I had a dream last night that I was trying to save the life of a friend from an evil of some kind. and that dream got me thinking about how the Lord calls us to do just that. He calls us to help save the people of this world, friend, and stranger alike, from the darkness of this world that threatens to take them down.and how often do we step up to the task, and how often do we hesitate, or refuse? I know wed all probably like to think we would always step up to the task, but we dont always do so. sometimes we hestitate when the Lord calls us to witness His word to someone, to try to bring them to the Salvation that comes through Christ. sometimes we ignore Him all together. and why is that? is it because we dont care? hopefully not. although sadly it may be the case sometimes. Id say alot of the time it is a mixture of fear, and lack of confidence in ourselves, or the one we are being asked to help, is someone we dont really want to help. first off, why would we be afraid? well the thing is, we may simply be afraid of how the other person will react. they may not believe in God, and we fear that they will react negativily towards being preached to. we may worry that they will snap at us, and if they are friend, we may be afraid well lose their friendship. when confidence issues come into play, we may feel like we arent the one for the job, we may feel like we dont have the words to communicate properly the word of the Lord. we sometimes feel like we arent strong enought in God to be able to preach the good news of His word to others. we worry that we will just mess up, and drive that person away from the Lord, and us. then there are times when the Lord asks us to help save someone we dont particulary like. and we let our emotions, and personal issues, get in the way of doing the Lords work, of doing what is right. we become selfish. we feel like we dont want to help them after all theyve done to us in the past. we feel like why should I help them, when all theyve done is hurt me? they dont deserve it. the thing is that we dont have to be afraid of preaching the word of God. we dont have to be so lacking in confidence. if we are unsure of how to approach someone, how to speak to them, the Lord will give us the wisdom, and words we will need. He will equip us with what we need for the task. and even if they do walk away, we will still have planted the seed of faith in them, which we can trust in the Lord to help grow, and flourish. and yes, its hard to witness, and help bring people to salvation that we dont like. especially after the way they treated us. but the Lord, despite all the bad things weve done, still loves us, and died for us, and forgave us. He is still there for us, and asks us to do the same for others. after all, if He can do that for us, despite all the times weve turned against Him, shouldnt we do the same? it seems only fair. plus, that person may not be the most likeable person, but, by witnessing to them, you are showing them the love of God. you are showing them a love, a joy, they have never likely known in their lives. and by doing so, you are opening their eyes to something wonderful and amazing, which will reach into their souls and remove all the anger, hatred, and bitterness, that has clouded it for so long. you might just change a life for the better. so, when the Lord calls you, be ready, be confident, be strong, and love. reach out to that person in need and watch as you help transform a life. in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, amen. 7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”-Jeremiah 1:7-8(NLT) but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,-1 Peter 3:15(ESV) In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.-Matthew 5:16(NLT) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”-Matthew 28:18-20(ESV) 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.-Colossians 4:2-6(ESV) He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”-Matthew 17:20(ESV) 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.-Psalm 103:10-14(ESV)
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:05:18 +0000
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