As I prayed this evening for a young man in Texas who was in critical condition following a motorcycle accident, I asked the Lord for His mercy on his soul and to forgive this young man his sins...
Last Sunday, the youth pastor gave the sermon. His request from the congregation: share the gospel this week with one person. They are praying for 25 baptisms in the next month. The pastor backed up his sermon with verses from The Book of Acts, etc. We were asked to stop and pray for that person and select that person.
I couldn't think of anyone I was so close to who isn't a believer and who I haven't already shared with...but, I did think of my son, who I believe knows the Gospel. But, maybe I can fast and pray this week and then share...
Then again, is such a mandate really OK? I have a few people I would like to share with, but do I believe that we need to sort of gain their respect and a relationship first? Do we need to earn the right to share the Gospel?
I think of an Iranian couple (in their 40s) with a little, sweet girl. This couple own a gyro shop. I think of them and they are so kind. I'm not sure they're muslim. I know they're not strict - I've talked to Ali about that before...but who knows. So, I think, do I go to the gyro shop off-hours and share with Mitra, Ali's wife?
This mandate gave me no ill feelings on Sunday and nor does it now. How are we to know when it's time? I don't want to push the person away from the Gospel if it isn't the LORD's timing. And, if the Lord does not go with me, I don't want to share at all.
By the way, the young man in Texas passed away this evening. And, I feel so sure that the Gospel message needs to get out - by all of us - urgently and diligently and continuously.
Please! Share your thoughts, experiences and what the Lord has shared with you on sharing the Gospel....
Love you all,
Candice