question and prayer - Worthy Christian Forums

What do you say to someone that has been in prison and they have a hope for the best but plan for the worst mentality? Yet when they speak you can only hear "the worst will probably happen." What if they don't want to hear a faith talk? And what if they get mad because they want your opinion but only if it agrees with them?

Anyone been there?

I have someone I would like all of you to pray for. I KNOW the Lord has His hand on this person's life. Bathe them in prayer please!

They are scared.

They want confirmation from you, that they are right at least once about something in their life, knowing how many times they have been wrong in the past.

Do not talk TO them, talk WITH them. Testify, share, understand, inquire, but remain firm that our LORD loves and forgives, and that a life dedicated to our Lords teachings is the only way to recover the losses of the past and have a secure future either here or in heaven.

Above all else, be yourself prayerful, asking for guidance.

Well if that person knows you and wants advice but tells you he doesn't want to hear any "religious" talk, then just respond: "I have very good advice to give you but I am sorry you don't want to hear it. I will pray for you though."

Dear Father, touch this person's heart and change it. Reveal yourself to that person and convince him that he needs you, that he needs to repent and give his life to you. Thank you for your grace, your mercy and your love for this person. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

I agree with Hunter -

They are scared. Talk with them, not TO and especially not AT... pray with and for them. Encourage them and let them know you care. God Bless you and this person who is starting a "new chapter" in their lives. May God Bless and keep them!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/emot-hug.gif)

Try not to talk about their problems too much. Talk about Jesus and your walk with Him. In a way it is good that they are scared, it means they are seeking, but are scared what they might find. I pray they find Jesus through your actions, and example.

Last Tuesday I had a new person attend my home group. He too was scared and is going through a bad time. He told me that he was so scared of what he might hear and see, was it Ok if he sat near the door, which had to be open, so he could leave if he felt like it.

I agreed, and at the end of the evening he came to me and said, I did not understand what you were talking about (sanctification), but I will be back next week. I will visit him for a cup of coffee before that and talk about Jesus with him. Nothing heavy, just who Jesus is, and what He has done to change my life.

Blessings and strength be with you

Scared? Maybe. Prepared? Yes.

I have been there and had lived by this code for a long time. To those who do, it is reality. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. The worst thing that can happen is to have something go down and not be prepared for it, being caught blind sided. Even though there is a "brotherhood", you are still the only one responsible to ensure you are ready for anything. To them, "faith talk" is very dangerous. Imagine being in a situation where you know things are going to happen and all you have is the hope that you will be OK. That is how they see faith talk. No substance to protect yourself with. To Christians not living in these conditions, it is fine, but to one who lives in danger all the time, it is not. Even though they trust the Lord with their lives, they also realize that God is not going to fight their fight if it comes down to it. Hard to understand it may be, but reality for those who are there. It is easy for those who have not been there to question their ways, not truly understanding what their ways are really all about.

Sorry to ramble on, but you have touched a part of my life I try to forget. Even today, I have some of these residual ideas still lodged in my way of thinking. My advice, as mentioned, is not only to talk with them, but mostly listening to them. They depend more on actions then words, so live the life Christ has for you to live and it will speak more to them then you words will.

God Bless,
Alan

OneLight I think you put into perspective what I was trying to say. Listen and let them see the example you set by your own actions. But I still think that everything you do (gently), whether it is listening, by your actions, or by your words, should point to Jesus?

Another thing you could point out to your friend is "true freedom", Many of us think freedom is being able to go, do and say what we want. Others long for freedoms we take for granted. But there's a different kind of freedom. The true freedom was purchased for each of us by Jesus, Son of God.

Jesus said to them, "You are truly my disciples if you live as I tell you to, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...You are slaves of sin, every one of you. And slaves don't have rights, but the Son has every right there is! So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free." John 8:31-32,34-36.....

You and your friend are in my prayers,
blessings,
desi

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and suggestions. I will most definately, and prayerfully try hard to talk with and listen more. And thank you for the insight that this person is scared. I really needed to hear that. Helps me better understand some things.


Blessings to you all!!!

Yes, all that we do should point to Jesus.