Leaving our comfy place

 

I recently attended a conference and was particularly interested in the talk on ‘planting seeds’. God has been agitating me recently about what I am doing to witness to others. Several reputable sources had communicated the importance of approaching people and leading them into a talk about the gospel, with the emphasis on the Ten Commandments (The Law) and the reality of hell.  So, although this is way out of my comfort zone, I tried this out on an old lady who lives across the road. Over the years I have formed a friendly relationship with her and have a burden to see her saved. I tried to be really gentle and sensitive but we finally got to the point where she said she was a ‘good person’ so expected that if there was a God he would take her to Heaven. This gave me the opportunity to present the law and the consequences of breaking it. She yelled at me that she would have nightmares after I told her that hell was real. I laughed and we finished the conversation amiably. However, I felt so guilty that next morning I visited to take her some chocolate Easter Eggs and check that she didn’t have nightmares! She hadn’t thought any more of the conversation! So I didn’t feel that worked particularly well, although I guess I might have planted some seeds.

I have also just completed an online study on discipling—the lecturer said you NEVER take the Ten Commandments/hell approach. You do it organically, and he proceeded to teach on what that looked like. Hospitality and example played a big part in his approach. My home is my refuge where I gain restoration (and I hate cooking), so I am not inviting large groups for meals. I can take people out for lunch, however.

When I discussed my confusion about which way to approach witnessing, a friend boiled it down rather nicely. “Either way is fine, but you have to be led by the Spirit”. Yes, that I can do.

I know the couple who presented at the conference, so I had a chat with them about sowing seeds, and they were surprised at my questions. They told me they had witnessed me sowing seeds for years! The leader presented the sermon the following day on old and new wineskins; how we get comfortable in the old wineskins and don’t want to move forward, so we miss the adventure God has for us. He prayed for me after the service and then said, “The Holy Spirit has just told me your old wine was glorious, but your new wine will be even better.” Wow! Such an encouragement. Further, I was completing a guided reflection a few days later, and I needed to reflect on my past year and see what stuck in my mind. My mind immediately went to our renovations, and a picture emerged of me in my armchair in our small dining room (as the lounge was undergoing various renovations), surrounded by my Christian books, my diary, my notepad and pen, my Ipad and headphones, my phone and various other bits and pieces all within easy reach. As I reflected more on this picture, God revealed to me that all these things make me feel safe. Now he wants me to get out of that comfy place and see where he will lead me. So some challenges are coming up.

God bless you each as you face your own challenges. May God reveal Himself to you each.