On Witnessing...

Mark 16:15 ~Then he said to them, "As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation."

   For the past year or so, the Lord has been impressing upon my heart something that I've always been hesitant to do - share my faith. To date, I have only done it twice in my life, once to my cousin, and once to some random lady when I was 12 - but I was with a small group of people, so I don't even think that counts.

   I've always been nervous about the subject of witnessing because I hate it when people are offended and get angry. I like everything to be peaceful. But now I've realized that when and if those I witness to become irritated - it's not with me - it is with the message I present. I have no power whatsoever to change how they feel towards the message of Truth, but I can speak with love, kindness, and genuine care. And, sad as it may be, if people choose to reject the Truth - I must let them go and let God deal with them.

   There have been nights this year that I've cried out to God on behalf of the many, many lost souls in the world. I feel so terribly about the magnitude of the souls that will be separated from God for eternity. But then, what am I doing about it? True, I am praying, praying hard, but, I know God wants me to do something; for He has given me some distinct signs this year.

   First, though I had read it before, I felt impressed to re-read Mark Cahill's book, One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven.

   Second, after reading it again, I felt inspired, but I wanted to read more on the subject. Then in July at a home-school book fair I saw Grace Mally's new book, Will Our Generation Speak [about witnessing] & I thought, 'Wow, God must be trying to tell me something'.

   Third, when I talked to my dad about how I was feeling - he was in total agreement! [ironic, isn't it, that God says a matter is confirmed by 2-3 witnesses?!?!?]

   So, I have my purse prepared with tracts [ice breakers], and all I need now is more courage. Writing that, I feel kind of silly - but I am, after all, an introvert. This proves to make witnessing a bit difficult indeed.

   You see, when I was little, I was paranoid about strangers. I thought many of the people I walked by were bad guys, kidnappers, and not to mention that I thought by getting close to certain strangers I would in all probability catch some disease. [no joke, and I even held my breath at times as we passed certain "suspicious" people and counted a few seconds afterward to ensure I wouldn't contract anything.]

  I know, silly little me - watched too many movies. [let that be a warning to all you younger ones ;-) kidding] 

  

   So, needless to say, I avoided as much contact with strangers as possible. =)

   But, now, I know what God expects of me, and I am preparing to do it. [and no, I do not still think every passerby is out to get me!] One of the most comforting verses is Philippians 4:13 ~ "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengths me."

  I truly believe there is not much time left for the lost to come to Christ in repentance, and that is quite sobering. The road we follow which leads to life is so narrow in comparison to the broad road that leads to destruction. It is hard not to cry when I really ponder this sad fact. 

  I want to have the mind of God in this [in everything really!] - and I know in His word [2 Peter 3:9] He states, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

   Now that is love - the sincere love of a Creator for His creation. I know there are many people who do many terrible thigns, but I don't want anyone to perish! To perish in the since of the verse above is something so terrible it's unfathomable! To wish that on anyone would be - evil. 

   When I think on these things, I become really, really, sad. I know I cannot save anyone, cannot change  people's minds, cannot make them see the Truth. And that while many are called, few (very few) are chosen. 

   And I have to ask myself - is my fear of what people will think of me or of what people may do/say to me so great that the fear "clobbers my faith" so that I do not follow my Lord's command or His leading in this matter? It shouldn't be.

  Well, this has been a quite interesting [if I do say so myself] post wherein I have somehow managed to mix my thoughts, life, prayers, and deep feelings into a large rambling of sorts. This is the first time I have posted in this queer fashion - and I hope I haven't managed to confuse you ;-)

   What are your thoughts on witnessing? Has the Lord impressed it upon your heart?


*Sorry it's been so long since my last post. For the first time ever, I had trouble picking a topic!*
I hope you are all doing great & feeling blessed ;-)