Be Alert, Be Available
After 9/11 I found people so much more open to conversations about Jesus Christ. Now, during the health and economic effects of Covid-19, and civil unrest, some are more willing to listen.
We, as Christians, have always had the command to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19).
We have been given different gifts (Ephesians 4:7), and we are to make the most of the opportunities God gives us (Ephesians 5:15-16).
The Lord will give us opportunities to speak about Him to others. We are to keep alert to see these openings. And we must determine to be available when they arise.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)
We are not responsible for the (apparent) outcome. We are responsible to stay alert, be available, and, making the most of the opportunities God gives us, speak about the gospel, about Christ, with love and gentleness.
I once heard evangelism compared to a chain. It may be that we are the first link in a chain that the Lord will use, or perhaps we’re in the middle of the chain somewhere. Sometimes we have the incredible blessing of seeing someone turn to the Lord in repentance and belief.
Remember, people are saved by grace through faith, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). It is not our doing.
But God will hold us accountable for taking, or refusing, the opportunities He gives us.
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Lord, please help us be alert and available to You, making the most of the opportunities You give us. Thank You for Your incomprehensible gift of salvation.
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See also Becoming a Child of God.
