So first of all I want to start by saying that I am absolutely grateful to be writing again. While I do my best to keep a positive, and strong perspective up front I have struggles of my own. Obviously, I suppose, I could not write on such topics if I didn’t have a personal connection to the content in which I write. However, the last few years have been a struggle with grief, and sadness. While I am confident in knowing that God has his hands on me, and comforts me this current world is one that is challenging for many believers. Can you relate?

In a world with so much hate, anger, vulgarity, and apostasy how does a loving compassionate believer cope? While most of us know, and are confidently waiting for Christ’s promised return the wait can seem exhaustive at times. This to me is “Rapture Fatigue”.

The term “Rapture Fatigue” came to me in during a conversation I had with my husband where I was lamenting over my exhaustion, and feelings of sadness over a long time of unrelenting grief. Not only have I been grieving the recent loss of my beloved fur babies, but the loss of qualities of life, loss of connection with others, and general grief over the loss of the un-saved. Yes, I grieve over those who are not save, and may never be. To some this may seem ridiculous since there is nothing that can be done about those who choose to turn away from God. After all, the Bible teaches us not all will enter the Kingdom of Heaven…Mathew 22:14-“many are invited, but few are chosen”.

Does this level of compassion make me weak…no not all! Compassion is part of my nature. I care deeply for others, thus the reason I write, and podcast about these subjects. Not only do I want to honor God, but I feel a great desire to reach out to others and share my personal journey as encouragement.

So what does all this have to do with “Rapture Fatigue” you may be asking? Well, in the waiting for Christ to return I have found myself struggle to understand how we, as believers in Christ, are to deal with the immense pressure of the current state of the world in which we are to live. Any one with “eyes to see, and ears to hear” can’t honestly ignore that thriving in this environment is a challenge.

Some are anxiously waiting on Christ’s return, while others are pretending things are “not that bad”, others are embracing the culture of vulgarity and “fitting in” mentality. As for me, I choose not to “fit in”, or “go along with” any of it. I want to thrive in the midst of all the chaos. How does one do that? That’s a great question…one I have spent the last two years trying to figure out. While I don’t have the answers, what do know is that I still have hope in The Lord; that he is returning…soon likely…and that I can pray through the deepest of my despair and his is there. “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there”-Psalm 139:8

Elijah himself struggled with depression while trying to lead others in the way of God. Who can blame him with everything he faced in his time. Much like that of ours, but God met him right there and comforted him, gave him assurance, and confidence to face his anxiety. Yes, I said depression. Believers face depression everyday whether they put on a good front or not. This stigma attached to the word is wrong. Many of us have faced numerous traumas, pain from injury, and grief that can facilitate depression. Not all of us have a support network of family or friends, but we do have The Almighty God to lean on. So if find yourself facing depression, “rapture fatigue”, or grief of any kind fear not…you are not alone! I encourage you to continue to pray, and talk to The Lord. Another helpful bit someone was kind enough to pass along to me was to “release” your feelings to God. Releasing felt better for me than just “giving” it to God, but mostly whatever works for you. I would also encourage you to reach to other sources, whether it be a trusted confidante, or even books on the subject. Chris Hodges book, “Out of the Cave” is a great listen and read for me. I find his material to be straight forward, and clear. I am not an affiliate, or paid to give my opinion so no link is provided, but just my personal suggestion of what helped me.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in the midst of frustration dealing with the dooming of end times rants, or just fatigue of life remember that others are feeling it too. Hang in there, keep your lamp with with oil, smell the flowers, play, and find joy in anyway you can to promote a positive perspective so you can be available to the calling of your purpose. Most of all know you are loved, truly loved!

As always, my God Bless you! All my love in Christ Jesus…

Annie 🙂