Jesus’ heart has always been “To seek and save
the lost.” (Luke 19:10) He longs for us to have His heart. I used to justify why
I shouldn't or couldn't intentionally share Jesus’ love. My top 4 good excuses:
Excuse # 1 Only ministers and
designated missionaries assigned to foreign countries share their faith. I had
forgotten about the caring insurance salesman in a small Wisconsin farming community
who shared Jesus’ love with my husband and me.
Excuse # 2 I’m on the quiet side.
Excuse # 3 I don’t have the “gift” of
evangelism.
Excuse # 4 My plate was already full caring for
my five children and my husband.
Then unexpectedly my excuses began to unravel. My
friend asked me to pray for Kari, her pregnant future daughter-in-law, and a high
school senior. Committing to pray, compassion grew in my heart for her.
Six
months later, I met Kari at a picnic. Prayer had prepared our hearts to want to
build a friendship regardless of our age gap.
A few nights later, God’s familiar nudge awakened
me from a deep sleep. “I’m so tired.” I mumbled. Did I have to get up? Of course not, but I've learned over the years that when I obey God’s early morning invitations, we
enjoy sweet intimacy.
I
stumbled to my living room rocker recliner and closed my eyes to pray. I
pictured Kari and me sitting in a booth at my favorite Italian restaurant,
talking about God.
I opened my
eyes. Hmm … could God possibly want me to
share my faith journey with Kari? Immediately, fear gripping thoughts
consumed me. I hardly know her! I don’t
want to turn her off!
The accuser seconded my fear. You’ll make a fool of yourself.
