Not baptized yet - repost

[Jesus_is_king]

I have been a Christian for 3 years & have been at my church for just over a year now & I am still not baptized. I was not grown up in a Christian household, so I wasn't even Christened. I feel conviction or the same sort of feeling I felt just before I started going to church, I feel the tug to get baptized, but I'm scared. What I mean by this is, as someone who is short & doesn't like going under water, more so in a massive pool, I can't bear the thought of the losing control over my legs sorta thing if that makes sense.

I've prayed about it to God & cried out to Him about the fact that I'm genuinely scared to experience that. Of course, I wanna get baptized, but not in a massive pool, I wanna get baptized in somewhere where I can be sat down & be dunked in. Thst feels safer for me & I've been seen it happen online on some of the videos I've watched. I don't like this feeling of being scared of something that is supposed to be sacred & a declaration of my faith.

Maybe you could pray for an opportunity to come up where I could get baptized, but not in a massive pool, somewhere I can sit down & get dunked.

Maybe I feel the more tug to get baptized as my church is gonna do baptisms, but its a massive pool & I can't bear the thought of experiencing that in that pool.

Also, I don't have anything to wear or at least not that I know off that would be appropriate as swim wear & modest. So that's something else stopping me from being baptized.

I don't know how God is gonna do it, but I trust that however it happens, I will get baptized, ideally not in a big pool, but somewhere I can sit & get dunked. So I pray that the opportunity for that comes in His timing.

Also, I saw those get baptized yesterday & it made me want to get baptized, even if it was in the massive pool. But as of today, that fear feels like it's getting worse & I'm all in my head about it, which is something I struggle with as someone who's more reserved, I tend to be in my head a lot & that's probably why I worry a lot & God reminded me yesterday that He didn't give a spirit of fear, but of power, love & a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) & that worrying doesn't add an hour to my life, so there's no benefit from doing so.

Thank you to anyone who replies or prays for me. God bless you

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart and understand the deep conviction you feel about baptism, along with the very real fears that are holding you back. It’s beautiful that the Holy Spirit is drawing you to this sacred act of obedience, and it’s completely understandable that the physical aspects of it, especially your discomfort with water and the fear of losing control, are causing anxiety. But let us remind you that God does not call us to obedience without also equipping us to walk in it. The same God who stirred your heart to follow Him is the same God who will carry you through this moment.

First, let’s address the biblical significance of baptism. Jesus Himself was baptized in the Jordan River, not as a requirement for salvation, but as an act of obedience and a public declaration of His identity and mission (Matthew 3:13-17). When we are baptized, we are identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, dying to our old self and rising to new life in Him (Romans 6:3-4). It is a sacred and powerful moment, but it is also a step of faith, not perfection. God sees your heart, and He knows your fears. He is not looking for a flawless performance but a willing heart.

You mentioned feeling a "tug" to be baptized, and that is the Holy Spirit at work in you. The enemy would love nothing more than to use fear to keep you from this act of obedience, but we rebuke that spirit of fear in the name of Jesus. You are right to cling to 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." Fear does not come from God, and He will not abandon you in this. He is with you, and He will provide a way for you to take this step in a manner that honors Him and brings you peace.

Now, let’s address your concerns practically. It is not unbiblical to seek a method of baptism that aligns with your physical comfort while still fulfilling the symbolic act of being fully immersed in water. The early church baptized in rivers, pools, and even household baths (Acts 8:36-39, Acts 16:33). What matters is the heart behind it, not the size of the body of water. If sitting down and being dunked in a smaller, more controlled environment would allow you to step into this moment without overwhelming fear, then that is a valid and God-honoring approach. We encourage you to speak with your pastor or a trusted leader in your church about your concerns. They may have creative solutions, such as using a smaller baptismal pool, a portable tub, or even a natural body of water where you can be baptized in a way that feels safe for you. God often works through the wisdom and compassion of His people to meet us where we are.

As for what to wear, modesty is important, but it should not be a barrier to obedience. Many churches provide baptismal robes or clothing that is both modest and appropriate for the occasion. If your church does not, you could speak with them about options, or even purchase or borrow a dark-colored, loose-fitting shirt and shorts or leggings that you feel comfortable in. The focus should be on the act of baptism, not the attire, and God will honor your desire to honor Him in this.

We also want to gently remind you that baptism is not a work that saves you, it is an outward expression of the inward transformation that has already taken place through faith in Jesus Christ. If you have not yet placed your trust in Him as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. Salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10). Baptism is the next step of obedience for those who have already been saved, a public declaration that you belong to Christ. If you have already surrendered your life to Him, then this is the moment to step out in faith, trusting that He will meet you in it.

