Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. – Matthew 9:35-38
Yesterday was Youth Sunday and our students did an awesome job leading praise and worship as well as greeting everyone at the door when they came in. And with Youth Sunday’s it means I’m on deck for preaching. The title of the message yesterday was “Are You In?” The focus was on being an example to the students and children of our church by sharing our faith with those we interact with everyday. I concluded the message by challenging our church family to share their faith with at least one person within 48 hours and this post is my response to taking the challenge.
Within hours after preaching “Are You In?” I received a phone call from a close friend informing me that he suffered a mild heart attack. First, you need to know that he’s only 38. Second, he’s never put his faith and trust in Jesus and claims to be a “hard-core atheist,” his title not mine. Over the past few years I have gotten to know him well and love him like a brother. So when I received the news of his mild heart attack I was not only shocked, but also feared for his life. I felt my own heart sink.
This wasn’t the first time I’ve shared the gospel with him. Trust me, we’ve had many conversations and what he likes to call friendly debates in his man-cave (garage) while he worked on his latest project. But after hearing the latest news and being so far away I suddenly felt desperate. So, while chatting on the phone I once again spewed out the gospel but this time it felt different. Maybe it’s because I feel desperate. Desperate for him to know the truth and to begin living it out now before he dies. Desperate in a hope that my friend will spend eternity in heaven and that I’ll see him there.
I wish I could tell you our phone conversation ended with us celebrating and me doing cartwheels down my street because he put his faith in Jesus. No, but I believe my friend has taken one step closer to that life transforming decision because for the first time after all the conversations we’ve had these past few years he concluded by saying; “I’m really thinking about things Brian.” For which I responded; “I’m praying you are brother, I’m praying you are.”
I haven’t given up on him and I’m always praying for him. And this latest news has just stirred in me a greater desire to spread THE Cause more so than before. It’s just given me even more drive and motivation. Are you in? I am!
So let me ask you. Are you sharing your faith with others you interact with? Are you asking God to give you eyes to see those around you that need Jesus? Can you see the ones that are confused and helpless? Are you in?
