Today, as I was reading my Bible at my desk, I looked up and noticed 3 construction workers resting under the shade of our tree out front. They are doing some work on our street this week so I was not surprised by their presence, and I thought it was the peace of the Lord resting over our home that made our yard inviting for them to rest in. I went back to reading my Bible. The book of Acts to be specific. I felt the Lord nudge me to go and share the Gospel with them. Still in my pajamas, I was reluctant at first. But then, I could no longer read the book of Acts (asking God to make me more like the disciples all the while) without feeling convicted. How could I read about the disciples’ exploits for the Lord and ignore the opportunity that was literally right in front of me?
I got dressed and prayed that if it was the Lord’s will, they would still be there. Checking out my window on my way to the front door to see if they were still there, I saw they had multiplied. There were now 7 men in my front yard. I said a prayer for the Lord to anoint me. It was now or never.
As I handed out tracts, I quickly realized almost all of them spoke Spanish. The one in charge spoke some English, and he said yes, they believe in Jesus. I went inside feeling somewhat defeated, wishing I had a Spanish resource. Then I remembered the brown books.
Last night after church, Sommer brought in some ministry resources of ours from her car. She actually had left and had to come back because she forgot to leave them. I didn’t know what they were at the time, but seeing that it was late, we just left them by the front door. The Lord reminded me of them and I checked to see if they were the Spanish Brown Books (“The Life and Ministry of Jesus” in chronological order. They are called “Plus Nothing” books. That’s such a long title, I call them the Brown books. Because they are brown). Lo and behold, they were the Spanish ones!
I looked up the phrase “a gift” in Spanish. “Un regalo.” I armed myself with 7 brown books and gave them all “un regalo.” In broken Spanish, I told them it has the words of life and to read it every day. I went inside, feeling victorious.
As I peered out the window, I noticed 2 of the men reading it. One older and one younger. (Going over the photos I noticed a 3rd!) We never know the role we play in someone’s journey. I know that by putting these books in their hands, I just pushed them all a little closer to Christ. Now it’s up to them and God what happens. And I know God brought them to my front yard for this very purpose.
Before going out, I still felt hesitant and fearful. Like I didn’t want to do it. But I said it’s not about me, and if I have any hope of living a life like the disciples did, then I’m going to have to get over myself and push past fear. I’m going to have to find my joy and satisfaction in sharing Jesus with others, instead of just praying about doing it. It’s these little moments of obedience that are stepping stones to a life lived by faith and success in Christ. And I felt so grateful and successful that I obeyed the Lord! And it was such a blessing to see some of them reading it.
If you need encouragement in sharing the Gospel, the best advice I can give you is just do it. It doesn’t matter how messy it looks or how poorly you think you did it. Get over yourself and just share the truth that Jesus died on the Cross for sin and He is the only way to heaven. Even just that brings the kingdom of God and will change someone’s day. You never know what part of that person’s journey you are meeting them at, and doing what God tells you to in the moment is all that matters. Live by faith marked by obedience.
Duty is yours. The results are up to God.
Life Is Beauty-full 