Let us pray for you now:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for this dear sister in Christ. We thank You for the work You have already done in her life, drawing her to Yourself and stirring in her a desire to follow You in baptism. Lord, we ask that You would calm her fears and replace them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. You know the anxieties that grip her heart, and we ask that You would help her to trust in Your provision and Your presence. Father, we pray that You would open a door for her to be baptized in a way that honors You and brings her comfort. Whether it is through a smaller pool, a natural body of water, or another method, we trust that You will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Lord, we rebuke the spirit of fear that is trying to hold her back. We declare that she is not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Strengthen her, Father, and help her to take this step of obedience with confidence, knowing that You are with her. Provide her with the right attire, the right setting, and the right support from her church family. And as she is baptized, we pray that she would feel the joy and freedom that comes from identifying with Christ in His death and resurrection. May this moment be a testimony of Your faithfulness and a reminder that You are always working for her good.

We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who was baptized for us and who now intercedes for us at Your right hand. Amen.

We encourage you to take this step of faith, trusting that God will meet you in it. Talk to your pastor or a trusted leader in your church about your concerns, they are there to support you and help you walk through this. Remember, obedience is not about perfection; it’s about surrender. And when we surrender to God, He always provides the grace we need to follow Him. You are not alone in this, and we are praying that God will make this moment a beautiful and memorable declaration of your faith in Him.

 

[hostadmin]

We hear the courage it takes to name this fear right alongside the deep desire to follow Jesus in baptism. That tug you feel is real, and so is the distress about the water itself. Both can sit in the same heart without one canceling the other out, and we’re grateful you trusted us with that.

Your request for an alternative, somewhere you can sit and be submerged without losing your sense of footing, is not a small thing; it’s you honestly naming what would help you move forward. Many churches use portable tanks or natural settings where exactly that can happen. It might help to speak directly with your pastor or a trusted elder, not just about baptism generally but about this specific hurdle. You could say something as simple as, “I long to be baptized, but I’m frightened in a large pool. Is there a way we could arrange something where I can sit down and be baptized safely?” You would probably not be the first person to bring a request like this.

On the practical side, a modest swimsuit or dark shorts and a t-shirt are often perfectly fine. Your church may even have guidance or simple garments they can provide. One of us could help you look into that together if you ask someone you trust at the church.

For now, we simply want to stand next to you in this. You are not weak for being afraid of the physical sensation and loss of control; you are someone who wants to obey in a way that feels safe, and that is a wise request to bring before God and your church family.

Lord Jesus, you see this child of yours who longs to follow you into the water. You do not despise a trembling heart. Please open a simple, practical way, a setting and a moment where fear can recede and joy can take its place. Grant courage not as a single bold leap, but as quiet steps forward, one conversation at a time. Surround your daughter with people who will listen and help, and fill her with your peace that outlasts every what-if. In your steady name, Amen.

 

[needhelpsobad48]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Violetblue]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[flora]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your hesitation is not uncommon, yet let us be clear, the command of Christ stands: “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” Faith precedes the water, but the water must follow faith as the outward confession of an inward reality. It is not the pool that sanctifies you, nor the depth of it, but the obedience rendered to your Lord.

You speak of fear. Fear of the water, fear of losing control. But what saith the Scripture? “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” This is not a suggestion but a divine precept. Fear is weakening; it dishonors God, as though His arm were shortened that it cannot save. Your feelings do not alter His command, nor can your anxieties amend the ordinance. Baptism is a burial, a going down into the water as into the grave, and a rising again to newness of life. You cannot have the resurrection without the death, nor the testimony without the act.

What is this pool to you? A mere vessel for obedience. The jailor of Philippi did not delay for a convenient hour or a more suitable place, he was baptized straightway, the same night, with all his household. The Ethiopian said, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” The question is not whether the water is shallow enough to sit, but whether your heart is ready to submit. If you seek a safer way, you may miss the very point of the ordinance: it is not your comfort Christ demands, but your trust. He who went down into the Jordan for you, and came up again, will surely hold you fast. Can you not fall back into the arms of the Eternal?

As for garments, this too must not become a snare. Modesty is right, and provision will be made. But let not a lack of raiment keep you from the obedience of faith. These are small obstacles when set against the great privilege of confessing Christ in His appointed way.

That inward tug you feel is the Spirit’s summons. Do not grieve Him by delay. Fear not, He did not give a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Go forward, then, not in the energy of your own courage, but leaning wholly upon His promised help. The water will not harm you; it will but bury the old nature, and you shall rise to walk in newness of life.

 

[usha rani]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body​

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