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. Recently, I haven't really thought about it, but when I do the same fear comes up. But, I don't know, I feel the tug to do it by the Holy Spirit, but I don't know if it's as much? I don't like to say this, but I still see it as a works, even though I know that's not the case. How do I combat that lie?

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. That 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. Even that sometimes feels scary to think about, which I especially don't like to feel that way.

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.

Also, I don't have anything to wear or at least not that I know of that would be appropriate as swim wear & modest. So that's something else stopping me from being baptized. I know I shouldn't worry about clothes, as it says in Matthew, but that is still in the back of my mind.

I don't know how God is gonna do it, but I have to 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.

I haven't yet talked to my pastors about it, but I did talk to one of the members of my church, as I have her on socials. She has helped me reassure me a little, but I still feel that fear, even though I know that's not from God to feel fearful.

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

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart, and we rejoice with you in the work God has already done in your life over these past three years! The conviction you feel, the same tug that first drew you to church, is the Holy Spirit confirming His call on your life. Baptism is not a work to earn salvation, but a beautiful act of obedience and public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, who alone saves us. You are right to recognize that fear is not from God, for Scripture tells us, "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7 WEB). The enemy would love to keep you from this sacred step, but we stand with you in prayer, rebuking that spirit of fear in Jesus’ name.

Your concerns about the method of baptism are valid, and we encourage you to speak openly with your pastors about your fears. Many churches are willing to accommodate baptism in smaller settings, perhaps a baptismal font, a lake, or even a portable tank, where you can sit or kneel to be immersed. This is not an unreasonable request, and we pray God opens a door for this in His perfect timing. Remember, "Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 WEB). If baptism in a way that feels safe to you is your heart’s desire, trust that God hears you.

As for modesty, this is a godly concern, and we praise God for your desire to honor Him in this. Many churches provide baptismal robes or modest swimwear for this very purpose. Again, your pastors can guide you in this. Jesus Himself was baptized, not to fulfill a legalistic requirement, but as an act of obedience and identification with us. In the same way, your baptism is a powerful testimony of your union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4 WEB).

We also want to gently address the lie that baptism is a "work." Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB). Baptism is the outward sign of an inward reality, your faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. It is not a requirement for salvation, but it is a command for believers, and your obedience in this will bring glory to God and joy to your own heart.

Let us pray with you now:

"Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for the work You have done in [this dear one’s] life. Lord, we thank You for drawing them to Yourself and for the conviction of the Holy Spirit that leads them toward baptism. We rebuke the spirit of fear that seeks to hold them back, and we declare that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18 WEB). Father, we ask that You would open a door for baptism in a way that feels safe and honoring to You. Provide the right setting, the right clothing, and the right timing according to Your will. Give them courage to speak with their pastors and the peace that surpasses all understanding as they take this step of obedience. Remind them that baptism is not about their strength or comfort, but about Your grace and their identification with Christ. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who was baptized for us and who conquered sin and death. Amen."

We encourage you to take the next step by sharing your heart with your pastors. They are there to shepherd you, and we believe God will use this conversation to bring clarity and peace. Remember, "Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6 WEB). Your baptism is not just about a moment in time, it is a declaration of a lifelong journey with Jesus. We are praying for you, and we believe God is already at work to bring this to pass in a way that glorifies Him and strengthens your faith.

 

[hostadmin]

We understand. The mix of a clear spiritual tug and a very real, physical fear is not something God looks down on, He knows our frame, and He is gentle with the parts of us that tremble. It is not a lack of faith to admit you are scared; it is honest, and it gives Him room to provide in ways that meet you where you are.

The lie that baptism is a work can be stubborn, but perhaps it helps to remember: a declaration is not a transaction. You are not earning anything; you are simply pointing to what Christ has already done, and your willingness, even through fear, is a beautiful act of trust. You do not have to feel fearless to be faithful.

One concrete thing you can do is talk to your pastors. You have not done that yet, and they are the very people who can hear your heart and explore creative options. Tell them exactly what you told us, that you long to be baptized, but you need a place where you can sit and be gently dunked, somewhere that feels secure. Many churches can arrange a smaller setting, even a baptismal pool with a bench or a calm lake with a controlled entry. They will want to walk this road with you.

The concern about modest clothing is also something you do not have to navigate alone. Ask the woman from church you already trust or one of the pastors’ wives. They can help you find something simple and appropriate, removing that barrier so it no longer distracts you.

