“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians 4:2-6
We need to be ready to speak about the faith we have. I truly believe the good news is Jesus saving us from death through grace. Use colossians 4:2-6 as your prayer each morning.
This framework for life is so important. Before the race I would tend to keep my faith to myself. How selfish of me! But oh how comfortable. I held salvation close to me, and didn’t want to share it with friends or strangers. I wasn’t loving people as myself. So many believers never explain their salvation to others, and I want to change that.
If God gave everything for my sake, I want to therefore give everything for anyone I come in contact with. This does require abandonment, brokenness, and dependence.
One day in Romania I was handing out flowers and drawings with scripture on it because that’s what the Lord asked me to do. I wanted to spark conversations with people. Some interactions lead to cool conversations, most did not. There was one lady who was shocked to receive a flower and painting. I can’t tell you what was drawn on the paper or what the words said, but I let the Spirit speak to her as she kept walking. Others we got to pray over. I will probably never see her again, but I threw a seed and pray it took root.
Each time I sacrifice the whole morning, day, or week to the God of the universe, the experience teaches me to boldly declare the good news. I have the true living God inside of me. I don’t need a church building or a scheduled event with a microphone. I have the freedom to share the answer to eternal life to anyone, and so many people are hungry for it. If Paul was praying for a way to share the gospel in prison, I can do it in Chiang Mai or in a grocery store.
I have seen God work, and each time it is a divine encounter. I want to always be ready to be a witness to what Jesus is doing in my life and around the world.
I have started asking the Lord to help me remember the stories of His glory in my past. There is a lot I don’t remember, and it would be a blessing to get those memories back. I also have been able to hear other people’s testimonies, and want to share those stories too. The world race has given me a global view of how God has been working faithfully. This experience has given me so much hope.
The mystery of Christ is not meant to be kept to yourself. I pray you understand God’s gift to humanity more deeply, and may God give you wisdom in how to share the hope we have with others.
Not my will, but His,
Sarah
God bless. If you’re in Chiang Mai, keep an eye out for our Wycliffe friends, Tim and Sondra Armstrong and give them our greeting. Can’t wait to hear those memories when you get back.
Thank you for your words, Sarah! I want to be more open to opportunities to share my hope in Christ with neighbors and others I meet! Praying that you’ll continue to shine the light of Jesus in you! Hugs!
Awesome deep reflections. Your time on the World Race has developed some wonderful new spiritual disciplines/habits. Exciting to see your freedom to share your faith in creative ways. Changing the habits you have learned from your culture and family of origin isn’t easy. Thank the Lord for your courage to try.