I have a secret prayer in my life this year. It's one that I haven't prayed for specifically, well, ever. I have prayed for God to use my life to point people to Him. I've prayed that He shapes me behind the scenes so that my character with Him can sustain all He's asking me to do. I've prayed that I would love Him first, and then love others, all while learning to love myself—embracing who He created me to be—in the process.
All those things I have prayed consistently over the years. But my secret prayer this year is that God helps me lead someone personally to Him.
Now I know that through the books I write or through me serving at church many have come to know God, but I want to lead someone to God personally. I want them to see my walk with Him and in return I want to have enough courage to talk to them about Jesus.
It may seem like a silly prayer, but in reality this is what we are all called to do. In Matthew 28 Jesus tells us to "go and make disciples of all nations..." So I began asking myself. When is the last time I shared my faith with someone personally?
I've relied on bringing someone to church so that they can hear the word of God—and honestly I love that. Corporately we see God move, and there is something special in those moments. We accomplish more together. And when we meet together we are strengthened by one another. It's one reason why I will always champion being a part of a local church.
But what also is taking root in my heart is that Jesus taught us to be the church. If the only time I share my faith, love on others or love Jesus well is when I am within the four walls of my church building—I are missing the point. If 80% of the people you invite never come through the church doors, how will they hear about Jesus? It has to be through you and I.
We get to go to church AND we are the church. We are His disciples. We were meant to live that calling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
So, I've been praying for eyes to see others. To love them well. To look for moments where I can share the hope and love of Jesus in practical ways. I am convinced that if ANYONE truly experienced Jesus they would never reject Him. He's too good. Too loving. He's exactly what they were created for.
We all have friendships, acquaintances in our lives who need Jesus—we just need to courage to tell them about Him.
"I pray that God gives us moments this year where we can share our faith. Where we step past our personal fears, are overwhelmed by our love for God and allow others to experience the miracles that come from a personal relationship with Him."
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