Praying for Death

Q: Is it wrong to pray for an early death?

A: My first thought on this question is to find out why you want to die "early"? I must assume that it has something to do with being persecuted for your faith, suffering from a physical ailment of some sort, having lost someone close to you, facing financial difficulties or some variation of all of these. Jesus said that in "this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)." Regardless of what we are dealing with we should not be surprised. In fact, we should expect to go through difficult times. Being a Christian does not mean that we are immune to the physical, emotional, financial and spiritual problems in this world. However, we should find comfort and peace in the words of Jesus who tells us He has overcome the world. And the Apostle John reminds us of who it is that overcomes the world. "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:5)." If you are in Christ, you have overcome the world in Him.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first (John 15:18)." We all know the suffering that Jesus experienced during His earthly ministry. As His disciples we can expect the same from the world (1 Peter 4:12, 1 John 3:13). Persecution comes in many forms and to varying degrees. It is not surprising that some may pray for an early death. The Apostle Paul mentions that the persecution he and other Christians experienced in Asia were so terrible that they "despaired even of life (2 Corinthians 1:8)." But, we must remember to "rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:13)." We are not of this world. In fact, as ambassadors of Christ, we are behind enemy lines trying to be a witness for Christ to as many people as possible. But, because of the message we bring there are many people who will rebel against it. Your average unbeliever does not understand, much less agree with, the fact that they are dead in sin and in need of life. Therefore, when a Christian comes along telling them of their need for salvation in Christ, their pride will often lead them to react aggressively, even violently, towards us. Even though we are Christians, we suffer just like any other human. So, it is understandable to want to avoid this if at all possible.

One of the worst aspects of living in a sinful, fallen world is having to go through it in our fleshly bodies. Because of which we all must deal with physical ailments of some kind. And even if we live a relatively pain free life, our bodies age and will soon die. With all the diseases and illnesses in the world, it can be disheartening to suffer through them or sit by as a loved one suffers. It can make us wonder where God is in all of it. The Apostle Paul had to deal with what he described as a thorn in his flesh. It bothered him so much that he pleaded with God three times to remove it from him. God replied to Paul's prayers with, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)." We must remember where most of us found faith in Christ. It most likely occurred when the struggles of life humbled us to the point where our only option was to cry out to God. If our difficulties lead us to thoughts of wanting to die, this should serve to remind us that God's grace is sufficient. God knows we are frail and can only endure so much. And it is during those times of weakness that allows the strength of God to shine through us.

One of the main causes of our suffering could come from trying to find love, acceptance, meaning and purpose to life from the world instead of from God. Sin is expressed as our attempts to receive this love, acceptance, meaning and purpose to life apart from a relationship with our God. As we go through life trying to find these things in the world, we usually only discover that it is never enough to satisfy our deepest needs. Unfortunately, the pursuit of sin can often lead us into circumstances that are unbearable. However, in Christ, God "has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)" and "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)." Perhaps, if what you are seeking is leaving you in despair, it is time to evaluate what it is you believe about the Lord. If you have everything thing you need for life and godliness and have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, yet are praying for death, you are probably believing something about God that is not true.

In conclusion, you must remember that the life you live in this world is not your own. As a member of the body of Christ, the Holy Spirit of God is living His life in and through you. Scripture tells me that "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20)..." That being the case we are to allow God to live that life through us. When we understand this truth we can say, "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me (Colossians 1:29)." Christians are instruments of God to do with as He sees fit in order to proclaim His loving message of salvation in Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. In so doing, there will be times when our life can get so tough that we desire for God to take us home to be with Him. I believe God understands this and does not hold it against us. The best thing about being a Christian is that no matter what happens to us, in the end, we cannot lose. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)." As long as we live we can proclaim Christ. And when we pass on from this world, we go to be with Him for eternity. So, if life has gotten you down to the point where you want to pray for death, let it serve as evidence that you are not separated from God or His love for you.