What is happening to our children, our relatives, our school friends, our neighbors? How is it possible for someone to take their own life? What drives them to do such a thing? How can families cope with this kind of loss?

Suicide Statistics:

1) More people die from suicide than from homicide.

2) One death every 40 seconds.

3) For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death, behind unintentional injury and homicide.

4) Overall, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all Americans.

These statistics should cause Christians to get on their faces and cry out to God for this spirit of suicide to broken over our nation. Many times we don't think too much about something until it touches someone close to us, then we begin to cry out to God in fervency and travail, but "then" it's too late. We need to begin praying now, not later.

What Are The Signs:

1) Talking About Dying - any mention of dying or talk of taking one's life.

2) Recent Loss -- through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, loss of money, loss of self-confidence or self-esteem, loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed.

3)Change in Personality -- individual is sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic.

4) Change in Behavior -- can't concentrate on normal everyday tasks.

5) Change in Sleep Patterns -- whether it be insomnia or oversleeping - nightmares.

6) Change in Eating Habits -- loss of appetite. loss of weight, or overeating.

7) Fear of losing control -- going crazy, harming self or others.

8) Low self esteem -- feeling worthless, overcome with shame or overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, ungodly beliefs.

9) Hopelessness - no hope for the future. believing things will never change, it will always be this way.

The Devil is a deceiver and liar. Nothing he says is true! Scripture says, "There is no truth in him." This is why we need to renew our minds with the word of God, prayer and fellowship with other believers. We need to encourage one another in the Lord.

Often times, we don't have a clue as to what someone is going through. We're so tuned in to our own problems that we neglect to see the need in others.

People all over the world are crying out for help with very few responding to that cry. As Christians, we must ask the Lord to give us discerning of spirits and sensitivity to the needs of others. Who knows, we could be a life saving vessel if we would only have ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying.

I can remember when I was a very young Christian, probably around the year 1979 or 1980. Something traumatic happened in my life and as a result, a spirit of suicide somehow found entrance. It was a powerful demonic force that almost completely took over the rule of my body and was forcing me to go get a gun and blow my brains out. I didn't know anything about deliverance or counseling etc. I just knew God. As this spirit was forcing me to go to my car to do what it wanted me to do, I knew I was in trouble. As I laid hold of the car handle to open the door, I fell to my knees and began to scream out the name of JESUS over and over and over again. I cried out to God, "Don't let me do this Lord. Help me." As I repeated this over and over, something wonderful happened. The spirit of suicide lifted off of me just as quick as it came upon me. The Spirit of God in me, saved my life that day.

Sometimes, we just have to dig a little bit deeper than usual to make it through another day. But, I'm here to tell you there is power in prayer. There is power in the name of Jesus, the name above all names.

You might be in a bad situation right now or you might know of someone who is in a bad situation that desperately needs a prayer covering. Don't wait until the last minute to cry out, begin crying out to God now while there is still time. He will hear and He will answer.

If you have been crying out for help and nothing seems to be working, you need to get some help. Go to your pastor or talk to your close friend. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then call the suicide hotline in your area. Click here now.

You are not a hopeless case. There is help available for you. Taking your life is not the answer. Finding a way to help make your life better is the answer. There is hope in God, and for many of you, there is hope in medication and counseling.

On-line counselling is available at the following addresses and sites:

1) A 24-Hour confidential e-mail service by the Samaritans: http://www.befrienders.org/email.htm

2) A service for young people - they also addresses issues other than suicide. http://kidshelp.sympatico.ca/en/

3) National Crisis Helpline - for use in locating the nearest crisis service in the United States. Phone Toll Free 1-800-999-9999.

4) Contains conversations and writings for suicidal persons to read. If you're feeling at all suicidal, be sure to read this page before you take any action. It might just save your life. http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

5) San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP) - Services are provided 24 hours a day by over 250 trained volunteers. Basic information on suicide (warning signs, advice, statistics and more) is also featured.

6) Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, California Services provided include 24-Hour Telephone Counseling, Grief Counseling, Stress Counseling, Community Education Program, Seniors Program.

7) Boys Town National Crisis Line - 24 hours a day, every day: the only national crisis line that children and parents can call with any problem, any time. The Hotline is staffed by caring professionals. Phone toll free 1-800-448-3000, or for TDD call 800-448-1833.

It's never too late to take a step in the right direction.

Please feel free to forward this article to those who need to read it.