I had met Justin (not his real name) a few weeks ago: I didn’t know at the time but a fairly staunch atheist.
He very quickly shared how he was grieving the loss of his wife and serious health issues. I felt deeply for him and tried to direct him to Jesus, but he immediately had questions, lots of them. “How did I know the Bible was reliable? Who wrote it? Why would I trust it…”
I answered with facts and he was willing to accept evidence, but head knowledge means little, so I asked to pray for him and he agreed…
The following week I prepared a printout with weighty evidence for why the Bible is trustworthy and got a book I thought might help.
The week after, he shared how he wanted to die. He had asked to be euthanised and was really struggling with this season of life. I can relate and felt a genuine connection. But I also explained the two different avenues humans experience connection with God (intellect and experience) and encouraged him to read the Bible and turn to God, but if there was something stopping him do that, get answers for that hindrance.
At that moment, a visitor came to sit in the same row and I knew this person was knowledgeable in Biblical matters so introduced them – surely not a coincidence? I don’t know where that conversation ended.
During the week I was thinking of Justin and felt God prompt me: “share the Gospel with him Adam”
*Surely* this was not God?! This guy is educated, he has christian friends, he’s been coming to church for a couple of months…
Today, I seek him out. He shares how tough his week has been and we connect – I understand and he seems to appreciate that. But then, despite people all around & the awkward situation, I know I am meant to at least try.
“Justin, have you ever heard the Gospel – do you know what it is?”
– “No I don’t” –
Trying to ignore my surprise and the internal questions, I ask if I can share it with him, just a few minutes.
“yes please” he says in his gentle voice, struggling to breathe.
I won’t go into details, but yet again I was amazed at how the simplicity and power of the Gospel are profound and ridiculous at the same time!
At times it seemed completely useless and he was avoiding the crux, but at others, he was floored. At one point, he looked at me shocked…
He had now admitted that He was a sinner and could see that all humans were deserving of hell.
“Is that it? Is it really that simple?!”
He was starting to get it! I am not saying he is now saved & in the Kingdom, but the conversation was immensely important. I encouraged him to think & reflect & talk to Jesus, to ask Him forgive & to read the Bible listening to what God has revealed to mankind.
He even asked me what the purpose of life – especially his life – was, when his wife had died and his health was failing. He seemed to understand when I replied with the famous words: “to fear God and enjoy Him forever”. I asked him t think of his best memory of his wife – what that felt like – and that how God created us to feel *that* feeling because our connection with Him…forever. Again, he seemed to get it.
After a while, he thanked me, we hugged and it seemed he felt genuinely cared for and was grateful.
I do not know if I will see him again, or if his health will fail him or if he will die this week. But I do know that He has heard the Truth, and this God who owes us nothing, is reaching out to Justin – even through me.
And He may be wanting to do that through you!
Who is it that God wants you to reach out to? To show love, grace or take a step and speak the Truth in love to? I know how nerve racking it can be. I know how many excuses and distractions and more important things come up… I know the people you want to catch up with at church – but there are some who are dying: physically and spiritually.
Speak Up!
Please pray that Justin experiences conviction falls on the One who can give Him a full pardon. And pray that we would all be willing to listen to and speak for the One who has purchased our freedom!
It is, and always will be, about the Gospel: Jesus is King!
#dontwait