It’s best to have a plan and think ahead. I know several ways to share my faith, whether it be with a tool, or simply through conversation, but there have been a few times when I was caught completely off-guard. We need to make sure we follow and trust God even if that means stepping out without a plan.
Here are two instances when I didn’t have time to plan but knew God was calling me to act.
I was in a Chick-fil-a about a year ago prepping for a Bible study.
I noticed a guy sitting by himself a few tables over from me. The thought struck me that I should share my faith with him. I’ve learned over the years that whenever this idea occurs to me, it’s usually the Holy Spirit talking. After fighting off the fear and excuses, I packed my things up and started walking toward him.
Only as I walked toward him did I realize I had no idea what to say, but I couldn’t stop walking. I hoped I’d come up with something by the time I’d reach his table, but nothing came. He noticed me and sat up, ready for whatever I was about to say. Unprepared, these words flowed out of my mouth, “Have you asked Jesus to save you from your sins?”
I braced myself ready for a critical response from my untactful question, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he gestured to the seat on the other side of the table and thanked me for the intriguing question. I can’t remember how the conversation went, but I do remember thinking all was lost when I opened the conversation with such a blunt question. However, he seemed to think there was no problem with my conversation starter and was excited to engage in this gospel conversation.
In Uganda, this young man just wouldn’t leave me alone.
We were walking down the street when he started talking to me. Hardly had I said hi before he asked for my facebook, my phone number, and WhatsApp (an international texting app). I didn’t know him, so I didn’t want to give him any of these, but you can’t just say ‘no’ in Africa. So I kindly made up excuses as to why I couldn’t.
After a few minutes, I finally managed to get rid of him. As he was walking away, the Holy Spirit prompted me to share the gospel with him. There was no time to think or plan. I called after him and the moment he turned around, my mind went blank. I fought for a second to find the right words to say, but again found myself asking “have you asked Jesus to save you from your sins?” Why this is the question my desperate mind clings onto first? I have no idea.
To my amazement, the man smiled and said no. He seemed interested, so I followed this answer up with a cautious “well, would you like to ask him to save you from your sins?” And he said yes. I had no idea what was going on. It seemed impossible for it to be this easy. Fortunately, I didn’t have to ask for an explanation. He began telling me that he has a general distrust for pastors, but when he heard me ask such a clear and direct question, he knew he could trust me. I don’t quite understand how this logic made sense, but he asked Jesus to save him, and his confession of faith seemed genuine.
The point is, you don’t always need a plan.
If you hear the spirit call, obey. Let him give you the words. Even if it seems you are making a total fool of yourself, you might be saying exactly what they need to hear. Of course, we should plan when we are able, but don’t put God in a box. He can still use you even when you are out of your element.
Above planning, and far more important than feeling confident or comfortable, we need to obey God with a joyful heart. What about you? Was there a time that you had to act before you could plan?
If you need more help facing the fears that arise the moment you hear the Holy Spirit call, please check out my other post Conquering Fear
