I was reflecting on handing out Gospel tracts and sharing one-on-one with some strangers at the mall last week, and it made me think of how little I have gone out lately. Also, of all those who have not yet heard the soul-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though I went out leading a small group of people two weeks in a row. It had been a few months since I intentionally went out seeking to save the lost. I realized a few things after this last outing.
One is that I am getting better at calming my fears when approaching perfect strangers. Without worrying what they may do, say, or think of me. Almost everyone will thank me for giving them a Gospel tract or sharing the Gospel with them. I explain to them, using God’s Law, and tell them that they will be in such great trouble when the day of judgment comes for them. That they will have to stand before the Lord and give an account for their sins. Then I tell them what God did for them on the cross to pay the punishment that they deserve and that God did this because of the great love Jesus Christ has for them.
I have found that, more often than not, most people have never heard such things from anyone before. Even those who have grown up in the church their entire lives. Those who are young or old say the same thing, “I have never heard that explained in such a clear and understandable way before; thank You!” They say.
Secondly, I have found myself wanting to stay longer and didn’t have a problem sharing the Gospel by myself if necessary. Though it is much easier with another brother or sister in Christ along with me. As Jesus sent them out two by two. But the desire to talk to those around me has been getting stronger.
Thirdly, later on, I thought that I really needed to continue to go out to seek and save the lost on a more regular basis. Maybe others will want to go with me, maybe not. But I knew that it was a necessity for me to start going more often.
What a wonderful thing that the Lord is accomplishing within me. I mean, if you knew me several years ago, you would know that I was very shy and of very few words. In a complete conversation, I would rarely have anything to say. Beaten down and bound by the devil, I believe, with an unnatural blockage between my mind and mouth. To me, it was unbelievable! Even having instances where I would be completely blank in thought when it came to speaking. Not having a single thought of what to say. It was crazy.
But the Lord has been working and releasing me slowly over those several years. First giving me the ability to type and write out my thoughts clearly and then more and more through the power of the Holy Spirit to speak the Gospel clearly. Praise God!
I know He will continue to work in remarkable ways, and someday, I will be a completely new man. They who knew me before will not recognize me! All because of God’s grace and mercy on my life. It is Jesus who has chosen me for this good work and for what He has planned for my future, and I am grateful for all of it.
For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
