More Than Anything
Last night, I had a dream that has just had my head spinning this morning. I was sitting down, talking to a very specific person (whom I'll not name right now...) who I long and pray for all the time that they'll see and believe the gospel. He was talking about reading the Bible, and someone I was with boldly asked him, "Do you want to believe? Are you ready to give your life to Jesus?"
And guess what he said, as tears started rolling down his eyes?
This completely wrecked my heart - on so many levels. It reaffirms the need for urgency that we as Christians need to have. We need to be bold and courageous about our faith and the way we witness to others. We need to put aside all fears and speak with love and open arms towards others. We need to remember God does all the preparation - the harvest is plentiful! All we need to do is just ask.
So often, I feel like I am doing good. I'm not sinning in the ways I used to, and I enjoy spending time in my room, just reading and searching the Scriptures. I pray and talk to my Father throughout the day, and worship Him when things are good or bad.
Praise the Lord for all of those things! It's living proof that shows how His gospel and saving grace are at work in my life.
Yet these are all such safe things. I don't have to step out of my comfort zone when I pray to Him. I don't have to hide away in fear as I read my Bible.
But God doesn't call us to be safe and secure. He calls us to boldly proclaim His gospel to ALL that are lost. He calls us to go to the ends of the Earth to tell others about Him.
I'm not saying everyone needs to actually do that. Simply going across the street to your neighbor or calling an old family member or friend might be the ends of the Earth for some of us.
Now, I won't speak for everyone - I'm sure there are those of you out there who are just awesome at this and don't need to improve because you've got it down.
But for those of you like me, I stink at this. I let all the fears of self get in way. What will they think of me if I talk about my relationship with Christ? What will they do if I ask if I can pray for them? Will we still be friends? Will this person still talk to me, or will they just start talking ABOUT me to others? Will I lose my job over this? Will this jeopardize something I want in the future?
This morning, after having that dream, all I can think about is how I am looking to keep these relationships and keep my comfort more than I am looking to share this free gift of life with God.
I want to keep those friendships. I want my family to not think I'm crazy. I don't want to jeopardize my job. I don't want to ruin working relationships. I don't want to scare my neighbors away.
As I thought about all these things, I realized what was so wrong with this logic. I wanted all of these things more than I wanted Christ. I wanted it all so much that I was shrinking back in fear.
God showed me this morning that my desire should be for Him over all of these other things. More than a job. More than friendships. More than family. More than relationships.
Which means I need to pray for boldness, courage, and a heart that longs to serve Him more than anything of this world.
My prayer for you, brother and sister, is the same.
And guess what he said, as tears started rolling down his eyes?
"I was waiting for you to ask me that."
This completely wrecked my heart - on so many levels. It reaffirms the need for urgency that we as Christians need to have. We need to be bold and courageous about our faith and the way we witness to others. We need to put aside all fears and speak with love and open arms towards others. We need to remember God does all the preparation - the harvest is plentiful! All we need to do is just ask.
So often, I feel like I am doing good. I'm not sinning in the ways I used to, and I enjoy spending time in my room, just reading and searching the Scriptures. I pray and talk to my Father throughout the day, and worship Him when things are good or bad.
Praise the Lord for all of those things! It's living proof that shows how His gospel and saving grace are at work in my life.
Yet these are all such safe things. I don't have to step out of my comfort zone when I pray to Him. I don't have to hide away in fear as I read my Bible.
But God doesn't call us to be safe and secure. He calls us to boldly proclaim His gospel to ALL that are lost. He calls us to go to the ends of the Earth to tell others about Him.
I'm not saying everyone needs to actually do that. Simply going across the street to your neighbor or calling an old family member or friend might be the ends of the Earth for some of us.
Now, I won't speak for everyone - I'm sure there are those of you out there who are just awesome at this and don't need to improve because you've got it down.
But for those of you like me, I stink at this. I let all the fears of self get in way. What will they think of me if I talk about my relationship with Christ? What will they do if I ask if I can pray for them? Will we still be friends? Will this person still talk to me, or will they just start talking ABOUT me to others? Will I lose my job over this? Will this jeopardize something I want in the future?
This morning, after having that dream, all I can think about is how I am looking to keep these relationships and keep my comfort more than I am looking to share this free gift of life with God.
I want to keep those friendships. I want my family to not think I'm crazy. I don't want to jeopardize my job. I don't want to ruin working relationships. I don't want to scare my neighbors away.
As I thought about all these things, I realized what was so wrong with this logic. I wanted all of these things more than I wanted Christ. I wanted it all so much that I was shrinking back in fear.
God showed me this morning that my desire should be for Him over all of these other things. More than a job. More than friendships. More than family. More than relationships.
I want Him more than anything.
Which means I need to pray for boldness, courage, and a heart that longs to serve Him more than anything of this world.
My prayer for you, brother and sister, is the same.
"Jesus I need you
More than anything."
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