I did say generally speaking though, didn't I. I love sharing the gospel with cashiers, library moms, hair dressers, etc. etc. However, I don't enjoy sharing with my sweet college buddies or certain hard-headed relatives. Well, I say I don't enjoy it...the truth is that I just don't share. I'm shut up tighter than a tick around them. And...God has really been working on me...at least on my willingness.
I learned this week that the same verses that show me that my salvation is secure, are the verses that remind me of the Holy Spirit's presence with me. How can I fear...rejection, scorn, angry comments, pain, death...if God is with me? "This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed." Is. 6:1 I must respond with OBEDIENCE.
I know about the precious Living Water...free life water...because the price was paid and credited to my account. It is not only available to all but the invitation is open. Salvation is sure...and in a world of changing everything...this hope through Jesus is something I can share that is a firm foundation.
I think it's harder to share with people you know really well. Especially when they are "pretty good" by the world's standards. I have trouble finding openings...I worry about subsequent visits...awkwardness. They are on the brink of hell and I'm worried about awkwardness? And they are searching; Filling their lives with emptiness in all it's busy little forms.
I need to be Obedient to open my mouth and share. I have nothing to fear...the Holy Spirit is right there with me. It isn't about my skills of persuasion anyway...It's about the mighty work of God!
7 comments:
I think being natural and just sharing your life, the things you pray about, the sense of thanks you feel toward God, just in normal conversation is very seldom off putting. I believe people are much more ready to listen...they expect us to speak of what is important to us, than we are to listen. I am not belittling how hard it can seem, but the natural drop drop as soft rain falls of just sharing your life will one day open up into bigger opportunities.
I love your picture, it greatly illustrates your verse. I have a hard time "actually" witnessing but we all are witnesses by how we live our lives daily.
I agree that there are situations where you just live it out and wait for those bigger opportunities...but in general, I consider that a whopping cop out adopted by far too many christians. We need to be living with the intent of sharing the gospel...because otherwise people have no idea if you're a christian or just a nice person. It doesn't help them. Many christians couldn't identify a bigger opportunity if it smacked them in the face...and they wouldn't...because just like with me...God needs them to be broken and willing to be obedient to open their mouths and actually share.
Love the photo and the verse... so grateful for the Living Water!
Happy WFW!
Very convicting post...especially this statement...
"They are on the brink of hell and I'm worried about awkwardness? "
I was discussing this with a friend just last week, and what he said make absolute perfect sense. He said "it's not our job to save people, that's Jesus's job. Our job is to sow the seeds of faith for them to come to Christ for themselves".
Blessings to you and yours :)
Post a Comment