribes or sons of Israel. I believe this time of 33 will involve the tribes returning to the land.
Psalm 33 is chilling if you read it thinking of these days, though no real specific reference seems a clear prophecy of our time, though a few may alude to it.
Job 33, which has 33 verses, is the "Gospel according to Elihu." This is a clear view of God's salvation afforded to believing Gentiles in Old Testament times. So chilling--and a passage so overlooked by most people. The Gospel, pre-Moses, boiled down to its essentials.
Jeremiah 33: A very famous prophetic passage. Isaiah 33: check it out. Good stuff.
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Post by whatif on Aug 10, 2017 11:48:42 GMT -6
That is so awesome, watchmanjim! So, which book is the 33rd book? I'm going to have to count them...
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Post by whatif on Aug 10, 2017 11:50:16 GMT -6
Okay... someone else count to see if I'm right... Is it Micah? I just got boosegumps again!
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Post by Natalie on Aug 10, 2017 18:10:04 GMT -6
I got Micah as 33rd also.
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