Being Risk Takers
When Jesus prayed to His Father for His followers, He said, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 20:21. He was basically saying, in the same way that You gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.
Friends, every follower of Jesus needs a mission that reaches beyond the church and into the world. In His last words, before He left the earth, Jesus gathered His followers together and said, “… you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8. He was encouraging them, saying, I want you to take My power, My love, My aliveness, the message of My grace, the forgiveness of sins and the way of the cross into the whole earth and we’ll change the world.
Throughout the New Testament, we see the first followers living by the Spirit, in tune with the Spirit. They would hear God and respond quickly. The mature believer, the mature Christ-centered disciple, hears God and says, “I want to risk. To be bold. To be fearless with my faith.”
One of the keys to sharing your faith with others is listening to them. Hear their beliefs. Hear their doubts. This allows you to focus your prayers and conversations on meeting them where they are. Ask questions that reveal where they are coming from and you’ll be given a peek into their heart.
Many times, we think we must do all the talking. No, that’s not correct. It would help if we listen. You see, evangelism takes place because time has been invested and relationships have been formed. I’ve found that, most typically, people will grow to love us before they grow to love our Savior.
We don’t do this on our own. If you say “Yes” to this mission, God promises He will partner with you. He will prompt you. You will see God at work in your life. Say “Yes” to this mission, and you can be His witness in your area of life.
Ellen G. White states in her book, Christian Service, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.”
Something happens when someone prays, “God, use me.” Some consider it a dangerous prayer, as Jesus really will do it. He really will! It will be an adventure with God. You will experience a sense of being part of an agenda that is bigger than, “How am I doing? How’s my life? How’s my comfort? How’s my portfolio?”
Just think what might happen in our little worlds and this great big world if everyone here in Texas who is a follower of Jesus prayed, “God, use me. I’m available. Use me.”
By Elton Demoraes, D.Min. President