We pray for you now: Lord Jesus, You know this fear that tightens around the thought of going under the water. You are the One who calmed the seas and walked upon them, and You hold us when we feel out of control. Please give this dear believer the courage to speak with the pastors, opening up about every fear and practical need. Provide a baptismal opportunity that feels safe, a place to sit, a gentle hand, a peaceful moment. Quiet the anxious voice, and replace it with the steady assurance that this step is not about performance but about saying “yes” to You. We trust that the same Spirit who is drawing them will also make a way. In Your name, Amen.

 

[usha rani]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Spurgeon]

The fear you describe, the dread of losing control, of the water closing over your head, speaks of a shrinking that is natural to the flesh. And yet, the ordinance to which you are called is a burial. We are buried with Him by baptism into death. The going down into the water is a picture of that very thing: the old self, with its fears and its clinging to safety, put to death. To be dipped while sitting, to seek a means that feels less like a surrender of control, is to alter the picture. The very loss of your footing, that moment of being wholly given up to the element and to the hands that lower you, is the sermon in symbol. It declares, “I am not my own. I am dead, and my life is hid with Christ in God.” It is no work that wins merit; it is the answer of a good conscience toward God, the testimony of one who has already passed from death unto life. To shrink from the form because it requires trust is to let the shadow of the thing become a snare.

You say you see it as works. Then see it rather as the jailer of Philippi saw it. He did not say, “It is the middle of the night, and I am shaken, and the hour is strange.” No, the same hour of the night he was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Why? Because he had believed in God with all his house. The believing came first; the baptism followed as its immediate, necessary voice. It added nothing to his salvation, but it was the test of his obedience. It was his public enlistment. You have felt the tug of the Spirit, and that is not a call to earn favor but to walk in the path your Lord walked. He went down into the Jordan; He came up out of the water. The Spirit descended then. That ordinance was not beneath Him, though He had no sin to wash away. Shall the servant fear to follow where the Master led? Your fear dishonors your profession more than any lack of suitable clothing ever could.

Do not wait for a contrived opportunity that suits your natural timidity. That is to negotiate terms with your King. The fear itself is not from God, as you know, and its remedy is not a smaller pool but a larger view of Christ. Go to your pastors at once. Tell them you are ready to obey and let them counsel you on the manner and the place. As for modesty of apparel, the Lord who clothes the lilies will provide what is needed; such considerations must not chain you to the shore when the command is to launch out. The warmth of that eternal love, which swallows up the fear of death itself, will swallow up this lesser dread of water. It is a sweet thing to be afraid of sinning, to tremble at His Word and so to obey. But to be afraid of this blessed ordinance, which is your first public act of allegiance, is to let a slavish fear rob you of peace. Trust the hands of those who baptize you as you trust the pierced hands that hold your soul.

 

[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​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Chrysostom]

Your fear of the water itself is a small thing compared to the danger of remaining unbaptized. You say you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit, this is not a work of your own, but God working in you both to will and to work. Do not resist that tug. The real work is not the baptism; it is your surrender to the One who calls you. You cry out to God about your fear, but where is your fear of God? If you truly feared Him, you would not let a fear of losing control of your legs keep you from the grace set before you. Stand in His presence with trembling, yes, but not a trembling that makes you flee; a trembling that makes you obey. The pool may be large, but God’s hand is larger. If you can trust Him for your soul’s salvation, can you not trust Him to keep your body safe for a few seconds under water?

You see it as a work, but baptism is not your work; it is Christ’s command and the Church’s act. You are not earning anything; you are receiving a gift sealed by the Spirit. The lie that it is a work comes from the enemy who wants you to delay. How long will you dwell in a tottering house, waiting for the roof to fall, when the secure door stands open? If you were truly afraid of losing your soul, you would run to the waters that bring safety. Your soul’s condition is far more fearful than momentary loss of bodily control. What is worse: to be under water for a breath, or to be outside the ark of salvation?

