You may be reading this just before or just after celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus our Savior. I hope this story will encourage you and will strengthen your boldness for sharing Jesus’ truth and love.
During the week clients could shop in our Christmas Store, I met with a couple to discuss the Christmas packet. At home, they had read scripture and answered questions, and we were reviewing things together. Right away they stated that they don’t go to church now like they had to when they were kids. They said they weren’t sure how to answer all the questions in the packet. They shared a few things about bad experiences at church and other people’s behavior. After a couple of minutes, I was able to bring them back to focusing on the Biblical Christmas story.
They didn’t quite understand “God’s favor” and how it could rest on people. They shared candidly about how some of their current circumstances were preventing them from experiencing peace and joy. They questioned how Jesus could give people the right to become the children of God. They seemed to be truly seeking!
We were able to talk through things in the context of adoption, which they related to due to a family situation. We talked about God the Father wanting the best for those He created, and what they wanted for their own family. We were able to address salvation as a gift offered freely, which of course was timely. We talked about how grace is available, and how each of us have an opportunity to receive it—and that we have to put up our hand and say, “I’d like that.”
Next, we reviewed Bible verses that took us through the plan of salvation. I asked if the verses made sense and they agreed they did. I asked, What do you have to lose by accepting this today? Their answer was, Pff--nothing. I asked, What would it take for you to pray this today? The man said, I would think about doing that. The woman said, I’m not comfortable. I’m not sure God is exactly like this. I think there is a higher power, but I don’t know about how the rest of this works.
We then chatted about how it might be possible to clear up some confusion or misunderstandings. I asked what they thought would be a good next step for someone who sincerely wants to know what God is really saying to them. They agreed that reading the Bible would be a good idea. Fortunately, we had children’s Bibles and regular adult Bibles in a box nearby, and they took one of each. I challenged them to dig into it and to investigate, and to not be satisfied with not having the answers they needed. I told them that God can handle their questions, and encouraged them to re-read the Christmas story in scripture at home.
This couple’s story is not over yet. They will be back at RETA soon. I will ask about how their Bible reading is going, and maybe offer a reading guide or devotional book. We will talk about their hopes for their unborn child. We will talk about what kind of a mom and dad their kids need them to be. I trust that God will continue to reward their seeking and will work in their hearts and minds. I pray that they will personally experience God’s favor, very soon.
by Jeff, Men’s Coaching Manager