Filed under: Sharing our Faith
All of us have had them. Those chance meetings with strangers that turn into opportunities to share our faith. Today, the Lord offered this blessing as I purchased a cell phone at an out of town mall. The gentlemen in the kiosk is on a work visa from India. He shared some thoughts about his long hours of work, his concern about providing for two kids in college, and ultimately his experiences with the Christian faith. This man was clearly seeking a deeper relationship with the Christian God to whom he was introduced several years ago. I was encouraged that he believes in Christ for his salvation. Our conversation was precious as the Lord continually offered me the admonition to listen and an occasional encouragement from the Word. However, our time together left at least two important concerns to pray for.
First, his interest in Jesus Christ has caused a natural separation from his cultural community. To share a religious experience with his friends includes services that acknowledge thousands of gods. Praise God that he sees the truth found in our Lord Jesus. However, the separation of lifelong cultural and social experiences can be devastating. He reminded me of the sacrifices of the early disciples who left friends and family to pursue Christ. My conversion caused some natural separation, but not the outright rejection that many experience. I had the wonderful opportunity to pray with this man in the mall for God to increasingly reveal Himself. We talked for over an hour as he continually asked for “just a few more minutes” around the interruption of customers. Praise God for his hunger!
My second concern was for his initial introduction to Christian salvation. Some time ago, a local pastor took an interest in my friend and discussed the benefits of following Christ. He appreciated the time and kind words offered, but was later disillusioned and offended when the pastor pressed the issue of “making a decision” for Christ. What a perfect reminder of our approach to evangelism. How easy we can fall into the trap of the “decision” being the goal. I thank God that he calls us into into His Kingdom by His perfect timing (Eph 1). The pastor was certainly an instrument to building this man’s faith and interest, but ”saving faith” came later after much consideration and increased learning. I hope you will join me in praying for other Christians to build into his life through love and discipleship.
Today’s God appointment was another reminder that we have endless opportunities to encourage others in their faith at every level. Like all of us, my new friend yearns for a faith community that loves him while encouraging his spiritual growth. I pray our young church remains faithful to this principle as God builds His Kingdom. As we love and disciple one another, His light will shine in a dark world and add saints to the Kingdom.