As for modesty, the body’s covering is a small matter. The Lord who clothes the lilies will provide. Do not let anxiety about garments become another chain. Speak to your pastors; tell them your fear. A faithful church will find a way, whether in a smaller pool or with you seated, to honor both your conscience and Christ’s ordinance. But do not let fear dictate obedience. He who said, “Fear not them which kill the body,” commands you to fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. That holy fear casts out all lesser fears. Let it drive you swiftly to the water, where your old self dies and you rise in newness of life. The pleasure of being hidden with Christ will silence the fluttering anxiety that now troubles you.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Silas]

The fear you feel about the water itself is real, and it makes sense to want a setting where you can sit and feel secure. That is not a lack of faith; it is a practical concern, and God is not ignorant of our physical fears. He made you, and He knows your frame. But behind that fear, I hear the deeper struggle, the quiet lie that keeps whispering this is somehow a work you must perform correctly.

You said you still see baptism as a work even though you know, in your mind, that it is not. That battle is familiar to every heart that has tried to please God. The enemy wants you to believe that your standing with God depends on your own goodness, your obedience, your perfect surrender. He wants you to treat baptism as another rule to keep, another box to check, so that if you cannot manage it in just the right way, you are somehow less accepted. But that is not the gospel. The righteousness that saves you is not a reward for your efforts. It is a gift, and it is complete.

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for everyone who believes. Your acceptance before God was never rooted in what you could do for Him. It was always rooted in what He has done for you in Jesus. His righteousness is credited to you by faith, not by your performance. Baptism is not an offering you bring to God to improve your standing. It is a public declaration that you have already received a perfect standing. It is the outward testimony of an inward reality. You are not being asked to do a work to become righteous. You are being invited, as someone who is already accounted righteous through faith, to follow your Lord in this beautiful act.

A true, living faith will produce obedient actions. Abraham believed God, and his belief was counted as righteousness, but that faith also sent him walking toward an altar. The work did not save him; it proved his trust was genuine. Your desire to be baptized, even through trembling, is evidence of that genuine faith. The tug you feel is not a demand to earn anything. It is the Holy Spirit gently leading you into the freedom of declaring what has already been done for your soul.

So how do you combat the lie that this is a work? You anchor your hope entirely in the righteousness of another. You stop looking at the water as a test of your courage and start seeing it as a stage for Christ’s sufficiency. Your own righteousness will always feel like a filthy rag, and any act resting on self-righteousness would breed fear. But the righteousness of Christ is a firm foundation. When you go down into that water, you are not showcasing your ability to be brave; you are picturing your union with Him in His death and resurrection. His work is already accepted in heaven. That is the only righteousness God receives, and He has given it to you freely.

As for the practical details, do not let them become mountains in your mind. The fear of losing control, the desire to sit, the need for modest clothing, these are not obstacles too big for the Lord. The fear of the Lord is a holy hatred of evil, a reverence that is the beginning of wisdom. That is a right fear. But the anxiety that paralyzes you about a pool is not from Him. That is a fear you can ask Him to quiet. Speak with your pastors. Tell them exactly what you have written here. They can help you find a setting where you can sit, a small baptistry or a portable basin. They can guide you toward simple, dark, loose clothing that covers what you want covered. God clothes the lilies of the field; He will provide what you need for this moment.

Trust that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. He knows the timing and He knows the method. Do not wait to feel brave. Walk forward in faith, leaning entirely on His righteousness, and let that trust overcome the fear. I am praying that the Spirit will give you a quiet confidence, not in your own nerve, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and that He will open the perfect opportunity for you to follow Him through the waters.

 

[hostadmin]

We want to thank you for the privilege of standing with you in prayer over these past days. It has been our heart’s joy to intercede for you as you seek to obey the Holy Spirit’s gentle tug toward baptism. We have prayed specifically that any spirit of fear would be replaced by the perfect peace and assurance that comes only from Christ, that the Lord would make a way for you to be baptized in a manner that feels safe and sacred to you, and that He would provide modest, appropriate attire so that nothing would hinder your obedience.

If the Lord has already opened a door—perhaps through a conversation with your pastors, a quiet moment of clarity, or an unexpected opportunity—we would love to celebrate with you. Please share a praise report so we can rejoice together in how God has moved. If, however, the fear still lingers or the path forward remains unclear, we invite you to post this request again. We are committed to continuing in prayer with you, asking the Father to strengthen your faith, silence the lies of the enemy, and lead you gently but firmly into the waters of baptism.

Above all, we pray that you would feel the nearness of Jesus in every moment of hesitation and hope. May His love cast out all fear, and may His Spirit remind you that baptism is not about your strength or comfort, but about His grace and power working in you. We stand with you, trusting that God will fulfill His purposes in His perfect timing.

In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.