I found a great deal on some Bengals gear at the mall a few weeks ago, I mean items were marked down 60% (happens a lot when your team loses). So I couldn't wait to get to work & tell a couple of my friends about it. News as good as this just gets better once you share it with people...you see where I'm going here. The people I shared my great deal with - not once have I shared with them the best deal I ever received. I know that sharing about Jesus is way more risky and uncomfortable than sharing about Jesus - my own fears confirm it. But isn't it worth it? Isn't a little discomfort, maybe a little awkward conversation worth it to please the One who did all that stuff in the first paragraph?
In our Bible study we've been discussing how we need to depend more on the Holy Spirit in order to get the results we desire in our spiritual lives. The thing is, we rarely put ourselves in situations where we even need God. We want our finances to be perfect before we give to others. We want our careers in perfect position before we take any risks. We want our words to be perfectly crafted and scriptures memorized before we talk to anyone about Jesus. What we really want is a backup plan just in case God doesn't come through.
Instead of living lives so we don't need God or his Holy Spirit, let's instead look for uncomfortable situations - where you don't know exactly what to say or do - and allow the Holy Spirit to work. So when something supernatural happens you'll know it had nothing to do with you and all the glory will be God's alone.
Broham, this is on point. There are many times that I've thought to myself, "what if I had just mentioned something about Jesus...?" It's interesting that I read this today because I've been involved with basketball leagues geared to evangelistic efforts. The thoughts and ideas behind the leagues (in some cases pick-up games) are genius. Start with prayer, end with prayer, give testimonies, invite folks to church, and share the love of Christ. The approaches have not been so up to par. Many folks are afraid to say anything to anyone, let alone talk about Jesus. Some folks in our leagues, and a few of my teams have been guilty of this, were more concerned about winning the game than winning for Christ. The past year has taught me very valuable life lessons, and breaking out of any comfort zone has been one of the biggest. Have you ever noticed that it's when you are most comfortable that nothing new happens in your life? Nothing new meaning no promotion, no growth, and (in some instances) no feeling of success? Each victory we have comes with a struggle. It is the accomplishment after the struggle that makes us victorious; however the struggle, storm, discomfort, battle, or fight must occur in order for victory to happen.
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