“There have been more than 1,200 suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge since it opened in 1937, among the most of any location in the world. There is virtually no barrier to someone who is determined to jump—only a 4-foot safety railing. The jump is the equivalent of a 4-second, 25-story fall, and although some have survived it, a body is usually shattered when it strikes the water at 75 miles per hour. Whether to build a ‘suicide barrier’ has been a political hot button in San Francisco for decades. But what Eric Steel did raised the heat of that fiery debate by several degrees.” [1]

Eric Steel created a documentary film in 2006, called The Bridge, in which he captured 23 of 24 suicides that happened in 2004. On average someone jumps to their death about every 15 days. Though Steel and his film crew had their cell phones programmed to dial the bridge’s suicide hotline in case they suspected someone might jump, the reaction of many to the film was quite hostile. Eric also interviewed families of jumpers and later showed them the film. He believes the film was helpful and well-received. Most critics have never seen the film.

Suicide is the act of a human being who intentionally causes his or her own death. It is often born out of despair and a sense of hopelessness. Often there is an underlying mental disorder (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.). About one million people die every year by suicide. It’s the thirteenth leading cause of death in the world (according to the World Health Organization) and the 6th leading factor in the United States. In fact, it’s the number one cause of death among teens and adults under age 35. Men are usually more successful in their attempts and around 15 million attempts are not fatal. [2]

Jesus pointed to signs of events that will take place before His second coming in Luke. He says, “Men’s hearts failing them from fear” (Luke 21:26). The Bible warns of the financial collapse that will cause people to “faint and howl” (James 5:1-5). Failed relationships and financial difficulties rank as common factors with people who make this “forever choice.”

As we near the end of earth’s history and Satan continues to deceive multitudes into his trap in order to destroy them, one snare that he lays out is the deception of “hopelessness.” People who choose suicide believe it is in the only choice left, but they are wrong. In fact, interviews of people who attempt suicide (and fail) almost always regret their choice. There is hope, and there are answers. Jesus provides a way out. God deeply cares for the hurting and hopeless. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please immediately seek help. Talk with your pastor or a friend. If you don’t know who to contact, call 9-1-1. There are caring people who want to help. There is hope. Jesus is coming soon and offers you the gift of salvation. It’s a choice you can make.

You can learn more about making a choice that will bring you hope by attending one of our upcoming prophecy seminars. See the details on this website for a location near you.

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[1] http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2592841&page=1
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide