A Life That Matters
| "Please Help Me!" |
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| A Life That Matters Blog - Hope Stories |
| Written by Rick Whitmer |
| Thursday, 22 January 2009 15:08 |
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This wasn't the cry of a lost person. This was the cry of a believer, who desperately wanted to know more about how to practically share Jesus with the lost people in her world. Last night I met with a small group, where the conversation was all about how we can use our influence to communicate Jesus to lost people in our world. Melissa was very honest, and transparent, sharing how she really wanted to do this, but realized she needed some help. Melissa Wanted To share Jesus, but really knew she needed some help in How To do it. I felt a deep amount of responsibility at that moment. Because I realized that Melissa was really speaking for many, many believers. Now for starters, Melissa had already crossed a big line: She Wanted to share Jesus. She had wrestled with the fact that perhaps she was in the best position to reach out to some lost people in her world. She knew that this wasn't the job of her pastor, or Billy Graham, or some ministry professional. She had understood that for the lost people she knew, that to die without Jesus, is an eternity apart from the Creator. No, Melissa really Wanted to rescue people for Jesus...and she was being extremely honest, and genuine, that she needed some help in How to do it. Well, Melissa, first of all you're not alone. Isn't that great! And great job for at having the Want To rescue - that's a huge step to take, and one that a lot of believers never even get to. OK, so here it is... three easy steps to becoming the world's best spiritual rescuer...Ready?... Just kidding. Wouldn't that be nice? Even the Apostle Paul, struggled with his ability to share Jesus. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. This guy was the ultimate pro at this, and even he got scared! Wow, I'm feeling better... How about this, Melissa...let's go on a journey together. I think you'll find what Ron Hutchcraft has shared, and put together in the series, "A Life That Matters," is practical stuff that you and so many others have been longing for. This really can be easy. It's not about learning a bunch of verses, and having this big checklist of things to say and not to say - this is much more about showing up where you already are, and being an Ambassador for Christ in those settings. It starts with an awareness of looking for other people's needs, looking for ways to enter into their world. Being willing to take a risk, and share with others about what God has done in Your Life. There were several other things that I took note of last night, as I sat with other believers practically working through some of this stuff. Here are some other things to consider: Your Story Remember that when you share your "hope story" with other people, remember that it is not just about "my beginning with Jesus." For whatever reason, over decades of being told how to share our "testimony" (old word) in our churches, we've been conditioned to only talking about our Beginning with Jesus. Ron explains that this is just like the person who asks the question, "Tell me about marriage." And the answer is: "Well, it was a great wedding....bridge, groom, flowers, music..." Just talking about the wedding tells very little. Answer the question, "What difference does Jesus make in my life today?" When I shared, I said, "For me, if it weren't for Jesus in my life, I would be very selfish, I'd be very materialistic, trying to achieve a position of power and influence for the wrong reasons, and would be a very poor father..." That says a whole lot more than, "I asked Jesus into my heart when I was five." First Person Nobody can ever argue with what God has done in your life. When you share with others, talk about what God has done in your life, and how he has changed you. Talk in First person (use "I"). Keep Your Eyes Open Look for opportunities to share Jesus. If you're looking, you'll see them. If you're not looking, you'll miss them. Ron equips us with how to pray the Three Open Prayer. The "Target" or "Hit List" Yes, we need to be praying specifically for lost people, by name, and seeking them out. But if a lost person begins to sense that they are a "Gospel target," you may lose long before you get a chance to win someone for Jesus. Show genuine interest in their lives because of who they are, not because they are on your "hit list." Allow a natural conversation to flow about life, that can ultimately lead and point them to Jesus. The Next Morning... This morning, one of the guys in the small group was excited because he immediately had a chance to apply some of the challenge from last night. His mission field is the "work out gym," and this morning, bright and early, he was looking for an opportunity to share Jesus. This morning, God used my friend to have a conversation with a fellow gym rat. After a great conversation, he concluded by Praying for him right there in the gym! Talk about living an authentic relationship for Christ! So, thanks, Melissa. I think you really speak for all of us - we all need some help here. Nobody has this nailed. But by knowing in your heart this is something God wants you to do, wow, you're well on your way. Let's give this over to God, and see how he chooses to use us to impact the world He died for. |
